Do you find yourself ordering too much Chinese food and wondering what to do with all those leftover noodles? You’re not alone! I’ve been there countless times – staring at containers of delicious chicken chow mein and lo mein, not wanting to waste a single bite but unsure how long they’ll stay good.
Good news! Your leftover Chinese noodle dishes can be safely stored and enjoyed later if you know the proper techniques. In this comprehensive guide I’ll share everything you need to know about storing, freezing and reheating your favorite Chinese noodle dishes.
How Long Can Leftover Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein Last in the Fridge?
When properly stored in airtight containers, leftover chicken chow mein or lo mein can safely last in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This timeframe applies to both homemade and takeout versions of these popular Chinese dishes.
The key to maximizing freshness is quick action – you should refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking or purchasing This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can multiply rapidly at room temperature
Here’s a simple breakdown of proper refrigeration steps:
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature (but not longer than 2 hours)
- Transfer to airtight containers
- Store in refrigerator at temperature below 40°F (4°C)
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety
Can You Freeze Leftover Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein?
Absolutely! Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to extend the life of your leftover Chinese noodles beyond a few days. When properly frozen, chicken chow mein and lo mein maintain their best quality for approximately 2 to 3 months.
While the dishes remain safe indefinitely if kept constantly frozen at 0°F, the quality and texture will gradually decline after the 2-3 month mark. I’ve personally found that the noodles can become a bit mushier after extended freezing, but they’re still perfectly edible.
How to Properly Freeze Chow Mein/Lo Mein:
- Cool the leftovers completely
- Portion into meal-sized amounts
- Place in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Remove as much air as possible if using bags
- Label with the date to track freshness
- Store flat in freezer for even freezing
What Happens After Thawing Frozen Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein?
Once you’ve thawed your frozen chicken chow mein or lo mein in the refrigerator, you have an additional 3 to 4 days to enjoy it before it should be discarded. However, if you thawed the dish using the microwave or cold water methods, you should eat it immediately for safety.
The best thawing methods include:
- Refrigerator thawing: Slowest but safest method (overnight)
- Cold water thawing: Faster than refrigeration (15-20 minutes in sealed waterproof bag)
- Microwave thawing: Quickest method but may partially cook the dish
Signs That Your Leftover Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein Has Gone Bad
Nobody wants food poisoning! Here are the tell-tale signs that your leftover Chinese noodles have spoiled and should be tossed:
- Off odor: Trust your nose – if it smells sour or funky, don’t risk it
- Color changes: Dull or discolored noodles or chicken
- Slimy texture: A definite indicator of bacterial growth
- Visible mold: Any sign of mold means the entire dish should be discarded
- Left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
How to Reheat Leftover Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein
Proper reheating not only makes your leftovers taste better but also ensures they’re safe to eat by killing any potential bacteria. Here are my favorite methods:
Microwave Method:
- Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying
- Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds
- Stir occasionally for even heating
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Stovetop Method:
- Add a small amount of oil or water to a pan
- Heat over medium heat
- Add the noodles and stir frequently
- Heat until steaming hot throughout
- Add a splash of soy sauce if noodles seem dry
Can You Reheat Chicken Chow Mein/Lo Mein More Than Once?
While technically you can reheat these dishes multiple times, I don’t recommend it. Each reheating cycle degrades the quality and increases the risk of foodborne illness. For best results and safety, only reheat the portion you plan to eat.
If you’ve made a large batch, consider dividing the leftovers into smaller portions before storing them. This way, you’ll only need to reheat what you’ll consume in one sitting.
The Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein
Many people confuse these two popular Chinese noodle dishes. Here’s the main difference:
- Chow Mein: Features crispy, fried noodles that maintain their crunch
- Lo Mein: Contains soft, boiled noodles with a more tender texture
This difference in texture affects how well they store and reheat. Chow mein generally holds up better when cold or reheated due to its firmer texture, while lo mein may become softer and potentially mushy if not stored properly.
Can You Eat Leftover Chinese Noodles Cold?
Yes! Both dishes can be eaten cold, though your experience may vary:
- Cold Chow Mein: Often retains a satisfying crunch
- Cold Lo Mein: May become tougher and less enjoyable
I sometimes enjoy cold leftover noodles straight from the fridge as a quick lunch option. If you prefer your noodles warm but don’t have time for proper reheating, even a quick 30-second zap in the microwave can take the chill off.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Leftover Chinese Noodles
Want to make your leftovers last as long as possible? Here are some pro tips I’ve learned over years of Chinese food enjoyment:
- Cool quickly: Divide large portions into smaller, shallow containers to cool faster
- Airtight storage: Use containers with tight-fitting lids or press air out of freezer bags
- Temperature control: Keep your refrigerator below 40°F (4°C)
- Separate components: If possible, store noodles separate from sauce until serving
- Add fresh ingredients: When reheating, add fresh vegetables or a splash of sauce to revitalize the dish
Enhancing Leftover Chow Mein/Lo Mein Flavor
Leftover noodles sometimes need a flavor boost. Here are some easy ways to make them taste fresh again:
- Add a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil before reheating
- Toss in some fresh vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts
- Sprinkle with green onions or cilantro after reheating
- Add a dash of garlic powder or ginger for extra zing
- Mix in a teaspoon of chili oil if you like it spicy
Freezing Chinese Food with Vegetables
When freezing chicken chow mein or lo mein that contains vegetables, be aware that some veggies freeze better than others. Water-rich vegetables like bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots may change texture after freezing and thawing.
I’ve found that dishes with carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers tend to freeze well, while those with delicate greens or crisp vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.
Storage Summary Table
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 hours maximum | Danger zone for bacterial growth |
| Refrigeration | 3-4 days | Store in airtight containers |
| Freezer | 2-3 months for best quality | Will remain safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F |
| After Thawing (refrigerator method) | Additional 3-4 days | If thawed by other methods, eat immediately |
Final Thoughts on Storing Chinese Noodle Dishes
I’ve been a Chinese food enthusiast for years, and I’ve learned that proper storage makes all the difference in maintaining both safety and flavor. Nothing’s worse than looking forward to those leftover noodles only to find they’ve spoiled!
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your favorite chicken chow mein and lo mein dishes for days (or even months) after your initial meal. This not only saves you money but also reduces food waste – something we can all feel good about.
Remember, when in doubt about the safety of your leftovers, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If your noodles look or smell off, it’s better to toss them and order fresh next time.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy leftover Chinese food? Do you have any special tricks for reviving day-old noodles? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Happy eating and smart storing!
How long does Chinese food last in the fridge?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), leftovers stored in your refrigerator can last about three to four days. This is a general rule for Chinese food and any other leftovers you may have.
What’s more important than how many days that food has been in the fridge is how long it sat unrefrigerated and what the internal temperature is of the food, especially when it comes to meat.Article continues below advertisement
According to Food Safety News, you should never leave perishable food out at room temperature for more than two hours, regardless if its leftovers or food you just cooked. If you live somewhere where the temperature is over 90 degrees, you can only leave food out for one hour. So if you ordered food for a party and it sat out a while, you should probably pitch it instead of putting it in the fridge.
You should also avoid eating food that is stored below 140 degrees. According to the USDA, bacteria are most likely to thrive in food between 40 and 140 degrees.
If you happen to eat leftovers contaminated by bacteria, the best-case scenario is that you get really sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 3,000 people in the U.S. die due to food poisoning. For one unfortunate college student, eating contaminated leftover lo mein caused him to lose his fingers and legs due to sepsis brought on by the contaminated food, the New York Post reported in 2022.Article continues below advertisement
Can you freeze leftover Chinese food?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Chinese food. That’s probably the smart thing to do if you know you won’t be eating it within three to four days. Foods Guy blogger Jaron Tietsort recommends freezing leftover Chinese food as soon as possible. It should keep well in the freezer for up to three months, Tietsort said.
How long can you keep leftover Chinese food?
FAQ
How long does chicken chow mein / lo mein last?
Properly stored, leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life of leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. How long does leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein last in the freezer?
How long does chicken chow mein stay in the fridge?
Leftover chicken chow mein / lomein will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if properly kept. Bacteria grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, therefore any leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown. How long does takeout keep in the fridge?
How long does leftover beef chow mein last?
Properly stored, leftover beef chow mein / lo mein will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life of leftover beef chow mein / lo mein, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. How long does leftover beef chow mein / lo mein last in the freezer?
What temperature should chicken chow mein / lo mein be left out?
Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. How to tell if leftover chicken chow mein / lo mein is bad?
Can you eat leftover chicken chow mein?
Once you’ve put it out, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours. If you allow any left overs to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of Chicken Chow Mein in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Is 3 day old leftover chicken chow mein safe?
Official: 3 day old leftover chicken chow mein SAFE. I think the pork would have been fine too though. I’ve eaten three or more day old leftover roast pork before now and it’s been fine. Don’t see why this would have been any different. I was more worried about the rice and the seafood in it.
How long is leftover chicken lo mein good for?
Can I eat 5 day old chow mein?
How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up.
How long do Chinese takeout leftovers last in the fridge?
Chinese leftovers should last between three to four days in the fridge, according to PreparedCooks. However, certain ingredients could last in different longevities. Shrimp, for example, has a short shelf life.
How to store leftover chicken chow mein?
Store any chicken chow mein leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.Sep 11, 2022