Shrimp lo mein is a beloved takeout staple that many of us enjoy With its soft noodles, stir-fried shrimp, vegetables, and savory sauce, it makes for a quick, tasty meal.
But when you don’t finish it all in one sitting, leftovers are inevitable. So how long does shrimp lo mein really last in the fridge?
Well, if stored properly in an airtight container shrimp lo mein will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. However factors like ingredients, storage method, and fridge temperature all impact the shelf life.
Read on for a complete guide to help you store, reheat, and recognize when your leftover shrimp lo mein has gone bad. With these tips, you can safely enjoy this tasty dish for days to come!
What is Shrimp Lo Mein? A Classic Chinese-American Dish
Lo mein originates from Cantonese Chinese cuisine. The name “lo mein” comes from the Cantonese phrase meaning “stirred noodles.”
This tasty dish consists of wheat flour noodles that get lightly cooked then stir-fried with shrimp, vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and a savory sauce. Popular proteins also include chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.
The result is a flavorful combination of textures and taste. Soft, chewy noodles paired with crisp-tender vegetables and succulent shrimp doused in a salty-sweet sauce.
Shrimp lo mein has become a favorite Chinese-American takeout meal. Its quick prep and versatility make it a convenient, crowd-pleasing choice.
While takeout is handy, homemade shrimp lo mein often tastes even better. The secret is using fresh, quality ingredients.
Cooking your own allows you to customize flavors to your taste too. Try adding ginger, garlic, scallions, or chili sauce for extra flair!
How Long Does Leftover Shrimp Lo Mein Last in the Fridge?
Okay, you’ve cooked up a tasty batch of shrimp lo mein. But how long will it last once refrigerated?
In general, leftover shrimp lo mein will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
However, several factors impact how long it lasts:
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Ingredient Freshness – Fresher ingredients extend shelf life. Old veggies and shrimp shorten it.
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Cooking Method – Stir-frying preserves texture and locks in flavor longer.
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Storage Container – An airtight container prevents odors and air exposure.
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Fridge Temperature – Colder fridge temps (40°F or below) keep food fresher longer.
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Sauces & Proteins – Sauces and proteins, like shrimp, spoil faster than veggies and noodles.
For best safety and quality, aim to eat leftover shrimp lo mein within 3 to 5 days. But always check for signs of spoilage before eating.
How To Tell If Shrimp Lo Mein Has Gone Bad
Follow your senses to determine if leftover shrimp lo mein is still good. Watch for these signs of spoilage:
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Smell – An unpleasant, sour, or “off” odor indicates spoilage. Fresh lo mein smells appetizing.
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Appearance – If the color changes, especially darkening or becoming more dull, don’t eat it.
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Texture – Mushy noodles, veggies, or shrimp are also a bad sign. Lo mein should seem crisp.
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Mold – Spotting any mold, even just a few dots, means tossing the whole dish. Mold spreads quickly.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe and throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick by eating spoiled shrimp lo mein.
Proper Storage for Extending Fridge Life
Storing shrimp lo mein correctly helps prolong its freshness. Follow these storage tips:
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Let leftovers fully cool before refrigerating.
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Transfer to an airtight glass or plastic container. This prevents air exposure and odor absorption.
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Make sure the container seals tightly. Any gaps allow air inside, which accelerates spoilage.
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Position the container on a refrigerator shelf, not the door. Temps are more consistent on shelves.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave shrimp lo mein at room temperature too long.
Reheating Shrimp Lo Mein
While fresh is best, leftovers can still taste great when properly reheated. Here are the best reheating methods:
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Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
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Microwave – Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each. Adjust time as needed. Covering helps.
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Toaster Oven – Bake in a toaster oven at 300°F until warmed through, 5-10 minutes usually.
No matter how you reheat shrimp lo mein, always consume within a day to retain quality and safety. Only reheat once too.
Tips for Extending Fridge Life
Here are extra tips to help your leftover shrimp lo mein last as long as possible:
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Use high-quality ingredients – The fresher your shrimp, noodles, and veggies, the longer the dish stays good.
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Undercook the noodles – They’ll finish cooking when stir-fried. Avoid mushy, soggy noodles.
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Cool promptly before refrigerating – Letting it cool minimizes condensation inside the storage container.
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Divide into portions – Only reheat what you’ll eat. This avoids repeat cooling and reheating of the entire dish.
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Freeze for longer storage – Freeze in airtight containers for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
The Dangers of Eating Spoiled Shrimp Lo Mein
Eating spoiled, bacteria-laden food can cause terrible illnesses. With shrimp lo mein, risks include:
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Salmonella – From undercooked shrimp, causes fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
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Vibrio – Bacteria in raw or undercooked seafood leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
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Bacillus cereus – Spore-forming bacteria from reheated rice or noodles induces vomiting and diarrhea.
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Escherichia coli – Raw veggies contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria triggers bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
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Staphylococcus aureus – Bacteria from improperly handled food causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Don’t mess around with foodborne illnesses! Discard shrimp lo mein past its prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about how long that leftover shrimp lo mein will last? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
How long can I keep takeout shrimp lo mein?
Takeout shrimp lo mein will keep for 3 to 4 days maximum. The transit time shortens its fridge life slightly.
What happens if I eat spoiled shrimp lo mein?
You risk getting sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and other foodborne illness symptoms.
Can I tell if shrimp lo mein is bad by smelling it?
Yes, an unpleasant or sour smell means it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Is it safe to eat shrimp lo mein that’s been in the fridge for a week?
No, shrimp lo mein stored for longer than 5 days is not safe to eat. Toss it out.
Should I keep lo mein with shrimp separate from veggies?
Yes, storing proteins away from produce is smart since meats spoil faster.
Can I freeze leftover shrimp lo mein?
Absolutely! Frozen properly in an airtight container, it will keep for 1 to 2 months.
Can I reheat shrimp lo mein more than once?
Only reheat leftovers once for food safety. Multiple reheats increase bacteria growth.
The Takeaway on Storing Shrimp Lo Mein
Mastering leftovers is key to enjoying shrimp lo mein safely. With proper refrigeration and reheating, you can indulge in this classic dish for up to 5 days after cooking. Just be diligent about checking for signs of spoilage before eating.
Implement the storage, reheating, and food safety tips provided here. Soon, you’ll become a pro at keeping leftover shrimp lo mein fresher for longer!
Refrigerating Fresh Lo Mein Noodles
Fresh Lo Mein noodles will last for three to five days if they are put in the fridge right away in a container that keeps air out. Making sure the container is properly sealed will keep food from coming into contact with air and water, which can cause it to go bad.
Culinary Applications of Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein noodles are a versatile ingredient in Chinese food that are used a lot in both traditional and modern recipes. Their capacity for integrating with various ingredients makes them a staple in Chinese takeout and homemade meals alike.