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How to Reheat Stir Fry – 4 Time-Proven Methods

ByStephanie Rohlowing Posted on Updated on :
How To Reheat Stir Fry

Stir frying is a typical (and delicious) Chinese cooking method used to prepare vegetable and meat dishes. What is the best way to reheat stir fry?

You can reheat stir fried dishes in a microwave, an oven, a stovetop or an air fryer. Leftover stir fry should be refrigerated right away to slow down bacterial growth so that it remains good to eat for longer. The best way to restore the meal’s integrity is with a skillet (or wok).

Chinese food can be pretty tricky to warm up again, given its delicateness and unique preparation method. Even so, it is not that demanding. Here are some tips on the best way to warm up any stir fry, so you can enjoy it again.

1. How to Reheat Stir Fry in a Microwave

How to Reheat Stir Fry

This reheating medium is practical for almost any kind of food. To reheat your leftover stir fry in a microwave, so the following:

  1. Put the food in a microwave-safe dish and spread it in an even layer for more even heating.
  2. Cover the food with dampened paper towels to help retain heat and moisture. Before covering it, you can sprinkle some water into the food if it seems dry.
  3. Microwave the food at intervals of 30 seconds, checking your food and stirring it, each time you stop.
  4. When the food is hot and evenly heated, let the dish stand for 60 seconds before serving. 

2. How to Reheat Stir Fry in an Oven

Reheat Stir Fry in an Oven

The oven method is ideal, yet it calls for much more work than other reheating options. Here is how to go about it:

  1. If the food is frozen, leave it in the fridge to defrost overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. 
  3. Evenly spread out the stir fry onto a baking tray.
  4. Sprinkle a little bit of oil or water into the food to moisten it.  
  5. If you are warming up veggies, the maximum heating period is 10 minutes. But if it is meat, you might need to reheat it for 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. When you think it might be ready (based on the above but also the thickness of pieces in the stir fry) pull the baking tray out of the oven and check to see if it is done.
  7. When done, serve.

3. How to Reheat Stir Fry on a Stovetop

As earlier mentioned, the stove method is the best for reheating stir fry. You can add seasoning to your food to spice it up and elevate its taste while warming. Here is a guide:

  1. Place a skillet pan on a stove on medium heat.
  2. Drizzle a little oil into the pan.
  3. Add the food to the pan and stir constantly. Feel free to add a little water if the food starts to dry up and it seems like it might burn. You can also add some spring onions or soy sauce while stirring (just be sure it doesn’t get too salty).
  4. Remove and plate your stir fry when it looks (and smells) done and enjoy.

4. How to Reheat Stir Fry in an Air Fryer

The air fryer method is pretty quick and effortless. It is perfect for warming up crispy food, and it is much better than the microwave.

  1. You can choose to thaw the food in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave.
  2. Preheat the fryer to 350ºF. 
  3. Place the stir fry in a container and then put that container into the fryer basket (or shelf if there is one) and cook for about 3 minutes. (You don’t want your food falling out of the basket).
  4. Check the food to ensure it has been properly heated. If not, stir up your food and put it back into the fryer to ensure more even reheating.)
  5. When done, serve and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Merits of Reheating Stir Fry?

For those who have more food than they can eat in one meal, reheating correctly means you don’t have to throw away your food. The ability to reheat stir fry not only helps you save money but time as well.

Are there any Cons of Reheating Stir Fry?

If you do not follow the steps I have given, the chances are that you may end up with cold patches of food or the messiness that comes from overcooking. Microwaving should be your last option in reheating stir fry.

The other con is the risk of overcooking your vegetables. The charm of a stir fry is the crunchy half-cooked texture and flavor of the food. To achieve this, you won’t be cooking your stir fry all the way through, so reheating will not kill any bacterial growth. Therefore, ensure that you are only reheating very fresh stir-fried food (and that it has always been stored in a refrigerator and not left out).

Conclusion

So there you have it! Reheating stir fry is quick and simple and can revive your leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be discouraged by any leftover stir fry – try one of these methods and enjoy it all over again!

Also refer our latest blog on How to Reheat Chinese BBQ Pork [5 Ways to Keep it Juicy]

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