Cooked rice is a great recipe to keep on hand and use with a variety of meals. Chicken, fish, tacos and more are just some ways to put leftover cooked rice to use. The microwave is a common way to reheat rice, but when your trustworthy partner is broken or unavailable, don’t give up on your mission quite yet.
Rice can easily be reheated without a microwave. The oven and stove are great methods to bring your rice back to life and get it ready to enjoy again.
There is nothing better than some fluffy rice to accompany your meal. When rice is stored in the refrigerator for too long or reheated improperly, it can become dry and not nearly as enjoyable. It can also pick up some unwanted bacteria if stored incorrectly. Be sure to learn the correct methods to store and reheat your rice so it can be enjoyed in all its glory, even days later.
How To Reheat Rice Without A Microwave
A microwave is not a necessity for reheating rice. If you find yourself without access to one, consider using the oven or stove to get the job done. Whether you choose the stove or oven method of reheating, both will result in delicious, fluffy rice as it was when you first cooked it.
Oven Steaming To Reheat Rice
Reheating rice in the oven is great for small and large portions alike. It is relatively quick and can be stored in a closed oven that has been turned off after reheating, to keep it warm until you are ready to serve.
When reheating rice in the oven, be sure to set your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Find a shallow baking dish that is large enough to fit your desired portions. This will allow your rice to capture heat without becoming overcooked or dried out.
Spread the rice out in an even layer along the bottom of the baking dish. Add a small amount of water or vegetable stock to the dish, covering with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly reheated. If you are not serving right away, allow the rice to remain covered in the closed oven after cooking to remain warm until you are ready to dish it up.
Stove Steaming To Reheat Rice
Steaming rice on the stovetop is another quick and easy way to obtain that fluffy texture. This method itself is quick, though you do need to leave rice out for 20-30 minutes beforehand to allow it to reach room temperature before cooking.
Once your rice has reached room temperature go ahead and grab a large, wide skillet to reheat it in. Add in your rice and water or vegetable stock and get ready to heat.
Heat the skillet with rice and water or vegetable stock over low heat, covering with a lit. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally in order to break up any large clumps of rice.
How To Properly Store Rice
Rice should always be stored in the refrigerator, as it can only be left out for about an hour or two after cooking to prevent bacteria growth. If you plan to save your rice for longer than that it is necessary to refrigerate it.
When saving rice to refrigerate, be sure to place it in an airtight container. If the rice is still hot, be sure to let some steam escape before closing the container. RIce can be stored in the refrigerator for four to six days.
If you want your rice to be stored longer than that, consider storing it in the freezer. In an airtight container, rice can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
When storing rice in a freezer, be sure it is an airtight container. If you choose to use sealable plastic bags, try and remove all excess air from the bag to avoid freezer burn.
In Conclusion
Cooked rice is a staple meal in many households all over the world. It can be used in a variety of cuisines for all meals throughout the day. Whether you want to save it for rice bowls, a side dish later, burritos or anything else your heart desires, some leftover cooked rice is always a good thing to keep on hand.
The next time you find yourself with some leftover rice you don’t want to go to waste, be sure to store it for later in your freezer or refrigerator. If you find yourself in a situation without a microwave, you can still enjoy some fluffy rice quickly and easily by using either the microwave or stove.
