How to Reheat Lo Mein [Egg Noodles, Take Two]

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, so it repossesses its remarkable taste. I will look into the best reheating options.

You can reheat Lo Mein in a microwave, stovetop, air fryer, and oven. However, you should comprehend that this food can easily get mushy or rubbery if reheated in the wrong ways. Leftover Lo Mein should be refrigerated at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal reheating temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating Lo Mein is pretty easy as it doesn’t call for numerous preparations or much time. Yet with one wrong move, one can mess up the noodles instantly. I will give some tips on what to avoid while reheating this dish.

How to 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 through which you are highly likely to attain soggy or rubbery Lo Mein. 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 seconds intervals until it is well warmed.
5.  Ensure to stir the noodles or gently move the bowl to mix its contents after every stop.
6. Your Lo Mein should be ready to serve. 

How to 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. 

How to 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 easily be done by people who have no cooking skills. 

1. Place a cooking pan on the stove on medium-low heat and preheat it.
2. Add a little bit of olive 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 humidify it by adding 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. 

How to 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 in preparation for reheating.