Retailer Leftover Rice
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 all the time appear to have hanging out within the fridge? Rice. Particularly after 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 really be dangerous. Rice can develop icky micro organism if it’s neglected too lengthy or isn’t cooled the correct manner. No, thanks, meals poisoning.
That can assist you maintain your leftovers suitable for eating and scrumptious, I’m breaking down precisely the way to retailer leftover rice the correct manner. Let’s keep away from the waste and maintain everybody wholesome!
Retailer Leftover Rice
You would possibly 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! But it surely seems, there’s slightly extra to it. In relation to storing rice that’s already been cooked (and presumably seasoned), it wants some additional care. If it’s not saved correctly, it might probably really make you fairly sick. Yikes!
However don’t fear, I’ve acquired you coated; I’m strolling you thru precisely the way to retailer rice the proper manner. And since reheating it might probably look like one other problem inside itself, I’m protecting that, too. Able to maintain your rice secure 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 correct manner. Go away 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?
When 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 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 slightly funky—like bitter or musty—or feels slimy or seems off, it’s time to toss it. That most likely goes with out saying, however simply to be clear, in the case of meals security, higher secure than sorry.
Need to maintain dry, raw rice contemporary for as much as 10 years? (Sure, you learn that proper.) Take a look at my submit, “ 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.
When you let cooked rice sit out at room temperature for too lengthy, it might probably start to develop dangerous micro organism. You actually don’t need to exceed the two-hour mark. And if it’s neglected 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. 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 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 surroundings 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.
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 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 submit on “ Freeze Cauliflower Rice.” It’s filled with suggestions that can assist you save time and reduce down on meals waste.
Reheat Leftover Rice: 3 Strategies
Reheating rice the correct manner is simply as necessary as the way you retailer it. Listed here are just a few easy (and secure!) methods to heat up leftover rice so it’s tasty and able to go.
Reheat Leftover Rice within the Microwave
Microwaving your leftover rice is a fast and straightforward approach to reheat it. Right here’s the 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 a great stir midway via.
Step 5: Verify that it’s piping scorching and steaming right through—not simply heat within the center.
Reheat Leftover Rice on the Range
Need to reheat rice on the range? Right here’s my go-to technique for holding 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 from time to time to maintain it from sticking.
Step 5: Warmth till the rice is good and scorching right through. When you’re utilizing a thermometer, purpose for an general temperature of 165°F.
Reheat Leftover Rice with Steam
Steaming rice is a good way to deliver it again to life—delicate, fluffy, and identical to it was freshly made.
Step 1: Arrange your steamer or place a steamer basket in a pot with slightly 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.
Reheat Frozen Rice
You’ll be able to 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 take a look at 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 correct manner!
Studying about meals security isn’t precisely essentially the most thrilling matter—but it surely’s such an necessary a part of holding your loved ones wholesome. And because it’s not likely one thing most of us realized at school, I’m joyful to assist fill within the gaps!
Now that you understand how to soundly retailer leftover rice and reheat it the correct manner, 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 here are just a few of my favourite rice recipes to attempt subsequent:
