Who doesn’t love an indulgent Chinese takeaway? Whether you go for General Tso chicken or crispy shredded beef, Chinese takeaway is much loved by families. But what should you do with the inevitable leftovers? Can you reheat Chinese takeaway safely?
Fortunately, you don’t have to let those leftovers go to waste. Reheating them is simple. First, here are two methods for reheating leftover mains. This will work for pretty much any main dish from your local Chinese:
How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway in the Microwave
Reheating Chinese takeaway in the microwave is straightforward and is your best option, especially for dishes already in a sauce. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Add to a Microwave-Safe Plate
Position your leftover Chinese takeaway on a microwave-safe plate. If you can, separate the rice/noodles and your main meal, making it easier to reheat your takeaway evenly. - Reheat
On medium heat, reheat your takeaway in 90-second intervals. You should check that your dish is piping hot before deciding if it’s ready. - Check the Temperature
If you’re reheating meat, you must check that it’s at least 70°C before serving it up. Eating meat that has not been reheated sufficiently can lead to food poisoning. - Serve and Enjoy
When you’re happy that your Chinese takeaway is up to temperature, serve it on a fresh plate and enjoy.
How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway on the Hob
If you don’t have a microwave, you can reheat your Chinese takeaway on the stovetop just as easily. But again, try keeping your main dish and accompaniments separate, as things can get messy if you mix it all!
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat Chinese takeaway on the hob. This works really well for stir-fries:
- Heat a Pan
Add a small amount of cooking oil to a non-stick pan and heat it over medium heat. - Add your Takeaway
Once the pan is hot, add your takeaway to the heat and allow it to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. - Stir Well
You will need to stir your takeaway consistently throughout the reheating process so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. - Check the Temperature
When you think your Chinese takeaway is hot enough, use a probe to check the temperature of the meat. It should be 70°C before it’s safe to serve. - Serve and Enjoy
The final step is to sit down, enjoy your takeaway, and congratulate yourself for saving your leftovers! We know that’s not easy!
This depends on the type of dish. For saucy dishes like sweet and sour pork, the microwave is ideal. For stir-fries or fried rice, reheating on the hob retains texture and freshness. Choose based on the type of dish and desired texture.
How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway Sides
The above method works well for most Chinese takeaway mains, whether ginger beef or chicken chow mein. But what about all those sides? They’re often the best bits of a Chinese, so how do you reheat those?
Yes, you can reheat Chinese takeaway rice. Make sure to heat it thoroughly to avoid bacteria and consume it within 24 hours of first cooking.
Yes, you can reheat Chinese takeaway spring rolls. Using an oven or air fryer works best to maintain crispiness and avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Yes, you can reheat Chinese takeaway chips. For best results, use an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, and avoid microwaving, which can make them soft.
Tips for Reheating Chinese Takeaway
If you want to have complete success when it comes to reheating Chinese takeaway, then make sure you stick to these simple tips:
- Keep Things Separate: Keeping your dishes separate is the key to successfully storing and reheating Chinese takeaway. When packaging your leftovers, split your sides and add your main dish to separate containers.
- Store Leftovers Safely: You should never leave Chinese takeaway sitting out at room temperature for longer than necessary. As soon as you’ve finished your meal, package your leftovers and get them in the fridge.
- Freeze: If you don’t think you will enjoy your Chinese takeaway leftovers within 24 to 48 hours, you can freeze them for a few months. Again, it’s vital to get your leftovers in the freezer quickly, and you must defrost them before reheating.
How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway
Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes5
minutes10
minutesHere are 2 methods for reheating Chinese takeaway.
Ingredients
Leftover Chinese Takeaway
Oil
Directions
- How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway in the Microwave
- Place your Chinese takeaway on a microwave-safe plate, separating rice/noodles from the main meal for even reheating.
- Reheat on medium for 90-second intervals, ensuring the dish becomes piping hot.
- For meat dishes, ensure the temperature reaches at least 70°C to prevent food poisoning.
- Once satisfactorily reheated, transfer to a fresh plate and enjoy your meal.
- How to Reheat Chinese Takeaway on the Hob
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a small amount of cooking oil.
- Once hot, add your Chinese takeaway and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Continuously stir to ensure the food doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Check the meat’s temperature with a probe; it should reach 70°C before serving.
- Once reheated, serve your meal and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Ross is a freelance writer with a passion for delicious food and drinks, having worked in the hospitality industry in the past. He began working with Let’s Foodie when it first launched to provide information on how to reheat, freeze and microwave different foods.
