Have leftover rice from your favorite takeout restaurant or made too much at home last night? We'll show you four ways to reheat rice.
How to Reheat Rice—4 Easy Ways
Updated on Jun. 15, 2023
Rice is definitely a pantry staple around my house. It’s easy to make and can be combined with so many different ingredients to create easy healthy weeknight meals. I usually try to make a few extra portions to store in the fridge for leftover meals, but it always dries out so quickly. Even if I made perfect rice, the refrigerator dehydrates the kernels, turning them tough and sticky.
Luckily, if you know how to reheat rice, you can recreate the fluffy, light, moist texture of a fresh pot. Here’s how to properly store leftover rice, and four easy ways to reheat rice when ready to eat.
Storing and Using Leftover Rice
Leftover rice is good for up to four days in the refrigerator. Longer than that, and it may not be safe to eat. A bacteria called Bacillus cereus can grow on rice, especially rice left at room temperature for extended periods. Unlike other leftovers, this particular bacteria isn’t always killed during the cooking process.
The best way to avoid getting a foodborne illness is to cool down leftover rice quickly. Refrigerate rice as soon as possible after cooking or bringing home takeout containers. Leave the rice uncovered in the fridge until it’s cold, then cover it tightly.
If you can’t eat leftovers within a few days, rice is easy to freeze. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight storage container or a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. Rice keeps well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to reheat it, break the rice into chunks and use one of the cooking methods below.
How to Reheat Rice
You can reheat rice from the fridge or straight from frozen. The only trick? Reheat rice to at least 165°F. It should be steamy throughout.
How to reheat rice in a microwave
The microwave might not be the most glamorous method for reheating food, but it’s definitely the fastest. Place the rice in a microwave-safe container and add a tablespoon of broth or water for every cup of rice.
Break up any clumps of rice using a fork and cover the container with a lid or a damp kitchen towel. This step ensures the steam created by reheating the rice stays trapped in the container, keeping the rice moist. Cook the rice on full power for a minute or two, stirring the rice to make sure it’s heated all the way to the center.
How to reheat rice on the stovetop
Steaming rice on the stovetop is a great way to get day-old rice fluffy, since steaming steeps the rice in plenty of moisture. Place the rice in a small saucepan and add a tablespoon of broth or water for every cup of rice. You can also add a pat of butter to impart extra richness. Break up any clumps of rice using a fork, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice over low heat for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.
How to reheat rice in the oven
We like to reheat rice in the oven, especially if it’s already turned on to cook something else, like a sheet pan dinner. Heat the oven to 300°. Transfer the rice to a casserole dish or other oven-safe dish, spreading it evenly and breaking up any clumps of rice with a fork. Add a tablespoon of water or broth for every cup of rice. Cover tightly with a lid or foil. Bake until the rice is hot and steamy throughout, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir a pat of butter into the rice before serving for extra flavor.
How to stir-fry leftover rice
This last method is a great way to reheat rice if you’re adding more ingredients, like egg, meat or veggies. It’s also a good way to improve imperfectly cooked rice. To make fried rice, start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the rice, breaking up any clumps and moving the rice around the pan so the oil coats each granule. Cook the rice, uncovered, until it’s plump and heated through, about three minutes. Add your favorite ingredients—finely diced vegetables or tofu, for instance—to make it a filling meal.
Related:
