Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish made with egg noodles and vegetables that’s typically served in a savory sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Reheating lo mein can be a bit tricky, as you don’t want it to become overcooked, mushy or dry. In this blog post, we’ll show you the best ways to reheat lo mein so that it tastes just as good as it did the first time around.
Understanding Lo Mein
Before we dive into how to reheat lo mein, let’s first take a look at what it is. Lo mein is a type of Chinese noodle dish that’s made with wheat flour egg noodles. The noodles are boiled and then tossed with stir-fried vegetables, protein (like chicken, beef or shrimp), and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. Lo mein can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to other Chinese cuisine.
There are several types of lo mein dishes available, such as vegetable lo mein, chicken lo mein, beef lo mein, shrimp lo mein, and more. You can also find vegetarian or vegan versions of lo mein, which use tofu or other plant-based protein sources.
Why You Need To Reheat Lo Mein Properly
Reheating lo mein is a must if you want to avoid wasting food and money. However, it’s important to reheat it properly to ensure that it’s safe to eat and tastes just as good as the first time around. Improper reheating can result in overcooked, mushy, or dry noodles, which can ruin the dish’s texture and flavor. Plus, eating improperly reheated food can pose health risks, as bacteria can grow on leftover food that hasn’t been stored or reheated correctly.
Methods For Reheating Lo Mein
There are several ways to reheat lo mein, but some methods are better than others. The four most common methods are:
- Microwave Method
- Stovetop Method
- Oven Method
- Air Fryer Method
Microwave Method
The microwave method is probably the quickest and easiest way to reheat lo mein. Here’s how:
- Place your leftover lo mein in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish to prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave the dish on high for 1-2 minutes. Check the dish after the first minute to see if it’s heated through. If not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until it’s hot all the way through.
- Stir the lo mein to distribute the heat and sauce.
- Enjoy your reheated lo mein!
One important thing to keep in mind is that microwaves vary in power, so you may need to adjust the time depending on your microwave. Also, if you’re reheating a large portion of lo mein, it’s best to do it in batches to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method takes a bit more time and effort than the microwave method, but it results in evenly reheated and flavorful lo mein. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add your leftover lo mein to the skillet or wok.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet or wok to create steam and prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Stir the lo mein frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is simmering.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Make sure to stir the lo mein frequently to prevent sticking and ensure that it heats evenly. If the lo mein seems dry, you can add a bit more water or broth as needed.
Oven Method
The oven method is a good option if you’re reheating a large portion of lo mein or if you want to reheat multiple dishes at the same time. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your leftover lo mein in an oven-safe dish.
- Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is simmering.
- Remove from the oven and stir the lo mein to distribute the heat and sauce.
- Enjoy your reheated lo mein!
The oven method can take a bit longer than the other methods, but it’s great for reheating large portions of lo mein or for reheating multiple dishes at the same time. Just make sure to keep an eye on the lo mein to prevent overcooking or burning.
Air Fryer Method
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover lo mein. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your leftover lo mein in the air fryer basket.
- Spray the lo mein with a bit of oil to prevent sticking and to help it crisp up.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and stir the lo mein to distribute the heat and sauce.
- Enjoy your reheated lo mein!
The air fryer method is great if you want to give your leftover lo mein a crispy texture. However, it may not be the best option if you’re reheating a large portion of lo mein or if you want to keep the dish saucy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you keep leftover lo mein?
Leftover lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating it.
Can you reheat lo mein in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat lo mein in the microwave, but it may not result in the best texture. The noodles can become mushy and the sauce can become watery. If you do choose to use the microwave method, make sure to cover the lo mein with a damp paper towel to prevent drying and stir it frequently.
How do you prevent lo mein from drying out when reheating?
To prevent lo mein from drying out when reheating, you can add a bit of water, chicken broth, or sauce to the dish. This will help create steam and keep the noodles moist. Make sure to stir the lo mein frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
Can you reheat lo mein in the oven?
Yes, you can reheat lo mein in the oven. The oven method is a good option if you’re reheating a large portion of lo mein or if you want to reheat multiple dishes at the same time. Just make sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the noodles from drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can you reheat lo mein in the air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat lo mein in the air fryer. The air fryer method is great if you want to give your leftover lo mein a crispy texture. However, it may not be the best option if you’re reheating a large portion of lo mein or if you want to keep the dish saucy. Just make sure to spray the lo mein with a bit of oil to prevent sticking and air fry for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can you add more sauce to reheated lo mein?
Yes, you can add more sauce to reheated lo mein if you want to. Just make sure to stir the lo mein well to distribute the sauce evenly. You can also add a bit of water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce if it’s too thick.
Is it safe to reheat lo mein?
Yes, it’s safe to reheat lo mein as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines. Make sure to refrigerate leftover lo mein within two hours of cooking it and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming it.
Conclusion
Reheating lo mein is easy and can be done using a variety of methods, including the microwave, stovetop, oven, and air fryer. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and available equipment. To prevent the lo mein from drying out, add a bit of water or sauce to the dish and stir it frequently. Enjoy your reheated lo mein!
