How to Reheat Rice

How to Reheat Rice (The Complete Guide)

Rice is one of the most widely consumed food, there is hardly any country or community where rice isn’t part of their meal. Rice is cheap, easy to make, it is also very delicious, rice is also one of the food that can be joined with others, there is no end to what you can make out of rice.

However, rice can get hard and dry. It can also get out of taste, if not properly heated. Rice may also require a special way of storing, this is because, if not stored properly, it is an easy host for bacteria that causes food poisoning. it is very essential to know what to do to your rice when it gets hard and dry, especially when places in the freezer.

The first response to this from others will be to reheat, however before we agree on this, we need to know if it is safe to reheat rice.

It is believed by many that reheating rice can be bad for human health, this is because it can lead to food poisoning. Is this claim true or false? what we do know is that; according to the NHS food poisoning can be gotten from reheating your rice, however, the poisoning doesn’t come in the process of reheating but in how the food was stored.

You should eat your rice immediately after it is cooked. However, if you have reasons for not eating it immediately or have some left, you must store it properly, after storing properly, make sure it doesn’t stay for more than a day before reheating, especially if kept in the fridge. It is also important to not reheat your rice more than once.

Also, make sure the rice is hot while you consume it.

What are the different methods for reheating rice?

There are different methods to properly reheat rice without getting it to be gummy or dry, however, some methods may be good for some types of rice and not for others.

1. Steam on stove 

Before you begin to reheat, make sure you are reheating the amount that will be completely consumed. This is due to the bacteria build-up that can occur as a result of reheating.

  • Take your rice out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 – 20 minutes until it gets to room temperature.
  • Place the rice in a frying pan or a skillet, with low heat, and add very little water.
  • Cover properly with a fitting lid and cook for 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Continually stir, this will break up the lumps in it.

2. Steam in microwave 

Steaming with microwave is almost the easiest way to reheat, however, it can turn out bad if not properly done. The microwave can make the rice get dry so you need to be careful.

  • Put the rice in a safe dish or bowl.
  • Add very little water into the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel.
  • Heat on medium heat, with 30 seconds intervals.
  • Continue for 2 – 3 minutes or until the rice is properly heated.
How to Reheat Rice
Image: Envato Elements

3. Steam in oven

If you have never heard of reheating your rice in the oven, we’re glad to be the first to bring it to you. Unknown to many, your oven can be used to reheat rice, especially if you are reheating for a large number of people.

  • Put rice in a shallow dish, so the heat can get to it.
  • Splash some water into it and cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake for about 20 -35 minutes or until the rice is well heated.
  • Turn the oven off and leave the rice in there. The residual heat can help the rice stay warm.

Reheating rice isn’t so bad and so bad after all, you have to be careful so you don’t have to reheat multiple times. There are other questions rice lovers ask concerning reheating. Some of them are as follow;

What can be made with leftover rice? 

You may be caught between throwing your leftover rice away, keeping it in the fridge, or using it to make another food, however, the question is, what can you make with your leftover rice? He is some of the food you can make with your rice?  

  • Vegan wild-rice stuffed butternut squash
  • Chicken fried rice balls
  • Brown rice and bean burrito
  • Curried rice and chickpeas with egg
  • Crispy risotto cakes
  • Chicken rice soup
  • Mini sushi pizza
  • Glazed salmon miso soup rice bowl
  • Crispy rice
  • Paella salad.

The list of what to do with your leftover rice is not limited to all these. There are so many foods that can be made from leftover rice. You can check for the recipe of these foods here.

Is day-old rice safe to eat?

It is absolutely fine to eat leftover or cooked rice many days after it was cooked. You only have to make sure it is properly stored and isn’t kept at room temperature for a long time. you can store your rice in a fridge. You can also reheat only the portion you’ll be eating when you want to reheat.

Is rice okay to eat if left out all night?

It isn’t safe for you to consume rice that is left at room temperature for a long time. this is because spores can grow into bacteria and these bacteria will multiply and produce poisons which can lead to diarrhea and other illnesses. The longer you leave your rice at room temperature, the more harmful it becomes for you.

Can I freeze cooked rice?

Freezing rice is a major way of preserving it. it is especially good for people who like to cook in large quantities and reheat. You can freeze any cooked rice. You only have to be sure that it is placed in an airtight container and properly closed. This way it can stay for up to one month.

Final thoughts 

Throwing your rice away should not be your first reaction when you have leftovers. You also can now stop reheating your rice the wrong way. If you do not intend to finish a portion of your leftover rice, you should not reheat it. you can also turn your leftover rice into other delicious meals.

Read next: The 7 Healthiest Vegan Friendly Cereals to Eat Often