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 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 disregarded too lengthy or isn’t cooled the precise approach. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That will help you maintain your leftovers fit for human consumption and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely the right way to retailer leftover rice the precise approach. Let’s keep away from the waste and maintain everybody wholesome!
The right way to Retailer Leftover Rice
You may 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! However it seems, there’s just a little extra to it. In the case of storing rice that’s already been cooked (and probably seasoned), it wants some additional care. If it’s not saved correctly, it could truly make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve acquired you lined; I’m strolling you thru precisely the right way to retailer rice the proper approach. And since reheating it could seem to be one other problem inside itself, I’m protecting that, too. Able to maintain your rice protected and scrumptious whereas lowering 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 approach. Depart 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 if you happen to’re available in the market for brand spanking 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 just a little funky—like bitter or musty—or feels slimy or appears to be like 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.
Wish to maintain dry, raw rice contemporary for as much as 10 years? (Sure, you learn that proper.) Take a look at my put up, “The right 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 rapidly.
In case you let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it could start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t wish 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 settle down evenly. Purpose 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 is perhaps 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 setting for micro organism. Plus, putting scorching meals within the fridge can elevate 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.
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 put it aside even longer. Rice freezes very well and retains its taste and texture for as much as a month.
Trying to change it up with cauliflower rice? Don’t miss my put up on “The right way to Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s filled with suggestions that will help you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice: 3 Strategies
Reheating rice the precise approach is simply as vital as the way you retailer it. Listed below are a number 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 option to reheat it. Right here’s the right 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 lure in moisture.
Step 4: Microwave on excessive for 1 to 2 minutes per cup of rice. Give it stir midway by way of.
Step 5: Verify that it’s piping scorching and steaming during—not simply heat within the center.
The right way to Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Wish to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to technique for protecting it tender 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 from time to time to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is sweet and scorching during. In case you’re utilizing a thermometer, intention for an total 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—tender, fluffy, and similar to it was freshly made.
Step 1: Arrange your steamer or place a steamer basket in a pot with just a little 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 may completely use any of the strategies above to reheat frozen rice. And the perfect 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 attractive.
Save your favourite leftover rice dishes to reheat for later—the precise approach!
Studying about meals security isn’t precisely probably the most thrilling subject—nevertheless it’s such an vital a part of protecting your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s not likely one thing most of us discovered in class, I’m completely happy to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you know the way to securely retailer leftover rice and reheat it the precise approach, 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 to your subsequent household meal? Listed below are a number of of my favourite rice recipes to strive subsequent:
