Fried rice is one great way to ensure that leftover rice doesn’t go to waste. Learn how to freeze fried rice and reheat frozen rice in a microwave or on a stovetop.
It’s not a secret that fried rice is my go-to solution for leftover rice. It is so easy to make, a solution to clean your fridge, and loads your vegetables in. However, fried rice is a food that tends to go bad really fast when it cools down.
Can you freeze fried rice
Absolutely! Fried rice freezes really well in the freezer and can be stored in the fridge or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Best way to freeze cooked rice
There are two ways to freeze fried rice. With a Ziploc bag or vacuum sealer. However, using a vacuum sealer will require a special bag and a sealer machine. To preserve fried rice:
- Make sure fried rice is cool enough to touch; then spread it on a baking sheet to create a thin layer. Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours
- When the rice has cooled completely, portion it out into zip-top freezer bags or air-tight containers. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag and seal it
- Don’t forget to label and date the bag
How to freeze special fried rice
When it comes to rice with gravy, such as Fujian fried rice, you will need to separate the rice and gravy to prevent the rice from getting mushy.
How to reheat frozen rice
There are two ways to reheat frozen rice, but the most important note here is you can’t reheat rice more than once because repeated reheating will give space for nasty bacteria to grow.
In a microwave. You can cover the rice with a wet paper towel to prevent dryness. And if the rice still seems dry, add a tablespoon of water and reheat for 1-2 minutes in a microwave.
On a skillet. It is best to thaw the rice overnight. Heat oil in a skillet, add rice, and stir occasionally until warm, about 5 minutes.
How to tell when fried rice go bad
The color and texture will be different, and most importantly spoiled fried rice will start to have a foul odor. And when it does go bad, toss it right away and do not reheat it.
Fried rice ideas
- Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag). Sinangag, or Garlic Fried Rice, is a popular Filipino breakfast. This easy garlic fried rice is often served with a fried egg on top, a side of protein, and a drizzle of vinegar sauce. It is a simple but flavorful Filipino rice dish that you’ll want to make every day.
- Turmeric Fried Rice. This skillet Turmeric Fried Rice (Indonesian Nasi Goreng Kunyit) recipe is a quick 30-minute meal that’s easy to make, flavorful, and only requires one pan. Great weeknight meal the entire family will love!
- Scallop Fried Rice. Homemade fried rice is simple to make and healthier than takeout. This Scallop Fried Rice is easy, authentic, and a crowd-pleaser every time. Add this to your Chinese Lunar New Year menu and may this dish usher in happiness and good fortune for you this new year!
- Yang Chow Fried Rice. This easy yang chow fried rice (Yangzhou Fried Rice) recipe is the BEST. It’s quick and easy to make, customizable with any of your favorite mix-ins, and so irresistibly delicious.
- Kimchi fried Rice. This Kimchi Fried Rice is so easy to make and a great way to use up your day-old rice. Make it a low-carb option with cauliflower rice for a healthy vegan dinner side.
How to Freeze Fried Rice
Instructions
- Make sure fried rice is cool enough to touch; then spread it on a baking sheet to create a thin layer. Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours
- When the rice has cooled completely, portion it out into Ziploc freezer bags or air-tight containers. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag and seal it
- Don't forget to label and date the bag
Jeannie says
thanks for this, never tried freezing fried rice, this is so easy!
Jennifer says
Not only are your recipes terrific, but so are your tips! I never knew how to freeze rice and always ended up tossing it. Now I’ll do it your way!
Sherry says
Thank you for all of the awesome fried rice freezer tips. I make fried rice all the time for my family, next time I am going to make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Michelle says
These are Great tips! I have never frozen leftover rice!
laura says
Tons of great information on freezing fried rice! Thanks!!