Can You Freeze Cooked Rice? Here's How to Preserve the Grain and Save Money
The secret to fresh, fluffy rice at a moment’s notice.
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Rice is a global staple for a reason; it’s one of the most versatile ingredients around. The base of beloved dishes like risotto, congee, and paella, rice also serves as the perfect side: a blank canvas to absorb flavorful sauces. We often suggest serving dishes with rice, including Mango Chicken Curry, Spicy Sambal Shrimp Stir-Fry, and Roasted Tomatoes With Shrimp and Feta. If you’re like us and cook rice frequently, it might be worth making a big batch and freezing the cooked rice in portions (yes, you can freeze cooked rice!). Here, we’re sharing the best practices for freezing and reheating cooked rice so that you can enjoy a fresh, fluffy bowl at a moment’s notice.
Related: A Guide to the 10 Best Types of Rice, and How to Cook With Them
Can You Freeze Cooked Rice?
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice, and with our advice, it’s an easy process that can save you time and money. Make a big pot of your favorite rice, portion it out, and freeze it for whenever you want some fluffy, starchy grains. Or, if you make too much rice one day, portion and freeze the leftovers for your future self. You can freeze any type of cooked rice, from basmati to wild, and even brown rice; this method works no matter the variety.
Freezing cooked rice is actually preferable to refrigerating it — both for food safety reasons and for fresher, fluffier results. Freezing cooked rice at the proper temperature inhibits bacterial growth and preserves it for months. In terms of texture, refrigerated rice can become dry and chewy, which is ideal for fried rice but not ideal when you’re craving the fresh stuff.
Related: 17 Simply Delicious Rice Recipes You'll Want to Make Tonight
How to Freeze Cooked Rice
Follow these steps to freeze cooked rice safely and conveniently so that it’s easy to reheat.
Evenly spread out the just-cooked rice on a baking sheet, and let it cool at room temperature (this will take about 20-30 minutes).
When the rice has cooled completely, pack it in individual portions in freezer-safe plastic bags or food storage containers. Seal the containers tightly and label each one with the date and amount of rice inside. If you’re using plastic bags, flatten the rice so that the bags stack neatly in the freezer.
Transfer to the freezer, where the cooked rice should last for about 3 to 4 months.
How to Safely Reheat Rice That Was Frozen
Not only can rice be frozen, but it’s also easy to reheat following a trip to the freezer. If you think of it the night before, remove the desired portion of rice from the freezer and let it thaw. The next day, just transfer the thawed rice to a bowl and reheat it in the microwave, like you would with any leftovers.
Related: Here's the Best Way to Store Food in the Freezer
To reheat still-frozen rice, break it into chunks and transfer it to a bowl. Add a small amount of water to the rice (about 1 tablespoon of water per 1 cup of rice). Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid, and microwave on high for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the portion size and the strength of your microwave. Carefully remove the paper towel or lid, being mindful of steam. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
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