We’ve all been there. We’re hungry, we’re tired, and we just want to eat something that doesn’t require any effort. So we reach for a can of soup, pop up a bowl in the microwave, and dinner is served.
But have you ever stopped to wonder why we bother heating up canned soup? After all, the soup is already pre-cooked.
The only reason we heat it up is to enhance the flavor before eating. While this might not seem like a big deal, it actually makes a big difference in how the soup tastes. When the soup is cooked, the flavors have a chance to meld together and become more intense.
Additionally, the heat helps to release natural sugars and other aromatic compounds, making the soup even more flavorful. Of course, you can still eat canned soup without heating it up, but you’ll likely find that it lacks depth and complexity of flavor.
There are several ways to heat up canned soup, and microwaving is the easiest and the quickest option. But before you zap your soup in the microwave, there are a few things you should know.
Let’s take a look at how to microwave canned soup, as well as some tips on how to make it taste even better.
Table of Contents
Can You Microwave a Can of Soup?
Yes, you can microwave a can of soup. In fact, microwaving is the recommended cooking method for canned soup.
However, you should never put the can itself in the microwave. Cans are made of metal, which means they’re not ideal for microwaving.
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The electromagnetic waves that make your food hot can cause the metal to heat up as well, which could potentially induce an electric current. This could damage your microwave.
Plus, the soup itself will probably taste pretty strange if you nuke it in the can. It’s much better to transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl or mug before heating it up. That way, you’ll avoid any potential disasters and end up with a nice hot bowl of soup.
Is It Safe to Microwave Canned Soup?
For those who enjoy the convenience of canned soup, it may come as a relief to learn that it is perfectly safe to microwave canned soup.
Many people are surprised to learn that it is perfectly safe to microwave canned soup. Canned soups are precooked and then canned under intense heat, which preserves the food and eliminates deadly bacteria like botulism.
The canning process seals the food inside the can, so there is no risk of contamination. Moreover, microwaving canned soup actually helps to retain its nutrients and flavor.
This is because the microwave heats food quickly and evenly, and there is less opportunity for nutrient loss than with other methods of cooking such as on the stovetop.
The long cooking time of stovetop methods can actually cause nutrients to leach out of the soup, making them unavailable for your body to use.
Even though you don’t need to cook canned soup, if you want to heat it in the microwave it is still recommended to heat it up to an internal temperature of 165° F.
Can You Microwave Canned Soup in Its Can?
While some people believe that using a metal container in the oven will cause it to catch fire or even explode, this is simply not true. If a smooth metal can is used in the microwave, it’s less likely to cause sparks or a fire.
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Even so, it is not recommended to heat up canned soup in the microwave. This is because metal reflects microwaves, so the waves bounce off the can and don’t transfer their energy to the food.
As a result, the food in a metal can will never get hot enough to cook.
How Long Should You Microwave Canned Soup?
If you’re not sure how to heat up your canned soup, it’s always a good idea to check the package directions. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of soup you’re reheating.
For example, cream-based soups may take longer to heat up than broth-based soups.
In general, it will take between three and four minutes to heat up a can of soup in the microwave. Start by microwaving the soup on high power for three minutes, then check to see if it’s hot.
If not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the soup is hot.
Be careful not to overcook the soup, as this can cause it to become watery and lose flavor.
How To Heat Up Canned Soup In The Microwave
Here is a quick and easy guide on how to heat up canned soup in the microwave:
- Remove the lid from the can of soup and transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
- Place the bowl or mug of soup in the microwave.
- Cover the bowl or mug with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave the soup on high power for three to four minutes, or until it is hot.
- Stop and stir several times during the cooking time to keep it from exploding.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Enjoy your delicious hot soup!
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Some essential tips to remember:
- Be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl or mug when reheating the canned soup.
- Microwave in batches if you are reheating more than one can of soup.
- Stir the soup several times while it is microwaving to prevent it from exploding.
- Leave a small opening in the lid to allow steam to escape.
How Do I Make Canned Soup Better?
One of the great things about canned soup is that it’s so easy to make. However, it’s also easy to end up with a bowl of bland, uninspiring soup. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair.
There are a few simple tricks that can help you transform a can of soup into a delicious meal. Sometimes all a soup needs is a little extra salt or pepper, but usually, it needs more.
Try adding minced garlic or fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary to your soup. his will help to give the soup more flavor and dimension. Additionally, acid is always a good idea.
A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can brighten up any soup. With these simple tips, you can turn a basic can of soup into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Canned soup is a convenient, affordable, and healthy meal option. It is safe to microwave canned soup, and microwaving actually helps to retain the soup’s nutrients and flavor.
When reheating canned soup, be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl or mug, and stir the soup several times during the cooking time. Leave a small opening in the lid to allow steam to escape. Enjoy your delicious hot soup!
Source: https://kitchenapplianceanswer.com/how-to-cook-canned-soup-in-microwave/
