Chow mein, a popular Chinese noodle dish, is a staple takeout meal for many. Like most leftovers, chow mein is usually safe to eat for a few days after it’s purchased or cooked. However, there are risks of eating chow mein that’s been sitting around for too long. So how long is leftover chow mein good for? Here’s a quick look at the shelf life and safety of leftover chow mein.
How long does chow mein last in the fridge?
Freshly cooked or purchased chow mein can safely be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Place leftovers in a sealed container to help them last as long as possible. After 3 to 5 days, it’s best to throw away chow mein that’s been refrigerated. The noodles will dry out and the flavors of the sauce can start to taste sour or bitter.
Here are some general guidelines for fridge storage times of different types of chow mein:
| Type of Chow Mein | Refrigerator Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Homemade chow mein with fresh noodles | 3 days |
| Takeout chow mein with crispy noodles | 3 days |
| Leftover chow mein soup | 4 to 5 days |
As you can see, all types of leftover chow mein only last a few days in the fridge before going bad. The shelf life depends on ingredients and storage conditions. Fresher homemade chow mein generally won’t last quite as long as takeout that contains preservatives.
Can you freeze chow mein?
Yes, it’s possible to safely freeze chow mein for longer storage. Here are some tips for freezing chow mein:
– Let chow mein cool completely before freezing, about 2 hours after cooking or purchasing.
– Portion chow mein into airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace for expansion.
– Avoid freezing chow mein with crispy noodles. The noodles will soften. Freeze soft chow mein noodles instead.
– Label containers with contents and date.
– Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.
To reheat frozen chow mein, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to help loosen up the noodles.
Freezing gives chow mein a much longer shelf life. But for best flavor and texture, try to eat it within a few months.
What happens if you eat bad chow mein?
Eating spoiled chow mein that’s past its prime can cause foodborne illness. The biggest concern with bad chow mein is bacterial growth. Noodles and meat are especially prone to bacteria like staphylococcus, salmonella, and E. coli.
Here are some of the risks and symptoms of food poisoning from chow mein:
– Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps – Caused by toxins from bacteria multiplying.
– Diarrhea – From pathogens like salmonella or E. coli.
– Fever, headache, body aches – Potential signs of a foodborne infection.
– Respiratory symptoms – Rifting of bacteria like Bacillus cereus can cause illness.
Consuming chow mein that smells funky, is moldy, or is more than 5 days old can result in a rough bout of food poisoning. The impacts can range from mild to severe depending on the pathogen, your health, and the amount consumed.
If you suspect you have food poisoning, drink plenty of fluids and get medical care if severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or high fever occur. Call your doctor right away if symptoms don’t improve after 1 to 2 days.
How to tell if chow mein has gone bad
Watch for these signs that indicate leftover chow mein has spoiled and should be thrown out:
– Sour or bitter smell
– Change in color, such as graying, green, or yellow discoloration
– Mold growth – fuzzy green spots or dry webbing on surface
– Thick bubbling or fizzing from bacteria
– Off taste that immediately tastes spoiled
– Extremely soft or mushy noodles
– Dried out, crunchy, or inedible noodles
Old chow mein may grow potentially dangerous molds like Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium. Do not eat chow mein that is moldy. Discard the entire container even if some looks untouched.
Your senses are the best tools for determining if chow mein has gone bad. Rely on sight, smell, and taste rather than just the leftover’s age. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to store chow mein for maximum freshness
To get the most out of your chow mein leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Here are some tips:
– Refrigerate chow mein within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing. Don’t leave at room temperature.
– Store chow mein in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
– Keep chow mein containers on lower fridge shelves at 40°F or below.
– Avoid overcrowding fridge to allow cold air circulation.
– Cook and cool chow mein rapidly before refrigerating. Split into smaller shallow containers.
– Discard chow mein that is past its prime or shows any signs of spoilage.
– When reheating, cook to 165°F. Only reheat once for safety.
– Don’t let cooked chow mein sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours total, including initial cooling period before fridge storage.
Following proper storage methods can extend the shelf life of chow mein leftovers. But remember it’s only safe for eating for up to 5 days refrigerated.
Can you reheat chow mein more than once?
It’s best not to reheat chow mein leftovers more than once. The risks of foodborne illness increase each time chow mein is reheated.
Reheating allows bacteria like Bacillus cereus to regenerate and produce toxins that cause vomiting or diarrhea. Even if the chow mein is piping hot, the toxins will remain.
Here are some of the potential hazards of reheating chow mein multiple times:
– Higher bacterial loads with repeated reheatings
– Toxin development from spore-forming bacteria
– Increased risk from temperature abuse during cooling and rewarming
– Degraded quality and textures from multiple reheats
For food safety, only reheat chow mein once before discarding the leftovers. The fridge storage time includes the time food is reheated. So if you reheat chow mein after 3 days in the fridge, it should be discarded after eating and not reheated again. Play it safe and just reheat those leftovers one time.
Conclusion
Leftover chow mein is usually fine to eat for 3 to 5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Freezing can extend the shelf life for 2 to 3 months. Reheat chow mein only once to a safe 165°F before throwing away. Discard any chow mein that smells bad, looks moldy, or is more than 5 days old. Following basic food safety practices will keep your chow mein leftovers fresher for longer and prevent foodborne illness. Trust your senses and when in doubt, throw it out.