If you have a bigger batch of rice leftovers, the oven is a great place to warm up it. This method may be lengthier than the microwave or the air fryer, but it’s totally worth it!
Food that is reheated in the oven is yummy and it doesn’t require a lot of tools to be done. In the case of rice, you can easily reheat the leftovers in a simple oven-safe dish and cover it lightly with a piece of aluminum foil.
But, before we learn how to reheat rice using the oven, it’s essential to learn how to store leftover rice properly. This is a vital step that ensures the food maintains its safety and quality!
Let’s go!
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How to Store Leftover Rice?
Storing leftover rice is essential to keep it safe and tasty for later consumption.
The fridge is a suitable choice for storing it for a couple of days. If you don’t plan to eat it within this period, the freezer is a much more suitable option.
When you learn how to store rice adequately, you prevent it from losing its moisture and forming clumps as it’s being reheated. Proper storage allows for tasty and fluffy rice with a light texture, similar to the one when you first cooked it.
Here are the best tips when it comes to storing leftover rice:
- You can keep rice in the fridge for up to four days
- Always leave the leftovers to cool down entirely before you store them
- Never leave rice at room temperature for more than an hour or so
- Use airtight containers to store the rice to prevent it from drying out and losing its texture
- Don’t forget to label the containers, especially the ones that go in the freezer, to know the date of storage
- You can keep leftover rice in the fridge for a couple of days; however, frozen rice can be stored for up to six months
- If you’re using freezer bags instead of containers, squeeze out the surplus air inside before you close it
- Thaw the frozen rice in the fridge by leaving it overnight or by heating it up in some of the available options like the oven, microwave, stovetop, etc.
How to Reheat Rice in the Oven?
Though it takes a bit more time than the microwave or the stovetop, the oven is a great choice for reheating rice. It’s ideal for multiple servings and the taste and texture will be the closest to the one from when you first cooked it.
The oven doesn’t cause the food to become mushy as it’s the case with some other options like the microwave.
What’s more, the ultimate crispy texture of rice can only be achieved with the oven. If you’re not a fan of boiled foods and prefer a crispier texture of food, the oven will be your favorite choice, that’s for sure!
Using the oven to reheat rice is a straightforward process. To ensure optimal taste, follow the steps below:
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F
- Spread the rice in a thin layer over a baking dish and break out any clumps
- Sprinkle two tablespoons of water or broth per cup of rice
- Using aluminum foil, cover the dish tightly
- Put the dish in the heated oven and reheat for 15 to 20 minutes
This reheated rice makes a great individual or a side dish. You can also use it as an ingredient for other dishes that call for rice as an ingredient.
Which Are the Best Ways to Reheat Rice Leftovers?
Reheating rice in the oven is only one of the options you have.
If you’re in a rush and don’t have the time to wait for the oven to heat up and then wait for the additional 20 minutes to heat up the leftovers, you should consider some of the other heating methods.
Let’s take a look at the most effective ones below:
- The microwave
This is the quickest way to reheat rice and other grains. It’s effective and also suitable for defrosting frozen rice.
It’s also great for smaller, individual portions. Distribute the rice leftovers evenly in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle some broth or water on it and cover it lightly with a damp paper towel.
Heat the rice for short intervals of 20 to 30 seconds before you check it out and stir it well before you put it back again.
Two minutes is usually enough to reheat it thoroughly. Thanks to the damp towel, the grains won’t dry out and the rice will be soft and pleasant.
- The stovetop
This is one of the most practical ways to reheat leftover rice. You need a skillet or a pot with a bit of cooking oil.
Put the rice in it and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle some water or broth; usually, you need around two tablespoons per cup of rice. Cover the pot and heat it on low heat for five minutes or so.
The lid will help create steam that will keep the rice moist to become fluffy. Stir it occasionally to remove any clumps. Once it’s heated evenly, remove it from the heat and serve.
- An instant pot
If you’re looking for a great leftover rice texture, reheat it in the instant pot. The best option is to store the leftover rice in a heatproof dish and then reheat the rice in its dish.
To do it, place the trivet into the insert pot of the appliance. Add some water to the insert pot and then lower the dish on the trivet.
Don’t forget to fluff out the rice to ensure it heats up evenly. You can add a bit of water if you wish.
Put the lid on and close the vent. Turn up the pot to the Steam function and set the timer to five minutes before you release the steam. You can add a minute or two if the portion is larger or if the rice isn’t as warm as you want it!
- Air fryer
The air fryer eases our lives on a daily basis. And, it doesn’t just cook food, it’s also a great reheating method!
To reheat leftover rice in the air fryer, transfer the leftovers to the pan and cover them lightly with a piece of aluminum foil.
Cook it at 320 degrees F for five to six minutes until it’s warm and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
The oven is one of the best ways to reheat leftover rice if you prefer a crispier taste and you have a large batch.
The oven is unmatched when it comes to the flavor and texture of food.
When the leftovers have been properly stored, this method allows you to reheat the rice gradually and delivers a tasty dish that you can’t differentiate from the first time it was cooked!
If you’re looking for a quicker option, the microwave or the air fryer may be more suitable. Which rice reheating option is your favorite one and which one you don’t recommend?!
