How to Reheat Pad Thai
Pin RecipeIf you're like me, you love Pad Thai. But sometimes you don't have time to make it from scratch. That's where this guide comes in. In just a few minutes, you can reheat Pad Thai so that it tastes just as good as the first time around.
Ingredients:
- leftover Pad Thai
Instructions:
How to reheat pad thai on the stove:
- Microwave your Pad Thai noodles for five seconds before adding them to the pan. Five seconds isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s just the right amount of time to help you get that perfect reheat. Any longer, and you’ll end up with soggy noodles.
- Once microwaved, use a fork to separate the noodles gently so it’s easier to stir and evenly distribute without having some parts more cooked than others.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat and add 1 or 2 tablespoon of oil. Peanut oil is a great choice as it has an incredibly high smoking point and won’t burn. However, other oils like vegetables and canola will also work. Heating the skillet ensures that the oil will be hot enough to heat the noodles quickly.
- After the oil shimmers, add the slightly microwaved Pad Thai noodles to the pan and pour a splash of water ( 1 or 2 tbsp, depends how many noodles you have) or extra Pad Thai sauce. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan and also adds some moisture that will help keep them moist.
- Avoid stirring the noodles if possible. Instead, try flipping them over to cook both sides evenly. Distribute the heat evenly over the pan for one to two minutes or your preferred temperature. This will help keep the noodles’ texture intact and piping hot throughout.
- Add some of your favorite vegetables to the pan, such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas (although they are optional). This will help to add flavor and color to the Pad Thai. Stirring everything very gently before taking it off the heat will ensure that everything is evenly cooked and heated.
- Serve your reheated Pad Thai noodles with freshly squeezed lime juice for extra zing, and garnish with your favorite herbs such as cilantro, Thai basil, or mint.
How to reheat pad thai in the microwave:
- Be creative.Before you pop them in the microwave, scoop the leftover rice noodles into a circular-shaped plate and arrange them into a doughnut shape (like a ring). Doing this helps heat to conduct evenly, ensuring that your noodles get heated up nicely rather than having cold spots where the heat doesn’t reach.
- Add extra moisture.Give your Pad Thai a splash of water just before reheating (about 1 tbsp). This will create steam, which helps add some moisture back into the meal, eliminating any dryness that may have been caused by its time in the fridge. It also prevents it from becoming tough and chewy as it would if you were to reheat it without water.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel.You want to keep all the precious moisture you just added! To prevent the water from evaporating in the process, cover your Pad Thai with a damp paper towel before reheating. Be sure to use one that isn’t dripping wet, as too much water could make the noodles soggy instead of perfectly cooked.
- Heat in short bursts.Set your microwave to 50% power, and start heating your noodles for 30 seconds. After each interval, give them a gentle stir with chopsticks or a fork to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. Keep heating at 30-second intervals until you’ve achieved a piping-hot dish. You’ll know it’s done when it’s steaming and fragrant.
- Finish with flavor.After reheating your Pad Thai, add a few fresh herbs and spices sprinkles to give it an extra punch of flavor. A bit of lime juice or fish sauce can also bring out the natural sweetness in the noodles.
How to reheat pad thai in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Preheating helps the oven reach the desired temperature quickly so that food can be cooked evenly.
- Microwave the pad thai noodles for 5 seconds.Taking the leftover Pad Thai out of the fridge will likely be very clumpy, making it tricky to spread out without breaking them. This process helps to break down the bonds between the noodles due to the cold temperatures they were stored in, thus allowing them to be spread out easily on the baking tray. This helps create an even layer of Pad Thai that will cook evenly in the oven.
- Lay the pad thai on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil.You can use cooking oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray. Gently spread out the noodles, ensuring they are in an even layer and not clumped together.
- Wrap the tray in foil.This helps to contain the heat and moisture while cooking, creating a steamy environment that will help keep the Pad Thai moist. The foil also helps to keep the Pad Thai from drying out and prevents it from burning.
- Bake for 5 to 10 minutes.The exact baking time will depend on the size of your baking dish and the amount of Pad Thai you intend to reheat. After 5 minutes, check if the Pad Thai is heated through. If not, bake for 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. Keep an eye on the noodles during this process to avoid overcooking them.
- Serve immediately.Once the Pad Thai is heated through, it’s time to serve! From a quick snack to a full meal, reheated Pad Thai can be enjoyed anytime! Enjoy your freshly-reheated Pad Thai with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Notes:
The shelf life of leftover Pad Thai.
The shelf life of leftover foods is not nearly as long as you would like. The deliciousness of Pad Thai is no exception. The best practice is to try and eat all your leftovers within three days or risk them going bad – an unfortunate fate that no one wants for their beloved dish. The good news is that a savory meal like Pad Thai makes for some great leftover lunches or dinners the next day! The key is to ensure you're storing it in an airtight container and keeping it in a refrigerator. That way, your leftovers will stay as fresh as possible for that final meal. Who knows, you might even like it better, cold!Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
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