I dont know about you, but there have been many times when Ive misjudged how much cooked rice I need for a meal and wind up with leftovers. Making fried rice is a great way to ensure that leftover rice doesnt go to waste, but freezing rice is another option. Heres everything you need to know.
Frozen rice can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months and still be tasty. After that it loses flavor and dries out but won’t be unsafe to eat. An airtight container is your best defense against losing quality so vacuum sealing is great if you have that tool in your kitchen.
Can you freeze cooked rice?Yes! You can easily freeze cooked rice, which is great if you’ve made too much or want to shave down how much time you spend making dinner. You can also freeze rice that has other ingredients mixed in, including veggies or meat, as a simple part of your weekly
- Spread the cooked rice on a metal baking sheet or baking pan.
- Place the pan in the fridge, keeping the pan as level as possible so it wont tip. (Sweeping up spilled rice is no fun!)
- When the rice has cooled completely, portion it out into zip-top freezer bags or air-tight containers ( 1/2 cup of cooked rice is one serving).
- Stash the bags in the freezer.
Why Eating Leftover Rice Can Actually Be Dangerous For You
FAQ
Does freezing cooked rice ruin it?
Does freezing rice change the taste?
Can you reheat cooked rice from frozen?
Can I refreeze cooked rice?
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Here’s your crash course in freezing rice the right way. Spread the cooked rice on a metal baking sheet or baking pan. Place the pan in the fridge, keeping the pan as level as possible so it won’t tip out. (Sweeping up spilled rice is no fun!) When the rice has cooled completely, portion it out into zip-top freezer bags or air-tight containers.
What are the disadvantages of eating rice?
There are many varieties of rice and all of them can be part of a healthy diet. The healthfulness of rice is associated with how much it is refined or processed. Short grain polished white rice will have fewer nutrients overall, particularly fiber, and be more likely to increase blood sugar compared to brown rice or wild rice. This effect may be troublesome for those with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, especially if over-consumed consistently. The effect rice has on blood sugar can be influenced by the total amount consumed and the other foods it is consumed with. A reasonable amount of rice to consume daily will vary across individuals and cultures. One recent study suggested that less than 1.5 cups a day was not associated with an increase type 2 diabetes.
Does frozen rice dry out when reheated?
Surprisingly, yes it does! The only thing to keep in mind is that frozen, reheated rice can dry out more easily than freshly steamed rice. To prevent frozen rice from drying out while reheating it, add a splash of water to the pot or bowl. So simple! What Types of Rice Can You Freeze?
Can you eat frozen rice if it has freezer burn?
After that, it’s more prone to developing freezer burn and / or drying out. Frozen rice that has freezer burn will still be safe to eat, but it would be better if used in soups or other “wet” dishes where the rice will absorb lots of liquid rather than reheating it on its own as a side dish or for a stir-fry.