Can You Freeze Cooked Rice? Yes, Here’s How

I don’t know about you, but there have been many times when I’ve misjudged how much cooked rice I need for a meal and wound up with leftovers. Can you freeze cooked rice? Turns out, freezing rice is a great way to store it. Leftover rice is only safe to store in the refrigerator for four days, and it will keep far longer in the freezer. Here’s how to freeze cooked rice, plus tips for reheating rice.

Can you freeze cooked rice?

Yes! You can easily freeze cooked rice, which is great if you’ve made too much or got a surplus delivered with your takeout. You can even freeze rice that has other ingredients mixed in, including veggies or meat. Fried rice is an excellent example.

All varieties of rice freeze well. We’ve found that shorter types of rice retain their texture a bit better, including arborio or sushi rice. Longer-grained varieties, such as jasmine and basmati rice, tend to dry out a bit. We suggest reheating them with extra water or broth (more details on that below), or simply freezing them for a little less time. Chewy, nutty brown rice freezes well too, keeping its hearty texture even after a couple months on ice.

How long can you keep cooked rice in the freezer?

Stored properly, frozen rice lasts for up to three months in the freezer. Any longer than that will lead to dried out, flavorless rice. It may also become unsafe to eat if it’s not stored in an airtight container.

How to Freeze Rice

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Freezing rice the proper way will preserve its moisture content and prevent freezer burn.

1. Spread cooked rice across a metal baking sheet or baking pan.
2. Place the pan in the fridge, keeping the pan as level as possible so it won’t tip. (Sweeping up spilled rice is no fun!)
3. When the rice has cooled completely, portion it out into resealable plastic freezer bags or airtight containers. You can freeze a batch of rice in one container, but it can be handy to freeze individual servings (about 1/2 cup of cooked rice) so you only have to thaw as much rice as you need.
4. Store the sealed rice in the freezer. Label the package with the date to make it easy to track how soon you should eat it.

When should you freeze rice?

Freezing rice shortly after it has been cooked is a must. Rice can contain a bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can survive the cooking process and may lead to food poisoning. Since the bacteria thrive at room temperature, cooling rice as soon as possible after cooking is the safest policy. Sticking rice in the freezer stops potential bacteria growth in its tracks, which makes freezing a safer option than refrigeration.

How to Reheat and Use Frozen Rice

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the rice in the microwave. Add a tablespoon of water or broth per cup of rice and cover with a lid or paper towel. Microwave on high for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s steaming hot throughout. Use it in a healthy rice recipe, or serve it as a side dish with dinner.

It’s best to avoid reheating rice more than once. Repeated reheating can create the conditions needed for bacteria to grow. If you have any leftovers after reheating, throw them away.