The Steam Hack That Makes Leftover Burrito Bowls Taste Fresh Again

Burrito bowls are an easy go-to choice at any fast-casual Mexican restaurant that can often leave you taking home some leftovers. Sadly, when you microwave your burrito bowl, it will often dry out the rice and make the beans dense and unappetizing. Luckily, there's a simple trick that can bring your leftovers back to life: steam. Using steam instead of a microwave will restore both texture and flavor.

The process itself is pretty straightforward. All you're going to need is a medium-sized pot, water, and a heat-safe glass container. Fill the pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Then, place your burrito bowl inside the container and place it in the pot, and put a lid on top to trap the heat. It should be reheated within 5 minutes or so, but be sure to check on your leftovers occasionally.

Alternatively, you can reheat your burrito bowl in a similar manner with just a skillet. Add your leftovers with a bit of water and a splash of oil. Place a lid on top and let it warm up on medium heat. Another option is to place your leftovers in the oven. To do so, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and put your leftovers in a heat-safe container. Then add a splash of water and cover it with foil. After about 10 to 15 minutes, it should be reheated and ready to eat. Overall, it's quite easy to reheat your leftover burrito bowl.

Steam is much more efficient because of how it transfers heat. When water is heated, it turns into a vapor that envelops the food, releasing energy as it condenses back into liquid. That energy will gently reheat each of the individual ingredients while restoring lost moisture. Rice absorbs the steam and becomes fluffy again, beans soften, and the proteins regain its juiciness. In contrast, microwaves heat food unevenly. This is because the waves do not penetrate in a uniform manner, so the outer layers of the food are heated quickly while the inner layer takes a bit longer to heat through.

Once your leftovers are reheated, you can easily elevate your takeout. Just like how the best burritos don't skimp out on seasoning, you can top your burrito bowl with a dash of paprika or chili powder to highlight some of your favorite flavors. Also, you can squeeze a lime over your bowl for some extra brightness. Regardless of how you want to eat your takeout, burrito bowls will always be a great meal. While burrito bowls will be a timeless staple, it appears that cornbread bowls are the future of comfort food.