An underused appliance in the kitchen is the freezer. Although it’s simple to overlook, it’s one of the best tools for meal planning, food storage, and maximizing your food budget. Though freezing cooked rice may seem strange, it is actually the best way to store cooked rice because the freezing temperature stops the growth of dangerous bacteria that can result in food poisoning.

Can you freeze cooked rice?

Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. Even if you intend to use it within a few days, it’s still better to store it this way rather than in the refrigerator. This is because uncooked rice contains a spore-forming bacteria known as Bacillus Cereus. The bacteria in the rice are destroyed once it has been cooked, but because the spores are so heat-resistant, they will still be present.

Please continue reading the post to see more specific information that I will present.

Can You Freeze Cooked Rice?

Yes, you can easily freeze cooked rice, which is great if you made too much or want to shorten the time it takes to prepare dinner. As a quick addition to your weekly meal preparation, you can also freeze rice that has additional ingredients mixed in, such as meat or vegetables.

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

How To Freeze Cooked Rice?

To ensure that plain rice freezes well and is at its finest when thawed and used, follow these easy steps.

1. Cook the rice: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the particular type of rice you’re using when preparing the rice. Check out How to Cook Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide for instructions on how to prepare different types of rice. It’s quick and simple to steam a large quantity of food in the Instant Pot. We walk you through each step of making perfect rice in our Instant Pot Steamed Rice recipe.
2. Rice that needs to be cooled should be evenly layered on a baking sheet. Rice should be chilled to absolute zero in the refrigerator.
3. Pour the cooled rice into zip-top bags to be packaged. the quantity of rice in cups, the date, and the contents on the bags. A serving of rice is 1/2 cup, while most recipes that call for cooked rice (like casseroles and stir-fries) call for 2 or 3 cups. Push as much air out of the bag as you can while gently flattening the rice. Flat bags can be stacked to maximize freezer space.

Freezing Prepared Rice Dishes

Rice dishes and casseroles can be frozen just as easily as plain cooked rice. It is simple to freeze baked rice casseroles that include cheese, cheese, vegetables, or meat. As with plain, cooked rice, make sure the rice dish is cooled before placing it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Casseroles are great for freezing because they can be cut into smaller portions and chilled to make cutting easier. See more about What Happens When You Put Ice In A Deep Fryer

What Varieties Of Rice Can I Freeze?

This works for all kinds of rice grains such as traditional white rice, aromatic rice like jasmine and even whole grain brown rice or a combination like Minute® Rice & Quinoa made with a blend of brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa!

And, did you know that our Ready to Serve Rice is individually portioned and is perfect for enjoying in quick weekday meals? It only requires a quick 60–90 second heating period. So, there is no need to freeze it, it’s already a quick and convenient meal option.

When Should Rice Be Freezed?

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. Placing rice in the freezer prevents potential bacterial growth in its tracks because the bacteria thrive at room temperature. Additionally, it makes freezing a preferable choice to refrigeration.

Ways To Reheat And Use Previously Frozen Rice

Rice that has been frozen can either be used right away or thawed first. Rice needs to be frozen first, then broken up into chunks and placed in a microwave-safe container. Rice should be thoroughly warmed after two to three minutes of high heat in the microwave with the lid on.

The stovetop is another method for thawing frozen rice. Just add a few tablespoons of water and cover the saucepan after adding the frozen rice. Cook on a low heat while stirring frequently and adding more water as necessary to avoid burning or sticking.

Rice tastes best when cooked straight from frozen or after a brief thaw. It can become gummy when rice is refrigerated to thaw. If you’re adding frozen rice to a dish, extend the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure that the rice is thoroughly heated.

Can You Freeze Uncooked Rice?

White rice can be stored in the freezer for many years. Regularly storing brown rice in the freezer will keep it fresher longer because it prevents the oils from going rancid and giving the rice an off flavor. In the freezer, brown rice can be kept for up to 18 months.