If your loved ones’s something like mine, you find yourself with leftovers most of the time. And hey—I’m not complaining! Leftovers have saved us on so many busy evenings when there’s simply no time to prepare dinner from scratch. One factor we at all times appear to have hanging out within the fridge? Rice. Particularly after I make an enormous batch of cilantro lime rice within the rice cooker!
Leftover rice is so useful and versatile, however right here’s the factor—not storing it correctly can truly be dangerous. Rice can develop icky micro organism if it’s disregarded too lengthy or isn’t cooled the precise method. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That will help you hold your leftovers fit for human consumption and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely the best way to retailer leftover rice the precise method. Let’s keep away from the waste and hold everybody wholesome!
The right way to Retailer Leftover Rice
You may assume storing leftover rice is as simple as tossing it in a container and popping it within the fridge. I used to assume the identical factor! Nevertheless it seems, there’s a bit of extra to it. In the case of storing rice that’s already been cooked (and probably seasoned), it wants some further care. If it’s not saved correctly, it might truly make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve received you coated; I’m strolling you thru precisely the best way to retailer rice the proper method. And since reheating it might seem to be one other problem inside itself, I’m overlaying that, too. Able to hold your rice protected and scrumptious whereas decreasing waste and saving some cash?
Can You Save Leftover Rice?
Sure, you possibly can completely save leftover rice—however provided that you cool it down, retailer it, and reheat it the precise method. Go away cooked rice out too lengthy, and you might find yourself with a not-so-friendly visitor: Bacillus cereus.
How Lengthy Is Leftover Rice Good For?
If you happen to’re popping leftover rice within the fridge, it’ll keep good for 3 to 4 days in an hermetic container. (These are my go-to containers when you’re out there for brand new ones!). Need to stretch it even additional? Freeze it! It’ll last as long as a month within the freezer.
Now, in case your rice smells a bit of funky—like bitter or musty—or feels slimy or seems to be off, it’s time to toss it. That most likely goes with out saying, however simply to be clear, on the subject of meals security, higher protected than sorry.
Need to hold dry, raw rice contemporary for as much as 10 years? (Sure, you learn that proper.) Take a look at my publish, “The right way to Retailer Rice Lengthy Time period,” for all the straightforward suggestions and tips.
How and The place to Retailer Leftover Rice
Cool the rice down rapidly.
If you happen to let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it might start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t need to exceed the two-hour mark. And if it’s disregarded in temperatures above 90°F, that point restrict reduces to at least one hour.
To chill it rapidly and safely, unfold the rice in a skinny layer on a baking sheet or shallow container. This helps it quiet down evenly. Intention to get it cooled and into the fridge inside an hour—two hours max. Any longer, and it’s time to toss it.
And also you may be questioning, why not simply stick the new rice straight into the fridge? When rice is packed right into a deep container, the center can keep heat for too lengthy, even contained in the fridge. That creates the proper surroundings for micro organism. Plus, inserting scorching meals within the fridge can increase the general temperature, placing every little thing else in danger, too.
Retailer in an hermetic container.
As soon as cooled, switch and retailer cooked rice in an hermetic container or a resealable bag. This retains it contemporary and protects it from any micro organism. It additionally helps lock in that moisture so it doesn’t dry out earlier than you’re prepared to make use of it once more.
Maintain it within the fridge or freezer.
It’s finest to maintain your fridge at 40°F (or decrease!) to retailer leftover rice safely. It’ll keep good in there for about 3 to 4 days.
Or, pop it within the freezer to put it aside even longer. Rice freezes rather well and retains its taste and texture for as much as a month.
Seeking to swap it up with cauliflower rice? Don’t miss my publish on “The right way to Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s filled with suggestions that can assist you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice: 3 Strategies
Reheating rice the precise method is simply as essential as the way you retailer it. Listed below are a couple of easy (and protected!) methods to heat up leftover rice so it’s tasty and able to go.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice within the Microwave
Microwaving your leftover rice is a fast and straightforward strategy to reheat it. Right here’s the best way to do it proper so it seems fluffy, not dry or chewy.
Step 1: Scoop your rice right into a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Add a splash of water—about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of rice. This helps forestall it from drying out.
Step 3: Cowl the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a humid paper towel to entice in moisture.
Step 4: Microwave on excessive for 1 to 2 minutes per cup of rice. Give it a superb stir midway by means of.
Step 5: Examine that it’s piping scorching and steaming throughout—not simply heat within the center.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Need to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to methodology for preserving it comfortable and fluffy.
Step 1: Begin by including the rice to a nonstick skillet or pan.
Step 2: Pour in a splash of water or broth—about 2 to three tablespoons per cup of rice works nice.
Step 3: Pop a lid on high and heat it over low to medium warmth.
Step 4: Stir the rice every so often to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is sweet and scorching throughout. If you happen to’re utilizing a thermometer, goal for an general temperature of 165°F.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice with Steam
Steaming rice is an effective way to deliver it again to life—comfortable, fluffy, and similar to it was freshly made.
Step 1: Arrange your steamer or place a steamer basket in a pot with a bit of water.
Step 2: Add your rice to the basket and canopy it up.
Step 3: Let it steam for about 5 to 10 minutes, or till it’s piping scorching and able to serve.
The right way to Reheat Frozen Rice
You’ll be able to completely use any of the strategies above to reheat frozen rice. And one of the best half? No have to thaw it first! Simply pop it straight into the microwave, pan, or steamer.
Fast Tip: When reheating rice, don’t refreeze it. And take a look at to not reheat it greater than as soon as—simply to maintain issues protected and engaging.
Save your favourite leftover rice dishes to reheat for later—the precise method!
Studying about meals security isn’t precisely essentially the most thrilling subject—but it surely’s such an essential a part of preserving your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s probably not one thing most of us discovered at school, I’m completely satisfied to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you understand how to soundly retailer leftover rice and reheat it the precise method, you possibly can be ok with saving it for later. (As a result of let’s be sincere, some rice dishes are simply too good to not get pleasure from twice!)
Want some concepts in your subsequent household meal? Listed below are a couple of of my favourite rice recipes to strive subsequent:
