How to Freeze Cooked Rice

Can you freeze it? Yes — cooked rice freezes and reheats very well, making it one of the most useful meal-prep staples to keep in the freezer.

Preparation

Cook rice as normal. Spread on a sheet pan or large plate to cool quickly (do not leave rice at room temperature for more than an hour — cooked rice is a higher risk food for bacterial growth). Fluff with a fork to separate grains.

How to Freeze

Portion cooled rice into individual or family-sized servings. Pack into freezer bags, press out air, and flatten into thin, even layers (about ½ inch thick). Thin layers thaw and reheat much faster than thick blocks.

Alternatively, scoop rice into silicone muffin cups, freeze solid, then pop out and transfer to a freezer bag. Each cup is a perfect individual serving.

How Long It Lasts

6 months.

How to Thaw

Microwave: place frozen rice in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, fluffing halfway through. Stovetop: add frozen rice to a pan with a splash of water, cover, and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Both methods produce rice that is virtually identical to freshly cooked.

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