How to Reheat Lo Mein For Maximum Flavor [5 Methods]

Lo Mein is a type of Chinese egg noodle that is really delicious and great when reheated!

If you have tried the Chinese Lo Mein, you will agree that it is flavorsome and best served warm. There are many ways to revive leftover Lo Mein, to bring back its remarkable taste. Let’s explore the best reheating options!

You can reheat Lo Mein in a microwave, stovetop, air fryer or oven. However, be warned that noodles can quickly get mushy or rubbery if reheated the wrong way. Like most leftovers, Lo Mein should be refrigerated.

Reheating Lo Mein is pretty fast and easy. Yet, one wrong move can instantly mess up the noodles. I will give some tips on what to avoid while reheating this dish with the various ways to reheat Lo Mein.

1. Reheat Lo Mein in a Microwave

Microwaving leftover Chinese food is recommendable because it does not alter food taste and nutritional contents. However, this is the method with which you are most likely to attain soggy or rubbery noodles. To prevent that from happening:

1. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add a little bit of sauce or water to it to moisten it.
3. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap but leave some room to allow ventilation. 
4. Place the Lo Mein in the microwave and heat for 30-second intervals, uncover and stir, then reheat for another 30 seconds, until it is well warmed. (Ensure to stir the noodles or gently move the bowl to mix its contents after every stop.)
5. Serve when hot! 

2. Reheat Lo Mein in an Air Fryer

Air frying Lo Mein is also another time-saving and expedient reheating method. It is hassle-free and conserves the flavor of the food. To reheat your leftover Lo Mein in an air fryer:

1. Preheat the appliance to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the food in a bowl. You can sprinkle a little soy sauce or water to prevent it from drying out.
3. Cover the Lo Mein using a paper towel, then put it in the air fryer basket.
4. Reheat the dish for 5 -8 minutes, depending on the temperature you wish to attain.
5. Remove the food from the fryer and let it sit for 60 seconds before serving. 

3. Reheat Lo Mein over a Stove

The stove method is practically the best since you can keep an eye on your food and prevent it from burning. Like other reheating methods, it can quickly be done by beginner cooks. 

1. Place a cooking pan on the stove on medium-low heat and preheat it.
2. Add a little bit of oil to the pan and let it heat for 60 seconds. (You can skip this step if your Lo Mein has sufficient oil.) 
3. Add the Lo Mein to the pan and stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes. If it seems dry, you can add a little water. You can also season to your preference.
4. Remove the pan from the stove and let the food stand for 1-2 minutes before serving. 

4. Reheat Lo Mein in an Oven

The oven method is the least convenient as it calls for more work than other methods. With this medium, you are highly likely to end up with mushy food. Even so, feel free to try it out. To reheat Lo Mein in a conventional or toaster oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Meanwhile, line your baking tray with foil and evenly spread the Lo Mein in it. 
3. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the food, then cover it with foil. The foil helps the food retain its humidity by trapping steam. 
4. Warm for 5 to 10 minutes as you assess if it is perfectly heated. 
5. When ready, serve and enjoy. 

5. Reheat Lo Mein in a Toaster Oven

This is a really easy way and will give you good results as the oven is small enough, your food shouldn’t dry out.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add your Lo Mein to the little metal tray that comes with the oven (or put it on an oven-proof plate).
3. If dry, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the food.
4. Mix the food (with or without the extra water) to evenly distribute the juices and water.
5. Warm for 5 to 10 minutes. 
6. When ready it will start to sizzle and smell fabulous!
7. Serve and enjoy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Can I store Leftover Lo Mein?

Lo Mein is best stored in the refrigerator, where it can last 3 to 4 days. It can also be stored in a freezer, although it may turn mushy if overcooked. It lasts about three months in the freezer, but its nutritional content and tastiness diminish if stored for so long. 

Before storing Lo Mein in the fridge, ensure it is placed in freezer-safe bags. Do not put a large portion in one bag. You should remove all excess air from the bags before closing them. Label your bags with the date of storage.

2. How Can I Thaw Frozen Lo Mein? 

It would be best to thaw Lo Mein in advance unless you are reheating it using an air fryer. To thaw the food, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can run the freezer bags underwater for some minutes before reheating. 

3. What is the Difference between Egg Noodles and Lo Mein?

Chinese egg noodles is the general name for noodles that are made with eggs. They tend to be golden in color and are generally made of flour, egg, salt, and water. These noodles make the base of many dishes such as Lo Mein, Chow Mein, and many others, including various soups. Chinese egg noodles are cut into different sizes, and Lo Mein noodles are thicker. Lo Mein is a dish that is stir-fried in a rich sauce, to which other vegetables and/or meats and seafood are generally added. There are many different recipes for Lo Mein.

4. What is the Connection Between Chinese Food and Italian Food (they both use a lot of pasta)?

It is said that Marco Polo, an Italian merchant who traveled to China and wrote extensively about his experiences, brought the idea of pasta back to Italy in the 13th century. Pasta (or noodles as we call Chinese pasta) has been prevalent in Asia, Africa and the Middle East for at least 3,500 years, so it didn’t originate in Italy at all!

5. How to Reheat Egg Noodles?

All of the methods above can be used to reheat egg noodles. Egg noodles can be reheated in a microwave, oven, toaster oven, air fryer and pan (or wok). The only difference is that if there is no sauce, you would add a little water (or other sauce) to add some moisture to the noodles.

Conclusion

So, you have leftover lo mein, and your taste buds are craving that delicious stir-fried goodness. But reheating can be tricky, leaving noodles dry and flavorless. Fear not, foodie friend! By following these tips, you can reheat your lo mein and achieve restaurant-worthy results:

The Wok Way:

Oven Gentleness:

Microwave Magic (with caution):

Pro Tip: Regardless of the method, taste and adjust! Add a touch of soy sauce, fish sauce, or your favorite stir-fry sauce for a personalized flavor kick.

By following these tips and adding your own personal touch, you can turn leftover lo mein into a delicious and satisfying meal. Happy slurping!