In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can I keep Chinese takeaway in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of Chinese takeaway. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled Chinese takeaway.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can I keep Chinese takeaway in the fridge?
Chinese takeaway lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days (can vary depending upon the quality of ingredients used to make it and the storage conditions) if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for Chinese takeaway’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep Chinese takeaway at?
Chinese takeaway should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your Chinese takeaway at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does Chinese takeaway last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, Chinese takeaway lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, Chinese takeaway left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and Chinese takeaway left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does Chinese takeaway last in the freezer?
Chinese takeaway lasts for 3-6 months in the freezer (can vary depending upon the type of Chinese food) if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the Chinese takeaway extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the Chinese takeaway.
How to defrost frozen Chinese takeaway?
You can quickly defrost frozen Chinese takeaway by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed Chinese takeaway can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen Chinese takeaway in a bowl of cold water, in the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it.
How to vacuum seal Chinese takeaway?
You may even vacuum seal your Chinese takeaway at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the Chinese takeaway in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal Chinese takeaway at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated Chinese takeaway?
Once the refrigerated/frozen Chinese takeaway has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the Chinese takeaway goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your Chinese takeaway, and reheated Chinese takeaway should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled Chinese takeaway?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your Chinese takeaway has gone bad. To determine if Chinese takeaway has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your Chinese takeaway, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy Chinese takeaway since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the Chinese takeaway and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour, ammonia-like, or some off-smell while sniffing your Chinese takeaway, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting Chinese takeaway with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled Chinese takeaway. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your Chinese takeaway and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
You can read how to make Wonton sauce here.
How to properly store Chinese takeaway?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the Chinese takeaway, within 2 hours it is cooked, in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared Chinese takeaway, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Chinese takeaway that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Chinese takeaway should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long can I keep Chinese takeaway in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of Chinese takeaway. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled Chinese takeaway.