Prevent noodles from sticking when leftover in fridge
and sorry for the basic question but I'm a... basic cook.
I'm trying to replicate a simple meal I buy at the local shop which is fine when eating hot, but when cooling, leaving in the fridge and eating during the week, the noodles always stick together.
These are the noodles I use - and I cook it with chicken, sweet chilli sauce and other veg etc. I've read drizzling in olive oil helps but it didn't help me, so I assumed that's when cooking and not when putting into tubs to keep during the week.
I have also read that instead you should cook the noodles separate, then rinse them - now I haven't tried this yet as when cooking my noodles I add herbs/spices etc, wouldn't then rinsing wash the flavours off the noodles?
Or am I supposed to rinse first and then throw into the saucepan with the flavours from the chicken etc, and then add my flavourings?
Thanks in advance!
(I will eat the noodles cold the next day, no need to reheat).
Best Answer
The cooking method for the noodles you're using says:
- Allow 1 block of noodles per person.
- Plunge them into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Drain well and toss in a splash of soy sauce.
When serving as part of a stir-fry: Rinse in cold water, drain, then add to the wok, tossing all ingredients together just before serving for a spectacular stir-fry with masses of flavour.
The first part of the method i.e. cooking the noodles separately is for when you want to use them plain.
The second paragraph of the method is what would be applicable in your situation. Cook your chicken/veg with the flavorings. Rinse the noodles in cold water, drain and then add to the pan mixing everything together just before serving.
When you cook the noodles with other ingredients without rinsing the noodles first, the starch washed off the noodles causes them to stick. So Yes, you're supposed to rinse them first.
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Storing Plain Pasta in the Fridge Place the leftover pasta in the container or bag and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil or mix with a small amount of butter, tossing well to make sure the pasta is not sticking together and is lightly coated. The type of oil is up to you.How do you keep noodles from sticking together in the refrigerator?
Should you rinse pasta leftovers under the cold water before storing it in the fridge - it won't stick together. A pasta rinsed in cold water will stop cooking. Once the pasta is cooled, it can be used right away in a cold pasta dish or stored in the refrigerator.How do you store cooked noodles without sticking them?
Cooked pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within two days. Pasta that has been cooked but has not been mixed with sauce should be tossed with extra-virgin olive oil prior to being stored to avoid clumping.Can I keep cooked noodles in the fridge?
Cooked and fresh homemade pasta should be stored in the refrigerator to slow mold growth and preserve its freshness as long as possible. Most pastas last in the fridge for 3\u20135 days.Secrets to preventing spaghetti from sticking together || How to cook pasta || No more sticky pasta
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Answer 2
When using noodles of this sort for a stir-fry, I don't even simmer them. I just soak them in boiling water from a kettle for a few minutes to soften, moving them about with a fork or chopsticks a couple of times to separate. Then I strain but don't rinse, and then dress evenly with only just enough sesame oil to keep them from sticking. They can be prepared ahead and allowed to cool, if that's convenient.
It's very easy to overcook noodles, so for me, they go into the fry last, really just to heat through, just before whatever finishing sauce is blended in.
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