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Learn How to Reheat Rice so you can enjoy soft and fluffy leftover rice again. These tips and tricks will help you enjoy rice the second time around.
Leftover rice is always a plus when we order take out or make a meal with rice. It is an easy side to add to leftover meats and add vegetables for an amazing lunch idea. You can easily re-purpose Instant pot White Rice Recipe, Jasmine Rice Recipe, Basmati Rice Recipe and Microwave Brown Rice in many different ways.
If you are looking for ways to reuse big batch of rice, check out these 8 easy ways. You can easily change the seasoning, see how to season white rice and How to Season Brown Rice.
Table of Contents
Why We Love to Reheat Rice
Reheating rice can be done in the microwave, oven, or on your stovetop. It is possible that the texture may change after the rice sets in the fridge.
It could even lose its moisture and becomes tough, chewy and clumps together. But with these three options will help you reuse your leftover rice and help you store it properly.
We love to save leftover rice to save money. It reheats easily and it makes a great side dish to your favorite protein and veggies our.
Can You Heat Up Already Cooked Rice?
Yes, you can reheat already cooked rice. When reheating rice for another meal, you are trying to add moisture back into the rice. You can easily add in tablespoons of butter, broth or oil to bring the fluffy texture back into the rice.
Don’t throw out that leftover rice and reheat it in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven. It will be fluffy, delicious and taste like you just made it.
How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave
Microwave is one of the easiest and best way to reheat rice. It is fast and convenient and brings your microwave to life. When you take it out of the refrigerator it will clumped together. Put it on a microwave-safe container or bowl and bring the rice up with a fork to break up the large clumps.
You may need to add a little water or butter and cover the rice with a damp paper towel or tight-fitting lid. Reheat in the microwave at one minute intervals until rice is heated thoroughly. You may even add an ice cube for a easy trick seen on Tiktok.
How to Reheat Rice on the Stove
I like to steam the leftover rice on the stove. It easy to steam rice and taste just like I made it. I know that it isn’t always an option, but it a simple process. Depending on the amount of rice you have, I prefer to reheat on the stove.
Place the leftover rice in a saucepan or wok with a splash of water to add moisture back to the rice. Begin breaking up the rice with a fork while it is in the stovetop. Place cover on the sauce pan and reheat over low heat.
Keep stirring the rice until rice is heated thoroughly.
How to Reheat Rice in the Oven
Reheating rice in the oven is also an easy option to heat up your leftover rice. Place the rice in a baking dish with a splash of water. Break up the clumps of rice with fork and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake the leftover rice at a preheated oven at 300 degrees. Reheat for about 20 minutes or until rice is heated.
How to Reheat White Rice
White rice is easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Depending on how much white rice you have leftover, microwave is the fastest and easiest way to reheat.
Place the white rice in a microwave safe bowl and reheat. You may need to add a splash of water, oil, or butter to the bowl to help bring back the moisture. Reheat in 20 second intervals until rice is heated thoroughly and has a fluffy texture.
How to Reheat Brown Rice
Brown rice and quinoa is easy to reheat. You can reheat long grain brown rice or short grain rice in the microwave or the stove top. Depending on the amount of rice that you have the microwave is the easiest.
Place the brown rice in a microwave safe dish and cover with a plastic wrap. You may need to add a splash of water or butter. Allow the brown rice to reheat thoroughly until it is hot throughout which allows the rice to bring back it fluffy texture.
Tips for Reheating Rice
- Room Temperature – Store rice in an air tight container once the rice has cooled to room temperature.
- Water Per Cup of Rice – Add about a tablespoons of water per cup of rice when reheating.
- Rice Cooker – We love making rice in a rice cooker. It is an easy cooking process to get the best fluffy rice.
Recipes with Leftover Rice
- Easy Fried Rice Recipe – This fried rice recipe is quick and easy. It is the perfect way to use leftover rice and to enjoy with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry recipe.
- Crock Taco Rice Soup Recipe – Toss your leftovers rice in this amazing taco soup recipe. It is easy to make and full of flavor.
- Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – This is one of our popular recipes as it is easy to make. Use your leftover chicken, soy sauce and rice to make a family friendly meal idea. Perfect meal to skip takeout.
- Skillet Chicken and Rice Burrito Recipe – This shredded chicken and rice one-pan burrito recipe is very easy to make. This meal is full of juicy chopped chicken, salsa, easy spices and rice.
- Rice Bowl Recipes – You may like to use your leftover rice to make one of these recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to reheat rice is in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. This method is fast and convenient to ensure that your rice is ready to serve.
If you store the rice properly then it prevents bacteria like bacillus cereus from growing. Make sure to cool rice before storing to prevent food poisoning and illness and then reheat to enjoy for several days.
Store the leftover in the fridge in an airtight containers or you can place in the leftover rice in the freezer to prevent any toxins. See these freezing tips on How to Freeze Rice. This allows you to make a big batch to stock your freezer.
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