Few things are more satisfying than a perfectly heated burrito. The warm tortilla, the savory filling, and the melted cheese come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. However, heating up a burrito can be tricky. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a soggy, cold burrito or a burnt one. In this article, we’ll show you how to heat up a burrito perfectly every time. Whether you’re using the microwave, the oven, or the stovetop, we’ve got you covered.
The first step to heating up a burrito is to choose the right method. If you’re short on time, the microwave is a great option. It’s quick and easy, and it can heat a burrito evenly. However, if you’re looking for a crispier burrito, the oven or the stovetop is a better choice. The oven will give you a crispy exterior and a warm interior, while the stovetop will give you a slightly charred exterior and a warm, gooey interior.
Once you’ve chosen your method, it’s time to heat up the burrito. If you’re using the microwave, place the burrito on a plate and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you’re using the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the burrito on a baking sheet and bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the tortilla is crispy. If you’re using the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the burrito to the skillet and cook it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s heated through and the tortilla is browned.
Microwave Method
Step 1: Choose the Right Microwave Setting
Select a microwave power level that is appropriate for the size and temperature of your burrito. Generally, 30-50% power is best for smaller burritos, while 60-80% power is better for larger or frozen burritos.
Step 2: Wrap the Burrito in Damp Paper Towels
To prevent the burrito from drying out, wrap it in lightly damp paper towels. This will create steam that helps to evenly heat and soften the burrito.
Step 3: Heat in 30-Second Increments
Place the wrapped burrito on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 30 seconds at a time. After each 30-second interval, check the burrito to see if it is heated through. If not, continue heating for additional 30-second intervals until warm and heated to your liking.
Step 4: Fluff and Enjoy
Once the burrito is heated through, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool for a minute or two before eating. This will help to redistribute the heat and prevent burning your mouth.
| Microwave Power Level | Burrito Size and Temperature |
|---|---|
| 30-50% | Small, fresh burritos |
| 60-80% | Large, frozen burritos |
Oven Method
The oven method is a great way to heat up a burrito if you want it to be crispy on the outside.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Then, wrap the burrito in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the burrito is heated through. If you want the burrito to be crispy on the outside, you can increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake for 10-15 minutes.
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 15-20 minutes |
| 400°F (200°C) | 10-15 minutes |
Once the burrito is heated through, let it cool for a few minutes before unwrapping it. This will help to prevent the filling from spilling out. Enjoy!
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is a classic technique for heating up burritos that delivers crispy goodness and even warming. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Burrito
Unwrap the burrito and place it on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Heat the Exterior
Cook the burrito for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to press down gently with a spatula to achieve a uniform crunch.
3. Heat the Interior
Once the exterior is heated through, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. This allows the interior to heat evenly and ensures the filling is piping hot and melted.
Tips for Stovetop Method:
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use a non-stick skillet | Prevents sticking and ensures even heating |
| Heat over medium heat | Prevents burning and creates a crispy exterior |
| Cook for extended periods on low heat | Ensures thorough internal warming and melted filling |
Grill Method
The grill method is a great option if you want a crispy and flavorful burrito. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap your burrito in foil.
- Place the wrapped burrito on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully unwrap the burrito and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Burritos
- To prevent the tortilla from sticking to the grill, lightly grease it before placing the burrito on.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Be careful not to overcook the burrito, or the tortilla will become tough and chewy.
| Grill Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Medium | 12-15 minutes |
| Medium-High | 10-12 minutes |
| High | 8-10 minutes |
Note: These cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the size and thickness of your burrito.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Wrap the burrito in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is the ideal temperature for heating burritos without overcooking them.
- Wrap the burrito in aluminum foil. This will help to trap the heat and moisture, so that the burrito doesn’t dry out.
- Place the burrito in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the burrito in two batches.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the burrito reaches your desired temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the burrito. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safety.
- Let the burrito cool for a few minutes before eating. This will help to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Toaster Oven Method
Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the burrito on a baking sheet or in a toaster oven-safe dish.
