Need to know how to freeze cooked rice? With this best method, it only takes THREE simple steps to extend rice’s shelf life for up to FOUR months. Rice freezes easily while still maintaining that fluffy texture, so next time you have leftovers, don’t toss them—put them in the freezer instead!
Can you freeze cooked rice?
YES you CAN freeze cooked rice, whether it’s leftover white rice or brown rice from a stir fry, rice salad, or casserole. It’s pretty common to make more rice than you need, so freezing it is a great way to take care of leftovers and stash a quick meal for later. Here’s everything you need to know.
Here’s an idea: double the amounts in this Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe OR switch it up with this Wild Rice recipe. Then, use some for a quick weeknight meal (like this Pumpkin Curry or Instant Pot Yellow Chicken Curry) and then follow the steps below to freeze the rest for easy meal prep.
Table of Contents
How to Freeze Cooked Rice
1. Cook and cool the rice
The best way to speed this step up is to spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes.
If you’re worried about the bacteria Bacillus cereus forming, place your rice in the fridge to let it cool down. Bacillus cereus can cause food poisoning if uncooked rice or cooked rice sits at room temperature too long.
2. Place in freezer-safe container
When it’s time to put the rice in the freezer, you have a couple of options.
You can use a Ziploc bag to mold the rice into a flat sheet. This can make it easier to store in a small freezer. Be sure to remove as much air as possible by sucking it out with a straw or a vacuum sealer.
Additionally, you can portion sizes in individual containers or plastic bags. Freezing in small batches allows for an even quicker thaw when you’re ready to use it next, whether it’s for one person or a family.
3. Freeze for up to 3-4 months
Don’t forget to add a label with the date on your container or plastic freezer bags, so you don’t eat it past the 4-month mark.
FAQs
Yes, freezing rice is safe as long as you do it soon after it’s cooked.
Rice lasts up to 4 months in the freezer.
It takes anywhere from 3-5 minutes to defrost frozen cooked rice on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing rice can change the taste if you do not store and reheat it properly.
Microwave cooked rice on high for 2-3 minutes. Add an ice cube on top of the rice so it doesn’t dry out.
To reheat on the stovetop, place cooked rice in a saucepan with a couple tablespoons of water, butter, or olive oil on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Add water or ice cubes to your rice when reheating. This will ensure that your rice will not dry out and lose its fluffy texture.
- Cool the rice in the fridge. If you’re worried about Bacillus cereus, this will help you handle your rice properly.
- Freeze rice in smaller amounts. This will make it easier to know exactly how much rice to defrost—½ cup is a full serving.
What to serve with rice?
Need a new main dish to incorporate all that rice? Here are some favorite ideas:
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Rainbow Sushi Rice Bowl (3 Sauce Options!)
- Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
- Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey and Rice
- Avocado Roll (with Cucumber)
- Instant Pot Jambalaya
Favorite Rice Recipes
You’ll definitely want to try out these rice recipes to complement your weeknight dinners:
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How to Freeze Cooked Rice
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Ingredients
- 2-4 cups rice
Instructions
How to Freeze Cooked Rice:
- Cook the rice and then let it cool to room temperature. (Learn how to cook rice)2-4 cups rice
- Once cooled, place the rice in a freezer-safe tupperware container or in a Ziplock bag with the date written on the front. If using a plastic bag, ensure all of the air is removed by sucking it out with a straw or vacuum sealer.
- Place the rice in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
To Reheat Frozen Rice:
- Warm up in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a large skillet or pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
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Notes
- Nutritional value based on 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
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- Add water or ice cubes to your rice when reheating. This will ensure that your rice will not dry out and lose its fluffy texture.
- Cool the rice in the fridge. If you’re worried about Bacillus cereus, this will help you handle your rice properly.
- Freeze rice in smaller amounts. This will make it easier to know exactly how much rice to defrost—½ cup is a full serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
