3 Methods for Reheating Leftover Rice, Plus How to Store It Safely (2024)

FAQs

How to safely store and reheat rice? ›

So the key is to cool and refrigerate leftover rice as quickly as possible. Spread it out in a thin layer on a baking sheet or tray so it cools rapidly. Then, when cold, put into a container, cover and chill in the fridge. Keep the rice for no more than a day before reheating it – and then only reheat it once.

Store In the Refrigerator

As Dokter notes, storing cooked rice in the refrigerator is essential for food safety. "Refrigeration slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, keeping the rice fresh and safe to eat for a longer period," says Dokter.

Cool the rice to 70°F (21°C) within two hours. Rice should then be wrapped, dated and refrigerated. Cooked rice may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Rice may be reheated on top of the stove, in a steamer or in the oven.

Reheated rice syndrome is food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that spreads in improperly cooled starches. Throw out rice and other starchy foods that have been left out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.

It doesn't take much to reheat rice, so picture a few spoonfuls of water for each standard takeout container. Next, cover the saucepan and place it over low or medium-low heat.

It's always handy to have a big batch of rice in the fridge, but there are a few things to keep in mind for safe storage. Cooked rice can be stored in a refrigerator for three to four days, and in the freezer for up to a month. To avoid food poisoning, never refrigerate hot rice and do not reheat rice more than once.

Cloths and towels should not be used as a cover because they can carry harmful bacteria. Instead, use clean lids, aluminium foil or cling film to cover the rice. Rice can also be kept hot (in a bain marie or rice cooker etc.) as long as it is kept at a temperature of 63°C or hotter.

Open the storage container and remove the lid. For each cup of rice, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. Place the lid lightly back on top to allow the rice to re-steam. Place in the microwave and heat for 3–4 minutes, or until piping hot throughout.

Because the bacteria thrives at room temperature, you want to fully cool it before you put it in the fridge — if you stick it in when it's too hot, especially in a closed container, the rice will stay at a higher temperature longer.

Can I reheat rice in an air fryer? ›

To reheat your rice in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer at 320 degrees for 3 minutes. Place your refrigerated or frozen rice in a cake pan. Air fry your rice for 8 minutes if refrigerated; if your rice is frozen, you will want to up that to 10 minutes.

If you're serving the rice and place it in a bowl on your table at room temperature, then it must be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. If the rice sits out for two hours at room temperature or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above (like eating outdoors), then the rice should be tossed.

Cooked rice that's been stored properly in the fridge should be eaten within four to six days, according to the USDA. Trout personally won't let her leftovers linger longer than a few days.

Cooked rice is very moist, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria growth if it is left at room temperature for more than two hours. Play it safe and cool down any leftover rice quickly—either by spreading it out on a baking sheet, or placing it immediately in the refrigerator.

“Always let your cooked rice cool completely, uncovered, before refrigerating it; otherwise, the warm rice will trap a lot of moisture in the container and it will spoil faster,” says Johnson. “You can cool the rice quickly by spreading it out on a sheet pan, then transfer it to an airtight container once cooled.”

Can you freeze cooked rice? Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. Cool it as quickly as possible by placing it in a shallow container in the fridge. Once the rice is completely cold, transfer it to freezer bags in desired portion sizes, flatten to about 3cm thick and expel as much air as possible before sealing tightly.