Pukka pies are available in many flavours, including steak and chicken curry. As well as being a popular serving at football grounds, Pukka pies are also widely sold in supermarkets. They’re best prepared in the oven, but can you microwave Pukka pies?
To microwave Pukka pies, pop them onto a microwave-safe plate, cover and microwave for 4 to 5 minutes. Although you won’t be able to enjoy crispy puff pastry after cooking a Pukka pie in the microwave, doing so is a quick option.
How to Microwave Pukka Pies
Cooking Pukka pies in the microwave is a quick and easy way of preparing them. That said, you will have to forego the crispy topping, which isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for everyone.
Below are the steps you need to follow to microwave Pukka pies safely:
- Remove the Pie From its Case
Pukka pies come in metal cases, so you will need to remove your pie from its case before serving. You should never put metal in the microwave. - Place the Pie on a Microwave-Safe Dish
Once removed from its case, place your Pukka pie in the centre of a microwave-safe dish or plate. - Cover
Add a paper towel to the top of your Pukka pie, so it is lightly covered. - Microwave
Heat your Pukka pie for 3-4 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. - Check the Temperature
Once steam emanates from the centre of your Pukka pie, check its internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to serve. Your Pukka pie should be 75C or 165F. - Serve and Enjoy
Cover your pie with gravy (if you choose!) and serve it with chips and peas for a traditional British supper!
Pukka pies are best cooked in the oven. This will ensure the pie is hot in the middle and the pastry is crispy.
How to Microwave Pukka Pies Successfully
If you want to ensure you have complete success when microwaving Pukka pies, we’ve got three tips worth following:
- Pierce Lid Slightly Before Microwaving – Piercing your Pukka pie with a fork before microwaving it helps to heat it thoroughly. While it’s not essential, it can help to ensure your pie is heated evenly throughout.
- Microwave from Chilled – For the best results, microwave your Pukka pie from chilled. If you have frozen your Pukka pie to preserve its shelf life, it’s a good idea to defrost it in the fridge first, as this will also help to cook your pie thoroughly in the microwave.
- Oven Bake for Best Results – While it’s perfectly safe to microwave a Pukka pie, the best way to cook it is in the oven. Oven baking a Pukka pie ensures it’s piping hot in the middle with a crispy top.
Why You Should Microwave Pukka Pies
Although not the ideal way of reheating a Pukka pie, the benefits of heating your pie in the microwave include:
Quick and Easy
You can cook a Pukka pie in the microwave in less than 5 minutes. Oven baking a pie can take 25 to 50 minutes, so cooking a Pukka pie in the microwave is undoubtedly quick and easy.
Easy to Clean Up
Naturally, cooking a Pukka pie in the microwave means you don’t have to worry about adding your pie to a baking tray or cleaning the oven.
Simply wipe the microwave-safe dish clean and serve your pie. It’s as simple as that!
Why You Shouldn’t Microwave Pukka Pies
Of course, you’ve probably realised by now that microwaving Pukka pies isn’t necessarily the best idea:
No Crispy Pastry
For those hoping to enjoy a crispy topping to your Pukka pie, you will be disappointed if you cook it in the microwave. Your Pukka pie will be soft and even go soggy if you leave it in for too long.
Hard to Control the Temperature
Depending on the power of your microwave, you may have to pause the microwave and check the temperature of your pie on several occasions.
It can be difficult to get the temperature right, as many people either under or overcook their pies in the microwave.
Microwaving Pukka Pies FAQs
Do you still have queries about microwaving Pukka pies? Then these FAQs should help you out:
It’s best to defrost Pukka pies in the fridge, but if you’re tight on time, you can defrost them in the microwave before cooking. To do so, remove the pie from its packaging and turn your microwave to its defrost setting.
Yes, Pukka pies are cooked fully. When reheating them in the microwave, you just need to make sure they are hot through and reheated fully.
Ross is a freelance writer with a passion for delicious food and drinks, having worked in the hospitality industry in the past. He began working with Let’s Foodie when it first launched to provide information on how to reheat, freeze and microwave different foods.
