How To Safely Prepare Leftover Rice

Out of all the foods in your fridge, few are as temperamental as leftover cooked rice. Food safety experts widely agree that it's one ingredient that deserves extra caution when storing and reheating. This is because rice can contain Bacillus cereus, which is a heat-resistant bacteria that can survive reheating and multiply fast if the rice is left at room temperature. While a little bit of this bacteria usually isn't harmful, if it multiplies enough, it can cause serious food poisoning. 

The foundation of storing leftover rice and most cooked foods starts with cooling it quickly and reheating it to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating, according to the USDA. Chef Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit in Washington, D.C., who spoke exclusively with Chowhound, also pointed out one big mistake he sees when it comes to storing cooked rice: covering it up before it has properly chilled. "People put hot or warm rice away covered, and that leaves a lot of condensation, which creates bacteria," he explained.

Instead, let the rice cool completely, refrigerate it within an hour, and use it within a day. If you've made a large batch, it is recommended to spread the rice in a thin layer in shallow containers so it can chill quickly before you put it in the fridge. Freezing your rice is another smart option. Tien shares that freezing can improve texture as thawing makes the grains less starchy and easier to separate, making it a great base for other recipes.

Once you've let your rice cool and stored it properly, it is a really versatile ingredient that can be added to a plethora of dishes. Dry, chilled grains behave differently from fresh ones, which is why chef Kevin Tien and many other cooks reach for day-old rice when making fried rice. Because the texture changes as rice chills, it can take on sauces and broths without becoming mushy, making it perfect for skillet dishes, and even more playful recipes like crispy ketchup rice, where texture really matters. 

Tein also recommends using leftover rice for stuffed vegetables like peppers, casseroles, and congee. And thanks to its neutral flavor, you can even turn leftover rice into rice pudding or other desserts, as a baked custard-style treat. Just make sure that the rice is stored safely to avoid any issues. Once handled cleanly, leftover rice becomes an incredible neutral base ready to go in whatever direction you want it to.