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 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 omitted too lengthy or isn’t cooled the appropriate means. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That will help you hold your leftovers fit for human consumption and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely the right way to retailer leftover rice the appropriate means. Let’s keep away from the waste and hold everybody wholesome!
Learn how 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! Nevertheless it seems, there’s a little bit extra to it. In the case of storing rice that’s already been cooked (and presumably seasoned), it wants some further care. If it’s not saved correctly, it could truly make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve received you lined; I’m strolling you thru precisely the right way to retailer rice the proper means. And since reheating it could appear to be one other problem inside itself, I’m masking 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 appropriate means. Depart cooked rice out too lengthy, and you may find yourself with a not-so-friendly visitor: Bacillus cereus.
How Lengthy Is Leftover Rice Good For?
Should 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 should you’re out there 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 a little bit 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, 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.) Try my submit, “Learn how to Retailer Rice Lengthy Time period,” for all the straightforward suggestions and methods.
How and The place to Retailer Leftover Rice
Cool the rice down rapidly.
Should you let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it could start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t need to exceed the two-hour mark. And if it’s omitted in temperatures above 90°F, that point restrict reduces to 1 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 could 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 right setting for micro organism. Plus, inserting scorching meals within the fridge can increase the general temperature, placing every part 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 reserve it even longer. Rice freezes very well and retains its taste and texture for as much as a month.
Trying to swap it up with cauliflower rice? Don’t miss my submit on “Learn how to Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s filled with suggestions that will help you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
Learn how to Reheat Leftover Rice: 3 Strategies
Reheating rice the appropriate means is simply as necessary 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.
Learn how to Reheat Leftover Rice within the Microwave
Microwaving your leftover rice is a fast and straightforward strategy 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 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 a great stir midway by way of.
Step 5: Test that it’s piping scorching and steaming all over—not simply heat within the center.
Learn how to Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Need to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to technique for retaining it delicate 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 now and again to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is sweet and scorching all over. Should you’re utilizing a thermometer, purpose for an general temperature of 165°F.
Learn how to Reheat Leftover Rice with Steam
Steaming rice is an effective way to convey it again to life—delicate, fluffy, and similar to it was freshly made.
Step 1: Arrange your steamer or place a steamer basket in a pot with a little bit 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.
Learn how to Reheat Frozen Rice
You possibly can completely use any of the strategies above to reheat frozen rice. And the most effective 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 protected and attractive.
Save your favourite leftover rice dishes to reheat for later—the appropriate means!
Studying about meals security isn’t precisely probably the most thrilling matter—however it’s such an necessary a part of retaining your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s probably not one thing most of us realized in class, I’m comfortable to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you understand how to securely retailer leftover rice and reheat it the appropriate means, 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 on your subsequent household meal? Listed below are a number of of my favourite rice recipes to attempt subsequent:
