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How to Freeze Cooked Rice
5 from 6 votes

How to Freeze Cooked Rice

Need to know how to freeze cooked rice? With this best method, it only takes THREE simple steps to extend rice's shelf life for up to FOUR months. Rice freezes easily while still maintaining that fluffy texture, so next time you have leftovers, don't toss them—put them in the freezer instead!

Prep Time
30 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 113 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Chinese, Indian, Thai, American

Ingredients

  • 2-4 cups rice

Instructions

How to Freeze Cooked Rice:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the rice and then let it cool to room temperature. (Learn how to cook rice)
  2. Once cooled, place the rice in a freezer-safe tupperware container or in a Ziplock bag with the date written on the front. If using a plastic bag, ensure all of the air is removed by sucking it out with a straw or vacuum sealer.
  3. Place the rice in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
To Reheat Frozen Rice:
  1. Warm up in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a large skillet or pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  • Storage Directions:
  • To reheat, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Add an ice cube on top of the rice so it doesn't dry out.
  • Alternately, place rice in a saucepan with a couple tablespoons of water, butter, or olive oil on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
  • ​Add frozen rice directly to soups or casseroles and it'll warm right back up in no time. 
  • Recipe Tips
  • Nutritional value based on 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
  • Add water or ice cubes to your rice when reheating. This will ensure that your rice will not dry out and lose its fluffy texture.
  • Cool the rice in the fridge​. If you're worried about Bacillus cereus, this will help you handle your rice properly.
  • Freeze rice in smaller amounts. This will make it easier to know exactly how much rice to defrost—½ cup is a full serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 113kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 0.2g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 36mg (1%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 0.04g (0%) Calcium 9mg (1%) Iron 0.2mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 113

% Daily Value*

Calories 113kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 0.2g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 36mg 1%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 0.04g 0%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0.2mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.