How to Reheat Food in Ovenable Trays.
Reheating food safely and well in ovenable trays is not as straightforward as putting the trays in the oven. Follow these simple steps.
Check the Temperature Rating
Ovenable trays are labelled with a maximum recommended temperature. This must not be exceeded to prevent the risk of heat damage to the tray and subsequent effect on the food.
Add Moisture or Cover With Foil
Add a little moisture to the bottom of the tray before reheating (such as water, stock or sauce). Remove the foil from the top of the tray for the last few minutes of reheating to get a crispy top to your dish.
Set the Right Oven Temperature
Use the medium to hot setting on your oven – typically around 160°C to 180°C using the fan. There is no point in blasting the food at high temperature and risking the outside getting hot before the inside has a chance to heat up.
Know How Long It Takes
Thin foods like pasta or rice take around 15-20 minutes to reheat while a more solid dish like a casserole would take around 30-40 minutes to reheat. Check on it halfway and adjust accordingly.
Test the Centre Temperature
It’s best to use a cheap probe thermometer to test the temperature of the centre of the dish and ensure it has reached 75°C and above before serving.
Let the Tray Rest Before Handling
Remember the tray has been in the oven too! Leave it on a heatproof surface for 2-3 minutes before transferring it, using your oven gloves.
Taking time to follow all of the points above will result in adequate reheating of quality food, avoiding any nasty surprises being presented to diners.
