Lo mein the classic Chinese noodle dish, gets an extra boost of flavor when combined with succulent shrimp. The mix of tender noodles crisp veggies, and plump shrimp makes for a mouthwatering meal. But like any perishable food, leftovers need proper storage to extend shelf life. So how long is shrimp lo mein safe to eat after refrigerating?
Follow these storage guidelines to keep shrimp lo mein fresher longer.
Key Factors That Determine Fridge Life
Shrimp lo mein contains two main components that impact total shelf life
Cooked Shrimp
- Lasts 3-4 days in fridge
- Store in airtight container
- Place on bottom shelf around 40°F
Lo Mein Noodles
- Homemade lasts 3-4 days in fridge
- Restaurant-made keeps 5-7 days
- Store leftovers in sealed container
With proper storage methods, shrimp lo mein can safely stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Go by the ingredient with the shorter shelf life – the cooked shrimp. Don’t keep combined shrimp lo mein past 4-5 days refrigerated.
Storing Leftover Shrimp Lo Mein
Follow these guidelines for storing shrimp lo mein:
- Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating.
- Transfer to an airtight glass or plastic container.
- Place container on the bottom shelf of the fridge.
- If reheating, gently heat on the stovetop over medium-low.
Keeping leftovers sealed and at the optimal temperature preserves freshness.
Freezing Shrimp Lo Mein for Long-Term Storage
Freezing extends shelf life for several months. Here’s how to freeze shrimp lo mein:
- Portion into freezer-safe airtight containers or bags.
- Label contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store at 0°F or below.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Frozen properly, shrimp lo mein will keep for 1-2 months in the freezer.
Signs Shrimp Lo Mein Has Spoiled
Being able to identify spoiled shrimp lo mein can prevent foodborne illness. Discard leftovers that show:
Shrimp
- Slimy texture, fishy odor
- Dull, grayish color
Noodles
- Soggy, mushy texture
- Sour, fermented smell
Dish
- Watery liquid in container
- Mold growth on surface
Storage
- Leftovers kept past 4-5 days
Don’t take chances with leftovers that look or smell “off.”
Safe Reheating of Refrigerated Shrimp Lo Mein
Properly reheating shrimp lo mein destroys harmful bacteria. Follow these tips:
- Discard shrimp lo mein left out over 2 hours.
- Heat on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring frequently.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals if needed.
- Reheat to 165°F internally.
Only reheat shrimp lo mein once. Cooked more than once, quality and safety decline.
Handling Takeout Shrimp Lo Mein
Got leftovers from a restaurant meal? Follow the same storage rules:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of bringing home.
- Eat within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop over medium heat.
The principles for safe food handling apply to both homemade and takeout dishes.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover shrimp lo mein can keep for 4-5 days. Freeze for longer-term storage. Watch for any signs of spoilage and don’t hesitate to toss out shrimp lo mein past its prime. Following these simple storage, freezing, and reheating guidelines will help maximize the shelf life so you can enjoy shrimp lo mein again and again!
Identification of Lo Mein Noodles
Lo mein noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine. When they’re done, they have a soft texture and are mostly made of wheat flour and egg, which gives them a bright yellow color. People often mix up lo mein and chow mein. The main difference is how they are made: lo mein is tossed and soft, while chow mein is fried until it’s golden brown.
These noodles come in two forms: fresh and dried. Stores usually keep fresh lo mein noodles in the fridge, and you should keep them cold until you’re ready to cook them. They have a pliable texture and can be readily boiled without extensive preparation. On the other hand, dried lo mein noodles are more common and have a longer shelf life. To get the right level of tenderness, they need to be cooked for longer, either by soaking them first or boiling them for longer.
Shape, Texture, and Storage Method Cooking Time Fresh Noodles: Flexible and soft Short-Dried Noodles: Firm and brittle At room temperature For Longer
It’s important to remember that lo mein noodles, whether they are fresh or dried, shouldn’t have any signs of going bad, like turning brown or smelling bad. Each type of lo mein noodle makes the traditional dish taste different and goes well with a range of sauces and ingredients that are often used in lo mein recipes.
The longevity of Lo Mein noodles is contingent on how they are stored. Maintaining their quality involves keeping them in environments that prevent spoilage and deter the growth of bacteria.
Preparing and Reheating Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein noodles need to be prepared and heated in a certain way to keep their texture and flavor, whether they are fresh from the kitchen or leftovers.
Shrimp Chow Mein | Flavorful And Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
FAQ
Can I eat a 5 day old lo mein?
How long is Chinese food with shrimp good for?
Do lo mein noodles go bad?
How long is Chinese takeout good for in the fridge?
Can you freeze leftover shrimp lo mein?
Leftover shrimp lo mein will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Because there are so many different components to this recipe (pasta, shrimp, veggies, sauce), I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture will likely be affected. – Jennifer
How long does it take to cook Shrimp lo mein?
The shrimp lo mein cooks in a skillet over medium heat according to the package. It is stated that it takes only 6 to 8 minutes, but it took more like 15 to 20 minutes for my meal to fully cook. The shrimp come raw, so be sure they are fully cooked before eating.
What is Shrimp Lo Mein?
Shrimp Lo Mein is a dish made with Simply Asia Chinese Style Lo Mein Noodles and topped with shrimp. It’s a staple recipe that’s better than restaurant versions. I specialize in Asian cooking, especially Chinese recipes, and today I want to share this delicious Shrimp Lo Mein recipe with you all.
What is the difference between Chow Mein and lo mein?
Although chow mein and lo mein have similar ingredients (pasta, veggies, and a protein), they are slightly different. Chow mein translates to “fried noodles” so it’s made with more oil and has a crisper texture. Lo mein, on the other hand, translates to “tossed noodles.” It’s made using boiled pasta and has more sauce.