The unlikely kitchen item you need to leave in your microwave for perfectly reheated leftovers

One sage mind has changed the game when it comes to reheating leftovers, with the addition of one forgotten kitchen item that has now found a new home in an unlikely place.

Adding to the chorus of voices on Reddit, the woman answered the prompt, "What is your cooking hack that is second nature to you but actually pretty unknown?"

"I keep a shot glass in my microwave. If I'm cooking anything that requires moisture (reheating rice, for example) I add water to the glass and turn the microwave on for 30 sec to warm the water," she shared.

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"Then I put in whatever I'm making. The microwave gets steamy and warms things like rice and pasta beautifully. Just don't forget to remove the glass when making popcorn!"

Those who read it had their mind blown, providing a barrage of questions to properly execute the kitchen hack.

One asked in concern, "How big of a glass are we talking? Wouldn't a single shot of water get superheated after 30s?"

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But the kitchen genius was humble in her response, recalling, "I worried about that the first few times I tried it but nothing ever happened. Then again I never touched the water after heating it. I warmed the water then put the plate of food in. So maybe there is a safety concern but I've never had issues in the (almost ten) years I've done this.

"I usually leave the shot glass in. At this point, the glass lives in the corner of the microwave," she added.

"When I specifically want steam, I'll make sure there's water in it. When I'm making something like popcorn, I take it out."

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Another kind soul suggested, "You can also use a small ramekin that's meant for high temps if you want," to get around the issue.

One commenter spoke from experience, sharing a helpful reminder: "Just remember to add a toothpick or something non metal that breaks the surface of the water so it doesn't explode on you... ask me how I know."

Another alternative suggested by many was to lay a damp paper towel on top of the food being reheated. "It steams and catches the splatter," one added.

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In another "really cool bit of science", one suggested putting an ice cube into rice needing reheating.

"It works. The ice doesn't really melt, but the rice is moist," they said.

It was the same trick that fascinated millions when used by TikTok user Emily Mariko when her salmon rice bowl went viral years ago.

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