How to Store Cooked Rice Safely—and the Best Way to Reheat It, According to Experts

If you follow food news, you've likely heard the buzz about leftover rice and food safety. Specifically, social media creators have been warning against eating leftover cooked rice, noting its potential link to food poisoning. In fact, the commotion has been so widespread that the phenomenon has been dubbed "fried rice syndrome" and "reheat syndrome." However, this social media fuss only tells part of the story because it is possible to eat cooked rice safely; it comes down to storing it correctly. Not only is proper storage key for avoiding food poisoning, but it's essential for maintaining its quality, too. We spoke to experts to learn how to store cooked rice the right way, along with the best methods for reheating rice and tips for reducing the risk of food poisoning.

Why It Is Important to Store Cooked Rice Properly

Storing cooked rice correctly is crucial for food safety, says Shannon Stover, MS, RD, food safety educator at Michigan State University Extension. Without proper storage, cooked rice can enter the temperature danger zone (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), the range in which harmful bacteria most quickly multiply. In particular, the bacteria Bacillus cereus is often associated with rice, as its spores can be found on the raw, uncooked grains—and it can survive the cooking process. Eating rice contaminated with Bacillus cereus can trigger unpleasant physical symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.

Improper storage can also negatively affect the quality of cooked rice, specifically texture and flavor. For example, when left at room temperature, cooked rice can accumulate moisture, causing the rice to become mushy or develop an unpleasant texture, says McKenzie Dokter, chef instructor at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. And, when stored incorrectly in the refrigerator, cooked rice can absorb unpleasant flavors and lose flavor, resulting in dry and hard grains.

Best Practices for Storing Cooked Rice

When storing cooked rice, follow these tips to ensure a safe meal.

Let the Rice Cool

Always allow rice to cool completely before storing it. Otherwise, the rice will spend too long in the temperature danger zone, creating a favorable environment for harmful bacteria to grow. "To properly cool rice, place it in shallow pans and loosely [cover it] in the refrigerator," says Stover. "Do not place warm [or] hot rice in a closed container in the refrigerator, as the warm air needs a way to escape."

Use a Tightly Sealed Container

"After [properly cooling], cooked rice should be stored in a tightly sealed food-grade container," says Stover. Not only will this prevent cross-contamination from other foods (thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth), but it will reduce moisture loss as well.

Store In the Refrigerator

Never store cooked rice at room temperature. As Dokter notes, storing cooked rice in the refrigerator is essential for food safety. "Refrigeration slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, keeping the rice fresh and safe to eat for a longer period," says Dokter.

Use Within 4 Days

As with all cooked food, cooked rice will last three to four days in the refrigerator, according to the experts at the USDA.

Freeze for Later Use

You might be surprised to learn that it's possible to freeze cooked rice. To do so, "let the rice cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag," says Dokter. Next, press out excess air to prevent freezer burn, then store in the freezer for up to six months. Note that freezing can negatively affect the soft texture of rice, so it's best to use frozen rice in dishes where texture is less crucial, like casseroles or soups, says Dokter.

How to Reheat Cooked Rice

Reheating cooked rice is just as important as storing it. Doing it properly will ensure any bacteria is destroyed and the rice is safe to eat.

You'll need a food thermometer to determine if rice has been reheated thoroughly. According to Stover, a bowl of rice is considered properly reheated when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds. This is the minimum temperature needed to kill any bacteria that may have grown during cooling.

Microwave Method

To safely reheat cooked rice in the microwave, follow these steps, says Dokter:

1.  Place rice in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover rice loosely with a damp paper towel. (This will prevent it from drying out.)
3. Microwave rice on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until properly heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
4. Let rice sit for 1 or 2 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
   

Stovetop Method

You can also reheat stored cooked rice on the stovetop. "This method may take a bit longer than the microwave, but [it] results in evenly reheated rice with a nice texture," says Dokter:  

1. Place rice in a saucepan.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of water or broth per 2 cups of rice. This will prevent rice from sticking to the pan and drying out.
3. Cover saucepan with a lid.
4. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until rice is properly heated through.

Tips for Preventing Food Poisoning from Cooked Rice

Don't Repeatedly Reheat Cooked Rice

When reheating cooked rice, only prepare as much as you need. It's not recommended to reheat cooked rice more than once, as the flavor and moisture will decline, says Stover. What's more, when rice is repeatedly reheated, it will spend more time in the temperature danger zone, increasing the risk of harmful bacterial growth. 

Avoid Leaving Cooked Rice at Room Temperature

Rice, like all cooked food, should never be left at room temperature for longer than two hours, says Stover. If this occurs, it will enter the temperature danger zone and increase the risk of harboring illness-causing bacteria. To minimize this risk, start the cooling process as soon as possible, recommends Stover.

Toss Rice Left Out for Too Long

If cooked rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours, discard it. Eating the rice will pose a food safety hazard, especially for those with compromised immune systems.