How Long Can You Keep Cooked Rice In The Freezer?
We've all been there. You cook rice on the stove, intending to eat the large batch throughout the week. But then life happens, and suddenly that Tupperware of leftover rice is taking up valuable real estate in your fridge. Can you freeze cooked rice and still have it taste good? We did some digging to find out.
First off, when freezing cooked rice, it's important to make sure that it's tightly sealed in an airtight freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn, which can give your rice an off flavor. Then, you'll be all set to reheat and enjoy your rice whenever you need it. There is, however, a much more important reason for sealing your rice tightly before freezing it: preventing the growth of bacteria.
According to Allrecipes, cooked rice that's left in the fridge can harbor bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The heat of cooking kills any active bacteria. However, the spores are heat-resistant enough to remain on the rice, leading to additional growth on long-standing cooked rice. To reduce the risk of getting sick, make sure to freeze any leftover rice once it cools — but how long will it last?
Have cooked rice at the ready for those busy weeknights
According to Think Rice, which promotes and encourages the use of U.S.-grown rice, cooked rice can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Of course, the longer it stays in the freezer, the dryer it becomes, so it's always best to reuse frozen rice sooner rather than later. Still, that's a pretty impressive storage time!
When you're ready to use your frozen rice, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's steaming hot all the way through. Reheating frozen rice is quick and easy, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners. And because it will last for months, you can always have some on hand for those emergency dinner situations.
So next time you have leftover rice, don't hesitate to stick it in the freezer — it'll be delicious when you're ready to eat it again. It will keep for up to six months, so you can enjoy it long after it's initially been cooked. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when cooking rice.