If you have a thicker burrito, cut it in half before placing it in the toaster oven. This will help it heat more evenly.
Bake the burrito for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Flip the burrito halfway through baking to ensure that it heats evenly on both sides.
Remove the burrito from the toaster oven and let it cool slightly before eating.
Benefits of Using the Toaster Oven Method
| Benefit |
|---|
| Heats the burrito evenly on both sides |
| Melts the cheese without overcooking the exterior |
| Can be used to heat multiple burritos at once |
| Is a relatively hands-off method, requiring minimal attention |
Steamer Method
Using a Bamboo Steamer
Bamboo steamers are an excellent method for gently reheating burritos without sacrificing their texture. Here are the steps involved:
- Place the bamboo steamer over a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water does not touch the steamer.
- Line the steamer with parchment paper to prevent the burritos from sticking.
- Arrange the burritos in a single layer in the steamer.
- Cover the steamer with its lid and steam for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through.
- Carefully remove the burritos from the steamer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Using a Microwave Steamer
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can use a microwave steamer instead. Here’s how:
- Wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel.
- Place the wrapped burrito in the microwave-safe steamer.
- Microwave the burrito on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the burrito from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Double Boiler Method
The double boiler method is a gentle and effective way to heat a burrito without overcooking or burning it. Here’s how to do it:
Materials:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Double boiler | 1 |
| Water | Enough to fill the bottom of the double boiler |
| Burrito | 1 |
Steps:
- Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Place the burrito in the top part of the double boiler and cover it with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the burrito is heated through.
- Remove the burrito from the double boiler and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Convection Oven Method
The convection oven method is a quick and efficient way to reheat your burrito. The circulating hot air will evenly heat the burrito and give it a crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your convection oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place your burrito on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Flip the burrito halfway through baking to ensure even heating.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Use a baking sheet with a raised edge to prevent any spills.
- If your burrito is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet lightly.
- Serve the burrito with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
| Method | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Convection Oven | 10-15 minutes | 400°F (200°C) |
Pan-Frying Method
1. Gather Your Materials
You will need a non-stick skillet, a spatula, and some oil or butter.
2. Heat the Skillet
Over medium heat, heat the oil or butter in the skillet until it is hot but not smoking.
3. Add the Burrito
Place the burrito in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is heated through.
4. Cook Time
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your burrito.
5. Cooking Temperature
The ideal cooking temperature is medium heat.
6. Flip the Burrito
Use a spatula to gently flip the burrito so that it cooks evenly.
7. Monitor the Burrito
Keep a close eye on the burrito as it cooks to prevent it from burning.
8. Remove from the Skillet
Once the burrito is heated through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate.
9. Let the Burrito Rest
Allow the burrito to rest for a few minutes before eating to prevent the filling from spilling out.
10. Additional Tips
* To prevent the tortilla from sticking, brush it with a little oil or butter before cooking.
* For a crispier tortilla, cook the burrito for longer on each side.
* If you are using a frozen burrito, thaw it completely before cooking.
* Here is a table summarizing the pan-frying method:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your materials. |
| 2 | Heat the skillet. |
| 3 | Add the burrito. |
| 4 | Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. |
| 5 | Flip the burrito. |
| 6 | Monitor the burrito. |
| 7 | Remove from the skillet. |
| 8 | Let the burrito rest. |
How to Heat Up Burrito
Burritos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also relatively easy to reheat, so you can enjoy them even when you don’t have time to cook a fresh one.
There are several different ways to heat up a burrito. Here are a few of the most popular methods:
- Microwave: This is the quickest and easiest way to heat up a burrito. Simply place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: This method takes a little longer than the microwave, but it will result in a more evenly heated burrito. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap the burrito in aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: This method is a bit more labor-intensive than the other two, but it will give you the most control over the heating process. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the burrito in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to heat the burrito until it is heated through. This will help to prevent bacteria from growing and will make the burrito more enjoyable to eat.
