If your loved ones’s something like mine, you find yourself with leftovers as a rule. 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 all the time 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 helpful 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 not noted too lengthy or isn’t cooled the precise method. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That will help you preserve your leftovers suitable for eating and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely how you can retailer leftover rice the precise method. Let’s keep away from the waste and preserve everybody wholesome!
The way to Retailer Leftover Rice
You may assume storing leftover rice is as straightforward as tossing it in a container and popping it within the fridge. I used to assume the identical factor! However it seems, there’s somewhat extra to it. With regards to storing rice that’s already been cooked (and presumably seasoned), it wants some additional care. If it’s not saved correctly, it could actually truly make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve received you coated; I’m strolling you thru precisely how you can retailer rice the proper method. And since reheating it could actually appear to be one other problem inside itself, I’m overlaying that, too. Able to preserve your rice secure and scrumptious whereas decreasing waste and saving some cash?
Can You Save Leftover Rice?
Sure, you’ll be able to 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 could possibly find yourself with a not-so-friendly visitor: Bacillus cereus.
How Lengthy Is Leftover Rice Good For?
In case you’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 for those who’re available in the market for brand new ones!). Wish to stretch it even additional? Freeze it! It’ll last as long as a month within the freezer.
Now, in case your rice smells somewhat funky—like bitter or musty—or feels slimy or seems off, it’s time to toss it. That in all probability goes with out saying, however simply to be clear, relating to meals security, higher secure than sorry.
Wish to preserve dry, raw rice contemporary for as much as 10 years? (Sure, you learn that proper.) Take a look at my submit, “The way to Retailer Rice Lengthy Time period,” for all the easy suggestions and methods.
How and The place to Retailer Leftover Rice
Cool the rice down shortly.
In case you let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it could actually start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t wish to exceed the two-hour mark. And if it’s not noted in temperatures above 90°F, that point restrict reduces to 1 hour.
To chill it shortly and safely, unfold the rice in a skinny layer on a baking sheet or shallow container. This helps it settle down evenly. Goal 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 could be questioning, why not simply stick the recent 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 right atmosphere for micro organism. Plus, putting sizzling meals within the fridge can increase the general temperature, placing all the pieces 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 greatest 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 reserve it even longer. Rice freezes rather well and retains its taste and texture for as much as a month.
Seeking to change it up with cauliflower rice? Don’t miss my submit on “The way to Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s filled with suggestions that will help you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
The way to Reheat Leftover Rice: 3 Strategies
Reheating rice the precise method is simply as necessary as the way you retailer it. Listed here are a couple of easy (and secure!) methods to heat up leftover rice so it’s tasty and able to go.
The way to Reheat Leftover Rice within the Microwave
Microwaving your leftover rice is a fast and simple solution to reheat it. Right here’s how you can 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 stop 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 stir midway by means of.
Step 5: Test that it’s piping sizzling and steaming right through—not simply heat within the center.
The way to Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Wish to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to methodology for protecting it gentle 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 prime and heat it over low to medium warmth.
Step 4: Stir the rice once in a while to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is sweet and sizzling right through. In case you’re utilizing a thermometer, purpose for an general temperature of 165°F.
The way to Reheat Leftover Rice with Steam
Steaming rice is an effective way to convey it again to life—gentle, fluffy, and identical to it was freshly made.
Step 1: Arrange your steamer or place a steamer basket in a pot with somewhat 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 sizzling and able to serve.
The way to Reheat Frozen Rice
You possibly can completely use any of the strategies above to reheat frozen rice. And the perfect half? No must thaw it first! Simply pop it straight into the microwave, pan, or steamer.
Fast Tip: When reheating rice, don’t refreeze it. And check out to not reheat it greater than as soon as—simply to maintain issues secure 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 necessary a part of protecting your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s not likely one thing most of us discovered in class, I’m glad to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you understand how to soundly retailer leftover rice and reheat it the precise method, you’ll be able to be ok with saving it for later. (As a result of let’s be sincere, some rice dishes are simply too good to not take pleasure in twice!)
Want some concepts to your subsequent household meal? Listed here are a couple of of my favourite rice recipes to strive subsequent:
