Instant rice leftovers can be reheated. But, what about those pesky bacteria that live in rice? Should you be worried?
Unfortunately, some bacteria live in rice and they’re capable of surviving the reheating process.
The bacterium known as B. cereus can lead to food poisoning and trigger vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately, it may also lead to more severe problems in people who have other health issues.
Knowing that high temperatures are the friends of this bacterium, the right solution is to learn how to store leftovers properly and at which temperature.
When you reheat instant rice, it’s essential to cool and store it properly after cooking it. In this guide, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of storing and reheating instant rice!
Table of Contents
Can You Reheat Instant Rice?
Instant rice leftovers can be reheated. The key is to take the necessary precautions to ensure the food is 100 percent safe for consumption.
The first step for safe reheating is adequate storage. If you’ve cooled, refrigerated, or frozen the instant rice well, you can proceed to reheat it using some of the reheating options.
Before you reheat the rice, it’s essential to add liquid to it, like water or broth. For every cup of cooked instant rice, you should add around two tablespoons of liquid. This is to prevent the rice from drying out.
How to Store Leftover Instant Rice?
If you prepared the instant rice, but haven’t consumed the whole portion, don’t fret! Instant rice is a popular choice for a meal due to the quick cooking time.
Some brands of instant rice are ready within three minutes and others within 90 seconds!
To store leftover instant rice for later, you should do it properly to ensure it remains safe and maintains its quality.
One option, a short-term solution, is the fridge. Leave the cooked rice to cool down and transfer it to a container. Close it well and put it in the fridge. You can store the leftovers of rice in the fridge for three to five days.
If you don’t plan to consume the leftovers within this period, the freezer is a much safer option. You should use a freezer-safe container or a bag and put the cooled rice inside.
Close the container/bag well and set it in the freezer. You can store it like this for up to six months.
Options to Reheat Instant Rice
Here are the most common options to reheat instant rice:
On the stovetop
Turn the heat to medium and add the rice and the water to a pan with a lid. The lid is important for catching the steam during the reheating.
Cook for around five minutes and stir occasionally. Leave the rice covered for a couple of more minutes before you taste it to check if it’s heated enough.
If the rice looks crumbly and dry, you can add more water and reheat it for several more minutes.
In the microwave
Transfer the rice to a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle some water, cover the rice with a damp towel paper lightly, and turn the microwave on high for a minute per a single cup.
Heat until it’s equally hot. You can also put frozen instant rice directly into the microwave. For this, heat the rice on high for two minutes per cup.
In the oven
The oven takes the longest to reheat the rice, but many users prefer it due to the unique taste and texture it gives.
It’s more suitable for larger quantities and it will help you reheat them equally. To reheat the instant rice in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Don’t forget to add a couple of spoons of water to the rice before putting it in the oven. Choose a tray with a lid to preserve the moisture.
Cook the rice for 10 to 15 minutes and then check the texture and heat. Take it out on the counter and cover it lightly and it’s ready to serve!
How Long Can You Reheat Instant Rice?
Here’s a simple table summarizing the reheating times for instant rice using the microwave, stovetop, and oven methods:
| Reheating Method | Time | Intervals (if applicable) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave | 1-2 minutes per serving | Heat in 1-2 minute intervals | Stir between intervals to ensure even reheating. |
| Stovetop | 5-10 minutes | Stir occasionally | Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking. |
| Oven | 10-15 minutes | Check and stir halfway through | Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and spread rice evenly. |
Remember, these are general guidelines, and actual reheating times may vary. Keep an eye on your instant rice, and adjust the time accordingly for the best results.
How to Lower the Risk of Catching a Disease When Consuming Cooked Rice?
Since reheating cooked rice before consumption doesn’t necessarily destroy the bacteria or toxins that may have developed, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions.
Here are the best ways to reduce the risk of food-borne disease from reheated instant rice:
- Don’t store leftover rice at a temperature between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F for a longer period because it will be unsafe for consumption
- Any leftover rice needs to be properly stored and preserved in the freezer if you don’t plan to consume it within several days (the fridge is a suitable option for a shorter storage period)
- If you meal prep rice and cook it beforehand, cook smaller batches
- Keep the cooked rice hot or above 140 degrees F or cool it as fast as you can and put it in the fridge or freezer below 40 degrees F
- You can speed up the cooling process by taking out the rice from the hot pot and dividing it into smaller portions and putting it into containers that aren’t too deep
- Another great way to cool down rice is to put it into a colander run it under cold water and then store it in the fridge or freezer (below 40 degrees F)
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, instant rice is a quick shortcut for an easy and yummy lunch or dinner side dish. It’s not just easy to make and practical, it’s also freezer-friendly.
Leftover instant rice can be kept in the freezer for up to six months! In this way, you prevent the leftovers from ending up in the trashcan and preserve the tasty dish for later.
However, when freezing any type of rice, it’s important to do it properly to prevent bacteria. The bacteria in rice may survive the cooking process and if you fail to store the leftovers at an adequate temperature, you’re at of risk food-borne diseases.
What’s your favorite way to reheat instant rice to make it as delicious as the first time you cooked it?
I am Brianna, a self-published author with a passion for sharing my knowledge and expertise on various topics with people looking to find the perfect items for their needs. I love ensuring that the right informative content is available to people looking for the right information. I am an avid horseback rider and reader when I am not writing.
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