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 wind up with leftovers. Making fried rice is a great way to ensure that leftover rice doesn’t go to waste, but freezing rice is another option. Here’s everything you need to know.

Can you freeze cooked rice?

Yes! You can easily freeze cooked rice, which is great if you’ve made too much or want to shave down how much time you spend making dinner. You can also freeze rice that has other ingredients mixed in, including veggies or meat, as a simple part of your weekly meal prep.

We’ve found that certain types of rice, like arborio, sushi rice and bomba, freeze better than jasmine or basmati rice.

How long can you keep cooked rice in the freezer?

Frozen rice lasts up to a month in the freezer for the best results. After that, it dries out and loses some of its flavor. It can also become unsafe to eat if it’s not stored in an airtight container.

How to Freeze Rice

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Here’s your crash course in freezing rice the right way.

1. Spread the cooked rice on 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 zip-top freezer bags or air-tight containers ( 1/2 cup of cooked rice is one serving).
4. Stash the bags in the freezer.

When should you freeze rice?

Freezing rice shortly after it has been cooked is a must: Bacillus cereus bacteria spores can survive the cooking process and lead to food poisoning if the rice is left out. Since the bacteria thrive at room temperature, sticking rice in the freezer stops potential bacteria growth in its tracks. It also makes freezing a better option than refrigeration.

How to Reheat and Use Frozen Rice

When you’re ready to take your rice out of the freezer, reheat your rice in the microwave. Just make sure it’s completely heated through and piping hot before you tuck in. Avoid reheating rice more than once. Repeated reheating can create the conditions needed for bacteria to grow. If you have any leftovers after reheating, it’s best to throw them away.