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 cook dinner from scratch. One factor we at all times appear to have hanging out within the fridge? Rice. Particularly once I make a giant 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 ignored too lengthy or isn’t cooled the precise method. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That can assist you hold your leftovers suitable for eating and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely find out how to retailer leftover rice the precise method. Let’s keep away from the waste and hold everybody wholesome!
The best way to Retailer Leftover Rice
You would possibly suppose storing leftover rice is as straightforward as tossing it in a container and popping it within the fridge. I used to suppose the identical factor! But it surely 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 will probably truly make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve acquired you coated; I’m strolling you thru precisely find out how to retailer rice the proper method. And since reheating it will probably seem to be one other problem inside itself, I’m protecting that, too. Able to hold your rice secure and scrumptious whereas lowering 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 might find yourself with a not-so-friendly visitor: Bacillus cereus.
How Lengthy Is Leftover Rice Good For?
For those who’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 in case you’re available in the market for brand spanking 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 somewhat funky—like bitter or musty—or feels slimy or seems to be off, it’s time to toss it. That in all probability goes with out saying, however simply to be clear, in the case of meals security, higher secure than sorry.
Need to hold dry, raw rice contemporary for as much as 10 years? (Sure, you learn that proper.) Try my publish, “The best way to Retailer Rice Lengthy Time period,” for all the easy suggestions and tips.
How and The place to Retailer Leftover Rice
Cool the rice down shortly.
For those who let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it will probably start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t wish to exceed the two-hour mark. And if it’s ignored 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 calm 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 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 setting for micro organism. Plus, inserting sizzling meals within the fridge can elevate the general temperature, placing all the things 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.
Preserve 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 reserve it 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 best way to Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s full of suggestions that can assist you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
The best 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 just a few easy (and secure!) methods to heat up leftover rice so it’s tasty and able to go.
The best way to Reheat Leftover Rice within the Microwave
Microwaving your leftover rice is a fast and straightforward method to reheat it. Right here’s find out how 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 moist 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: Verify that it’s piping sizzling and steaming right through—not simply heat within the center.
The best way to Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Need to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to technique for holding it smooth 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 now and again to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is good and sizzling right through. For those who’re utilizing a thermometer, intention for an total temperature of 165°F.
The best way to Reheat Leftover Rice with Steam
Steaming rice is a good way to carry it again to life—smooth, fluffy, and similar 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 best way to Reheat Frozen Rice
You may completely use any of the strategies above to reheat frozen rice. And the very 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 check out to not reheat it greater than as soon as—simply to maintain issues secure and attractive.
Save your favourite leftover rice dishes to reheat for later—the precise method!
Studying about meals security isn’t precisely essentially the most thrilling matter—but it surely’s such an essential a part of holding your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s not likely one thing most of us discovered in class, I’m completely satisfied to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you understand how to securely 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 trustworthy, some rice dishes are simply too good to not get pleasure from twice!)
Want some concepts to your subsequent household meal? Listed below are just a few of my favourite rice recipes to strive subsequent:
