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How to Microwave Frozen Burrito

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Are you looking to reheat frozen burrito to prepare a quick bite to eat? Rice, beans, grilled chicken, and cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla, burrito is a perfectly healthy and fulfilling go-to meal for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. 

Reheating a frozen burrito can be tricky because either its quality gets downgraded or it is enhanced. Wondering how to reheat a frozen burrito without turning it into a soggy texture? 

How do you microwave a frozen burrito? Wrap the frozen burrito with a damp paper towel to keep the tortilla from drying out. 

Place the wrapped burrito on a microwave-safe plate and set the microwave on high power for 1 minute, then flip and continue to heat for another minute on high. Continue nuking until the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.

Afterwards, let the burrito sit in the closed microwave for a minute so the heat spreads evenly. Carefully remove the burrito, unwrap the paper towel and serve with your favorite hot sauce and salsa. 

Frozen burritos can be reheated in an oven or microwave, however microwave is the most effective and time saving. The household appliance reheats a frozen burrito without causing any negative impact on the overall quality, provided the process is done the right way. 

Before reheating, defrosting the frozen burrito is necessary to fasten the reheating process, either by microwave or refrigerator. As a result the filling will be brought to room temperature to reduce thermodynamic transition and avoid the whole burrito becoming soggy when microwaved.

This article covers how easily microwave a frozen burrito so it is fully reheated. Answered below are frequently asked questions including microwave tips to heat frozen burritos without destroying its taste by following the proper guidelines.

Can you microwave a frozen burrito?

Yes, a microwave is used to defrost or reheat a frozen burrito. More so, a microwave is the quickest way to defrost then reheat a frozen burrito. 

When using a microwave to reheat a frozen burrito like these El Monterey burritos, it must be defrosted either by the microwave or refrigerator before making the reheating process quicker and easier. 

When microwaving a frozen burrito, a meat thermometer is necessary to measure the internal temperature. The reheating process is complete when the temperature at the center of the reheated burrito reaches up to 74℃ or 165℉. 

When performing the process, let the microwave be on a reheat power function to make the process effective. As the reheating process approaches halfway on the timer, flip and continue nuking until it starts turning brown and crisping up.

How long do you microwave frozen burritos?

On average, it takes about 2 to 3 minutes to thoroughly heat a frozen burrito. However, the reheating time depends on the number of the frozen burritos being heated and the wattage of the microwave.

When reheating the frozen burrito in the microwave, the microwave is set on a reheat power function, and the burrito is reheated first for a minute. Then it’s flipped for another minute on the other side until it’s heated thoroughly. 

The time at which a burrito will be fully defrosted or reheated is determined by its instant internal temperature, which must read 74℃ or 165℉ to be considered safe to eat. 

For the reheating process to be faster in the microwave, the thawing process is done in the fridge a night before so that the burrito is no longer frozen and transitions much easier. 

Time taken to microwave a frozen burritos depends on the size, microwave wattage and whether the frozen burrito is being defrosted first or only being reheated in the microwave. 

Can you put a frozen burrito in the microwave for three minutes

Yes, you can put a frozen burrito in the microwave for three minutes. In fact, it should be enough time to fully reheat the burrito and help to eliminate the center from being frozen.

To microwave, the frozen burrito, it is recommended to use either a damp paper towel or a microwave steamer. The steam will do a much better job of delivering heat into the food and add the benefit of not drying out the tortilla, but it still should be wrapped in a paper towel to prevent from becoming too soggy.

To speed up the microwaving process, consider to use defrost cycle first, then switch to 70% power level or the reheat cycle to finish warming the filling. Giving rest time in the closed microwave reduces the risk of getting cold spots inside burrito by giving it time to even out the internal heat.

How do you reheat a frozen burrito in the microwave

Whether you have veggie or breakfast burrito, reheating frozen burrito in the microwave is a safe, quick and easy way to solve your hunger. But without proper method, the burrito can result in a cold center filling or dried out tortilla. 

The following are steps for safely reheating a frozen burrito in the microwave:

The frozen burrito is thawed in the refrigerator a night before reheating to fasten the process. Otherwise, you may use the defrost setting to thaw the frozen burrito before reheating. 

Place the defrosted burrito on a microwave-safe dish. After removing the aluminum foil or packaging, wrap the burrito with a damp paper towel to prevent from drying out and help to heat the filling quickly. 

Set the microwave’s timer for one minute on high power and start the reheating process.

Flip the burrito on the other side and repeat the process until the burrito gets thoroughly heated. 

Alternatively, use an instant meat thermometer and take the internal temperature of the burritos. If it reaches 74℃ or 165℉, then the previously frozen burrito is thoroughly reheated and ready to be served. 

Tips to microwave a frozen burrito

Microwaving a frozen burrito is a quick and easy way to fully reheat and prepare it to be served.

The following microwave tips are effective for heating a frozen burrito:

  • Instant thermometer is required for an accurate reading of the internal temperature. 
  • Set the microwave on a defrost power function using the microwave to defrost the frozen burrito.
  • After thawing, it is safe to reheat on high full power is desired.
  • Thaw first in the fridge or microwave to speed up the reheating process.
  • Remove the aluminum foil used in the freezing process before placing it on a microwave-safe plate. 
  • Flip the burrito at intervals of one minute so that it is heated on all sides. The sprinkling of water or damp paper towel at this point is necessary to keep the reheated burrito moisturized.
  • When the burrito becomes too soggy during the reheating process, open up on both sides of the paper towel and it will dry slightly while microwaving.
  • Reheat thoroughly until its internal temperature reaches 74℃ or 165℉.

Best way to microwave a frozen burrito

From defrosting to reheating, microwave is an effective household appliance that helps to prepare meals when in a hurry. Without the proper methods, the frozen burrito can become soggy or dried out. 

When using the microwave to defrost the frozen burrito, unwrap the aluminum foil and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent from drying out. Ensure the paper towel is not soaking wet, otherwise it will make the burrito soggy.

Place it in a microwave-safe plate, set the microwave on to defrost power function and start with 2 minutes on each side. 

When reheating, adjust the microwave to high power for 1 minute increments. At intervals of one minute, flip the burrito to reheat on the other side. 

Continue the process until the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the reheated burrito rest in the closed microwave for 45 seconds so the remaining heat spreads evenly throughout. Remove the burrito from microwave and unwrap the paper towel carefully, it can be extremely hot, and enjoy.

How to microwave frozen burrito

Microwaving Frozen Burritos: Conclusion

During the microwave reheating process of frozen burritos, it can jeopardize the appearance and texture if done incorrectly. Therefore, in such a scenario, defrost the burrito prior so the fillings are at room temperature to speed up reheating process and also prevent from being left with a cold center and overcooked outer edges. 

Remove the original package or aluminum foil on the frozen burrito, and place on microwave-safe plate to defrost or use the overnight fridge method.

Once the burrito is defrosted completely, wrap it with a damp paper towel and place it back to microwave. Set it on high power and run for 1 minute at a time. Flip the burrito on the other side and microwave on high heat for another minute.

Check with meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue the process until the burrito is fully reheated to the appropriate temperature so it is safe to serve.

Let the burrito rest in microwave for a minute before serving, this will help to evenly distribute the remaining heat trapped inside. 

With these microwave methods, your frozen burrito will reheat perfectly every time without being dried out or soggy. Pair with your favorite hot sauce, salsa or side dishes for a well round and complete meal. 

W.J. Franklin

Thursday 23rd of February 2023

These are great instructions to Microwave the frozen burrito in the burrito package. Thank you!