From shop-bought Super Noodles to Chow Mein from your favourite Chinese restaurant, there are so many ways in which noodles can be enjoyed on a day to day basis. But what happens if you have some noodles leftover? Can you reheat noodles?
To reheat noodles, pop them into the microwave with a splash of water, cover and then microwave for 3 minutes. You can also reheat noodles in the oven or a pan over a medium heat.
How to Reheat Noodles
Reheating noodles is nice and straightforward.
Whether you have some Chinese takeaway left from the night before or some homemade stir-fry noodles you want to take to work for lunch, you have three options for reheating them – in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stovetop.
We explain each method in detail below:
How to Reheat Noodles in the Microwave
The easiest way to reheat noodles is in the microwave. You can do so by following these steps:
- Add to a Microwave-Safe Bowl
Place your noodles in a suitably sized microwave bowl or plate. - Add Moisture
Add a splash of moisture to your noodles, whether water, soy sauce, or something similar. This will stop them from drying out in the microwave. - Cover
Use plastic wrap to cover your noodles (or a paper towel) and place them in the microwave. - Reheat
On your microwave’s medium setting, reheat your noodles for ninety seconds. Take them out, check the temperature, and repeat for ninety seconds until they’re piping hot. - Check the Temperature
If your noodles contain meat or fish, you need to check they’re at least 75C or 165F before eating them. - Serve and Enjoy
Add seasoning to your noodles and serve them while they’re still hot.
How to Reheat Noodles in the Oven
If you don’t have access to a microwave, you can reheat your noodles in the oven. The method is similar to the above, but they require slightly longer, as we explain below:
- Preheat Oven
Switch on your oven and preheat to 200C or 395F. - Place Noodles in a Dish
Add your noodles to a casserole dish or something similar. - Add Moisture
Add a splash of water, soy sauce, or something similar to your noodles. You could make up a flavoursome oriental broth to add to the dish before reheating your noodles. - Cover
If your casserole dish has a lid, cover it and place it in the oven. You can use tin foil if you don’t have a lid. - Reheat
Place your noodles in the oven for ten minutes and allow them to reheat. - Check the Temperature
If your noodles contain meat or fish, you need to check they’re at least 75C or 165F before eating them. - Serve and Enjoy
Your noodles are now ready to devour alongside your chosen accompaniment.
How to Reheat Noodles on the Stovetop
The final way you can reheat noodles is on the stovetop. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Heat a Pan
Place a non-stick frying pan on the stovetop and add a splash of cooking oil and some seasoning. Turn on the stove and heat over a medium flame for 30-60 seconds. - Add Noodles
Drop your noodles in the pan once it’s hot and begin stirring. - Reheat
Heat your noodles in the pan for 4-5 minutes, stirring consistently. You can add some moisture if you like (soy sauce, water, etc.), but it’s unnecessary as the oil will keep them moist. - Check the Temperature
If your noodles contain meat or fish, you need to check they’re at least 75C or 165F before eating them. - Serve and Enjoy
Once your noodles are piping hot, they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Reheat Noodles Successfully
Below are our top 3 tips for reheating noodles. If you want to have complete success, then make sure you stick to these:
- Keep them Separate – If you have some noodles leftover as part of your Chinese takeaway, it’s a good idea to keep them separate from the other dishes. This makes your life a lot easier when reheating your leftovers, and you can add them to the same plate once they’re hot.
- Store in the Fridge or Freezer – You should never leave your noodles at room temperature. This can cause harmful bacteria to grow and make your noodles unsafe to eat. As soon as you know, you’ll keep your leftovers for another day, cover them well and get them in the fridge or freezer as quickly as possible.
- Always Add a Splash of Moisture – No matter which way you decide to reheat your noodles, you need to add some moisture to your dish or pan before reheating them. They will dry out and won’t taste great if you don’t.
Is It Safe to Reheat Noodles?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to reheat noodles. The most important thing to be aware of is how you store your noodles, as leaving them out at room temperature can cause them to spoil.
If you want to store your leftovers for another day, wrap them up and place them in the fridge or freezer.
Reheating Noodles FAQs
Do you still have questions about reheating noodles? Then these FAQs might help! If not, feel free to drop a comment at the bottom of this page:
Yes, reheating egg noodles is perfectly safe. Reheating them is easy; it’s storing them where things can go. You must ensure that the noodles were not left at room temperature once cooled.
Yes, noodles that are already mixed with meat can be reheated. You must check the meat is completely hot. It is also important to know how that meat was stored. It must not have been left at room temperature for too long.
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.
