How to Reheat Rice: 4 Easy Ways to Keep It Safe and Tasty

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Rice is one of the most common foods around the world. Many people cook it in large amounts and keep the rest for later. But when it comes to enjoying it again, the question often comes up: how to reheat rice safely and keep it tasty?

Sometimes, reheated rice can turn dry, hard, or even lose its flavor. Many people also worry about whether it is safe to reheat rice. If not done correctly, reheated rice can cause foodborne illness because of bacteria that grow in cooked rice left at room temperature.

In this article, you will learn how to reheat rice in four different ways. We will also learn how to store leftover rice safely and share some tasty ideas for using it in your refrigerator. We gathered the information from various sources, Monday (6/10/2025).

Reheating rice on the stove is a good way to bring back its soft texture. It allows you to add a bit of moisture and heat it evenly. Here's how to reheat rice on the stove:

Steps:

1. Put the Rice in a Pan: Place the leftover rice in a large pan or pot.

2. Add Water: Pour a few tablespoons of water over the rice. This helps the rice steam and prevents it from drying.

3. Cover the Pan: Use a lid to cover the pan. This keeps the steam inside.

4. Heat on Low: Turn on the stove to low or medium heat. Stir gently every few minutes to avoid sticking.

5. Check and Serve: Once the rice is hot and soft, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Reheating rice in the oven is perfect when you have a large amount to warm up. It heats evenly and keeps the rice soft.

Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 150°C (300°F).

2. Prepare the Rice: Spread the rice in an oven-safe dish. Break up any clumps using a fork.

3. Add Moisture: Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of water over the rice.

4. Cover the Dish: Use aluminum foil to cover it. This helps trap steam inside.

5. Bake and Stir: Bake for 15–20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.

6. Fluff and Serve: Remove from the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy.

The microwave is the fastest and easiest method to reheat rice. It is great for busy days or when you only have a small portion. Here's how to reheat rice in the microwave:

Steps:

1. Place in a Bowl: Put the rice in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add Moisture: Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of water on top.

3. Cover: Use a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to cover the bowl.

4. Heat in Short Bursts: Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds, then stir.

5. Repeat if Needed: Continue heating in 30-second bursts until the rice is evenly hot.

6. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice before serving to restore its soft texture.

If you have a rice cooker, it can be a simple and safe way to reheat your rice. It keeps the texture soft and moist, just like freshly cooked rice.

Steps:

1. Add the Rice: Place the leftover rice in the rice cooker pot.

2. Add Water: Pour a few tablespoons of water over the rice.

3. Turn On Reheat Mode: If your rice cooker has a reheat or warm function, use it. If not, use the cook setting for a short time.

4. Cover and Wait: Close the lid and let it heat for 10–15 minutes.

5. Stir and Serve: Once hot, fluff the rice with a spoon and serve.

Many people do not know that rice can spoil quickly if left out for too long. Cooked rice contains moisture that allows bacteria to grow fast, especially at room temperature. That is why storing it properly is important for your health.

After cooking, let the rice cool for only about 30 minutes before storing it. Never leave it out overnight. The faster you cool and store it, the safer it will be to eat later.

Put the cooled rice in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, where it can last up to one month. Always reheat rice until steaming hot before eating.

If you have too much leftover rice in your refrigerator, don't worry. There are many tasty ways to turn them into a tasty dish that you will love. Here are some delicious ideas to use up all the leftover rice in your fridge:

1. Fried Rice: Add some vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce to leftover rice for a quick fried rice meal.

2. Rice Soup: Mix leftover rice with chicken or vegetable broth for a warm and comforting soup.

3. Rice Salad: Combine cold rice with beans, corn, and a light dressing for a healthy rice salad.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Use leftover rice to fill bell peppers along with meat or vegetables before baking.

5. Rice Pudding: Turn leftover rice into a sweet dessert by cooking it with milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

6. Rice Omelet: Mix rice with beaten eggs and fry it to make a filling rice omelet.

7. Rice Balls: Shape leftover rice into small balls and coat them with breadcrumbs before frying for a crispy snack.

8. Burrito Filling: Add leftover rice to your burrito mix with beans and cheese for a hearty meal.

9. Rice Stir-Fry: Combine leftover rice with your favorite sauces and stir-fried meat or tofu.

10. Rice Casserole: Layer rice with vegetables, meat, and cheese in a baking dish for an easy dinner.