What Do You Do With Leftover Fast Food/Takeout Items?

**McD** · 05-18-2011, 11:13 AM

Yesterday, I got to thinking about the times that we order out for food and end up with leftover 'whatever'.

The few times my parents ordered Chinese food when we were growing up, we would always end up with a leftover container of sweet and sour sauce. My mom would pour it over chicken and bake it. I did this recently, but placed the chicken on skewers. Wesley loved eating pink chicken on a stick.

Last night I had a few leftover containers of the Papa John's garlic sauce. I sauteed onions in it and mixed it in with rice. Turned out pretty stinkin' good.

What do you do with the extras?

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-18-2011, 11:29 AM

I actually eat it the next day throughout the day. I also re-heat some of it and give it to DS7 for his lunch. If there's quite a bit of it left over, I also send some with DH to work. Fast food things like Chinese food and pizza don't last long. Heck, two large pizzas don't last beyond dinner for us. Having three males in this house is torture on my fast food spending.

**Libby** · 05-18-2011, 11:31 AM

I hate to admit it - stir fry is the cure all for any leftovers - food wise. Just give a second thought to the types of sauces/flavourings on your food before you combine to ensure that it will end up edible.

The only leftover sauces we have are pizza crust dipping ones and I use them for veggie dipping

**TigerGirl1226** · 05-18-2011, 11:49 AM

Use 'em up as I can. I know I've gotten creative when them in the past, but can't think of specifics right now.

**Squidge** · 05-18-2011, 12:29 PM

It depends on what it is - Chinese and Indian foods get eaten the next day with fresh naan/flat bread or rice as a lunch usually, but unfortunately the leftovers from fish and chip/chicken goujons/burger meals generally get thrown out because they don't reheat well.

I love having garlic mayo left over because we'll find a way to include it in our next dinner - regardless of what it is - since it's so delicious

Originally Posted by Libby

I hate to admit it - stir fry is the cure all for any leftovers - food wise. Just give a second thought to the types of sauces/flavourings on your food before you combine to ensure that it will end up edible.

The only leftover sauces we have are pizza crust dipping ones and I use them for veggie dipping

I love doing that, too.

**oheoh's momma** · 05-18-2011, 01:26 PM

We never have fast food left overs but I have thrown away many Pappa Johns Butter sauce. I think I will save them throw them in the freezer for later. Yummy idea about onions. I bet on pasta with veggies that would be good. Smart lady

**zakity** · 05-18-2011, 07:53 PM

What is the fast food/take out leftovers thing that you speak of? **teehee**

That sort of thing doesn't exist in my universe (such as life with three teen boys). But, if the guys ever move out, you all have given me some good ideas!

**frugalwarrior2** · 05-18-2011, 08:16 PM

What the teens don't eat dogs will. And i do cook w/ the sauces.
Esp. Taco Bell and Chinese soy.

**Debbie-cat** · 05-18-2011, 09:56 PM

We never have leftovers. DH is one of those midnight snacking type of people and he always finishes them off!

**mndtrp** · 05-19-2011, 12:06 AM

Due to the wife's Celiac, we don't get take-out or delivery any more. When we did, it was typically Chinese food, and we would use leftover packets when we made our own stir fry. Occasionally, I would take the packets to work, where other people would use them up.

If you're talking about leftover food, that always gets eaten, if there is anything left in the first place.

**nuisance26** · 05-19-2011, 07:55 AM

~I throw out the sweet and sour sauce because our take-out place males the worst, watered down, Kool-Aid stuff. Yuck. I also throw out duck sauce. I can't think of anyway to use it because we hate it. I've finally gotten DH to tell them not to give us any when he picks up now.
I'll ask for a box to take home leftover bread and fries(DH thinks I'm crazy since that's not the good stuff)but I'll throw the fries into an omlette and make bread crumbs with the rolls. Every little bit helps.

~

**shoiji** · 05-19-2011, 11:34 AM

They just get eaten the other day. I save the packets that come with chinese food. That of course is only if there are leftovers.

**Imarachne** · 05-19-2011, 07:48 PM

We save the packets in the frig and they come in handy for spicing up some meals for my daughter and I because the rest of the family likes blander foods.