How long does cooked food keep in the fridge?

[30slifecrisis]

So I am really trying to get more into batch cooking healthy meals (I live alone), so a) it saves on time during the week and also b) so I can start losing weight and not rely on take-aways, ready meals etc. But I am a bit of a novice when it comes to all of this stuff, so apologies if this is a stupid question.

How long generally does cooked food last in the fridge? And how many times can you re-heat it?

For example, I made a chilli con carne yesterday. I ate one portion last night. Kept two in the fridge and froze one. I am planning on having one portion from the fridge today. Would it be okay to have the other portion from the fridge tomorrow? And then I'll probably have the frozen portion next week.

And could I keep cooked chicken etc in the fridge and then re-heat the day after, 2 days after etc?

Once cooked I tend to go with 3-4 days as a rough rule

Something like chilli, bolognese or veggies only will be ok for a bit longer than that, say 5 days.

Chicken or prawns I'm a bit more cautious (no science behind that, just gut feel!) and I'd fall more on three days.

If it's DH or me I'll push the boundaries because we'll 'know' if it's off. I don't trust the kids as much to shout up and say 'eugh, no mum, gross!'.

3-4 days. You should only reheat anything once, but could separate out the portions before you reheat if you don't want both at the same time.

If I cook (vegetarian meal) on Monday, I reheat Tuesday and Wednesday. Any longer and I freeze, defrost, reheat (or cook from frozen).

But only reheat once - so cook it once, then reheat a portion to eat.

I would not reheat something multiple times.

I'd say at least 4 days. As others said, portion out so you only re-heat the portion you're going to eat. I've kept cooked chicken for a week before with no issues!

I'd say three days. That's the well known advice. But one more day on certain items could be fine. If it smells fine then it probably is. The idea is you fully reheat it anyway so the bacteria would be killed off.

I live alone and batch cook
I portion it all into individual glass containers
Freeze some. The rest I usually keep in the fridge for 3 days depending what it is
Reheat once only

I cook meals for the working week on a Sunday or Monday and leave them in the fridge. So 4-5 days is always fine.

This was told to me by my aunt - mother of 3 and retired doctor - when I went back to work after met leave. I havn't poisoned anyone yet!

By batch cooking a different meal once a week, you'll soon end up with a good selection of meals in your freezer.

Oh and I recommend this website!

www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk

It really depends what it is. Anything seafood/ fish I would eat immediately. Chicken based dishes last up to 3 days, red meat up to 4. Assuming it hasn't been left at room temperature for over 90 minutes and has been correctly cooled etc.

I generally keep in the fridge for 3 days. Your plan to freeze one is great, I overcook and put portions in the freezer. Take out the day before you want it to defrost in fridge and then heat up thoroughly. If it's something like a stew or curry I freeze the day after as the flavours will get better after a day. You will build up a useful freezer stock soon, remember to label so you know what is it!

I cook a whole chicken every Sunday for lunches during the week, it lasts us to Friday and we have never been ill. Only reheat food once and always make sure its piping hot all the way though. If you are microwaving stir it halfway through cooking or you get hot spots.

Oh good. I cooked chicken breasts on Monday and intended to eat one yesterday but forgot, so will be having it today instead. Looking forward to not dying in agony.

They're very expensive but we got given a set of the Zwilling vacuum sealing containers for our wedding and they make food last AGES, especially in the glass ones and particularly salad-y type stuff. So would recommend those or something similar (I'm sure there will be cheaper versions!) for batch cooking :)

I opened up a packet of king prawns on Sunday night (cooked) and they’re been in the fridge since. Will they be ok to eat tonight?

Anyone?

If they were cooked when you defrosted, and they've been stored in a tight container, I would say they would be fine tonight.

But I would be chucking tomorrow if not used.

Do you think sabra hummous that was opened 8 days ago but has been in the fridge and doesn’t go off for another 10 days is ok to eat today?

Yeah. If it's not fizzy it will be fine.

I cooked a whole chicken on Wednesday night and have kept all of the leftovers in the fridge. I am assuming they will be ok to eat today - how do I warm it up? Microwave seems a bit wrong for roast chicken!

Anyone?

Roast chicken will be fine to eat tonight. Take the time to take it all off the bone and put a bit aside for tonight, a bit aside for something else tomorrow and freeze the rest in single portions for other days.

To reheat today, I would heat slowly in a covered pan and then take the lid off at the end for a bit of browning if necessary. Or use it in something else that isn't reheated roast - risotto, stir fry, pie.

Tonight or tomorrow make stock from the bones with a bit of carrot, leek and celery. It only need take an hour. Freeze in portions for risotto, stews, soups etc.