You can get frozen rice. You can freeze the rice you made at home with excellent results. You can choose from various rice, including those with different colors, flavors, grain lengths, textures, or even grains of different sizes. All of these varieties can be frozen. Make a double batch the next time you make your favorite rice variety to ensure you have rice ready. You can also freeze leftover rice to prevent it from going to waste.
How to Freeze Rice, Step by Step
Use these easy steps to freeze rice so it is at its best after defrosting it.
- How to Cook Rice: Follow the instructions for the type of rice you use. How To Cook Rice: Step-byStep Guide has instructions for cooking all kinds of rice. Steaming a large batch of rice in the Instant Pot is easy. This recipe for Steamed Rice takes you through the entire process of making perfect rice.
- Excellent Rice: Spread cooked rice in an even layer on a baking tray. The rice should be cooled in the fridge until it is completely cooled.
- Packaging the Rice: Spoon the rice into a zip-top bag. Label the bags with contents, the date, and the number of cups. Most recipes call for two or three cups of cooked rice. Flatten the rice gently and squeeze out as much air as you can. Flat bags can be stacked to save space in the freezer.
Freezing Rice Dishes
Rice casseroles, rice dishes, and plain cooked rice can be frozen quickly. Rice casseroles that include cheese, meat, or vegetables can be frozen. Cool the plate before placing it in an airtight bag or container, as with plain boiled rice. We chill casseroles so they are easier to cut and then divide into portions to freeze.
How long can you keep cooked rice in the freezer?
Keeping frozen rice in the freezer for up to six months is possible. It will lose its flavor and become drier, but it is still safe to eat. It is the best way to prevent quality loss if you can vacuum seal. According to the USDA, rice casseroles can be frozen for up to three months.
How to Reheat frozen rice
The Microwave Method
We prefer to reheat rice in ceramic or glass, even though freezing it in zip-top plastic bags is easier. Transfer the frozen rice to a bowl. Add a few tablespoons of water, then cover with a loose lid. A plate covering the top works best. Microwave for 1 to 3 minutes on high or until it is hot. Sprinkle water on leftover rice casseroles that include other ingredients and microwave them at 50% power. This is especially effective if there’s meat in the dish.
The Oven Method
You can also defrost frozen rice by placing it in a covered dish with water and baking at 300 degrees F (30 to 40 minutes).
Can you freeze uncooked rice?
Uncooked white can be frozen indefinitely. Brown rice can be kept fresher for longer if stored in the freezer. This prevents the oil in brown rice from going rancid, which would give it a sour taste. In the freezer, brown rice can last up to 18 months.
What to do with Leftover Rice
Stir-fried rice is best made with icy and firm rice. Anything else will turn into mush when cooked in a wok or skillet. These dishes are the perfect way to use leftover frozen rice. Stirring thawed leftover rice with vegetables into a chicken soup is comfortable in a cup. For more ideas, check out our articles Leftover Rice: 5 Ways or How To Use Leftover Rice.
Fried Brown rice with Shrimps and Vegetables
This dish is easy to prepare with brown rice that’s been frozen.
Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Cassoulet
You can have dinner quickly with leftover rice and a roasted chicken you bought at the supermarket. The leftovers can be frozen to make another meal even quicker.
Cheesy Chile Rice
The frozen rice makes this side dish easy to prepare. I am adding a bowl of beans, it’s also an excellent vegetarian meal.
Fried Rice with Shiitakes and Gingery Tofu
This dish combines an umami-packed combination of flavors and textures. The recipe is excellent, and we like to add other proteins occasionally.