Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Shari Mason
It is important to properly store Pad Thai, a popular dish from Thailand, to avoid spoiling. Refrigeration is necessary for this delicious dish because it contains a variety of ingredients.
But for how long is Pad Thai good in the fridge? Let’s see some tips to keep the Pad Thai fresh for a few days in the fridge.
How Long Will Pad Thai Last In The Fridge?
Pad Thai can last up to three days when stored in the fridge. It features a balance of flavors, making it one of the most recognizable Thai dishes internationally [1].
“Spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter flavors all make appearances in a single dish, and pad Thai is no exception.”
– Kelly Iverson, Freelance Writer, and Photographer
This dish usually has rice noodles, sliced chicken breasts, eggs, fish sauce, tamarind broth, brown or palm sugar, carrots, crushed red pepper flakes, and lime wedges.
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Factors To Consider
Homemade
You must only keep your homemade Pad Thai in the fridge for about three to four days. Let the dish cool completely after cooking before storing it in a tightly sealed container.
Or, if you have any leftovers, refrigerate them immediately.
Leaving cooked dishes at room temperature for more than two hours might lead to food poisoning.
Store Bought
Many stores and restaurants would replace some of Pad Thai’s important ingredients, altering its complex flavors and shelf life. Therefore, following the USDA’s guideline to refrigerate leftovers for only three to four days would be safer.
You can also depend on the expiry date, but you should still avoid storing store-bought Pad Thai for a long time.
Properly Stored
The best thing to do after cooking or buying Pad Thai is to consume it within the day. It won’t be good as leftovers, especially if you let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Refrigerating can make your Pad Thai last for a few more days until you reheat it for consumption.
Should Pad Thai Be Stored In The Fridge?
Yes, Pad Thai should be stored in the fridge, especially leftovers. Let the dish cool completely to prevent it from getting overcooked or soggy when stored in the fridge.
Transfer your Pad Thai into an airtight container before refrigerating. Due to its ingredients, Pad Thai won’t last very long at room temperature before harmful bacteria start growing.
How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad
Texture
As mentioned, Pad Thai combines ingredients that require proper storage. For instance, leaving it in the fridge for a few days with an open container would cause the dish to dry and harden.
The noodles may also turn mushy if you have already mixed them with a sauce and stored it in the freezer.
Odor
The smell of Pad Thai would turn overly sour or a bit like a wet dog once it has gone bad. It would only start to smell stronger the longer you keep it stored.
It may make you sick if you consume dishes with that “off” smell, so we recommend you consume the Pad Thai immediately.
Appearance
Another sign that you must throw that Pad Thai leftover is when its color starts to change. The sauce would turn dark brown or purple, and the noodles would turn yellow.
Moreover, the noodles would clump together, and the sauce would develop a film on top, giving it an unappetizing look.
Can You Freeze Pad Thai?
Yes, you can freeze Pad Thai for about two months, but remember a few points. It would be better to store the noodles uncooked and have a separate container for the sauce.
Mixing the sauce with the noodles would alter the texture and flavor of the dish, especially during the thawing and reheating process.
Tips & Tricks To Keep Pad Thai Fresh In The Fridge
- Store the Pad Thai in an airtight container or a bowl covered with cling wrap.
- Make sure that it has cooled completely before storing it in the fridge.
- You must avoid storing Pad Thai leftovers in the fridge for more than four days. The bacteria growth would increase after that, causing foodborne illnesses if you consume the food [2].
- If the Pad Thai has been at room temperature for more than four hours, don’t refrigerate it and simply discard it.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eIs it safe to reheat Pad Thai?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, it is safe to reheat Pad Thai at 165° Fahrenheit or higher after refrigerating. It would kill the bacteria and make it safe for consumption.
u003cstrongu003eHow long is Pad Thai sauce good for in the fridge?u003c/strongu003e
Pad Thai sauce is good for about two to three weeks in the fridge. Transfer it to an airtight container before storing it to prevent the sauce from drying.
u003cstrongu003eCan you eat five-day-old Pad Thai?u003c/strongu003e
No, it would be best not to eat a five-day-old Pad Thai. It is beyond the recommended guideline set by the USDA for safe consumption.
u003cstrongu003eHow long does Pad Thai sauce last?u003c/strongu003e
Pad Thai sauce could last about two weeks to three months, depending on how you store it. You can freeze the sauce using silicone ice cube trays and easily take the necessary cubes every time you cook.
Final Thoughts
For cooked rice noodles like Pad Thai, it would be best to consume them immediately after cooking or buying them. It contains many ingredients that can shorten its shelf life, so refrigerating is a good choice if you have any leftovers.
However, you should not let your cooked dish sit in the fridge for more than four days because it will create a good environment for bacteria to grow.
Keep your dish in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.
References:
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/650530/pad-thai-food-history
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-safety/faq-20058500
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