How to Reheat Rice

We love rice for its versatility. It's used in so many cuisines to make tasty dishes ranging from pilau to fried rice to jambalaya, and so much more. But it's easy to make too much and find yourself with loads of leftovers stuffed into the fridge. Don't let it go to waste! Reheating rice is incredibly easy and there are a few different ways to go about it so you can get the most out of your rice. Ready to learn how? Here are the best ways to reheat rice so it tastes just as good as when you first cooked it.

Use the Microwave

If you're looking for the quickest, easiest way to reheat your rice, use the microwave. Put the rice in a microwave-safe container and mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water for every cup of rice you're reheating. Toss it well then put the lid on the container. Zap it in your microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between each interval. It should take 3 to 4 minutes.

Reheat Rice on the Stove

Not everyone has a microwave, but thankfully, there are a few other clever ways to reheat rice. You can reheat rice on the stovetop and get beautifully fluffy, soft rice that tastes fresh. Grab a non-stick lidded saucepan and heat a little oil, butter, or ghee over medium heat. While the pan is warming up, toss the leftover rice with one to two tablespoons of water. Transfer the rice to the heated pan and cover it with the lid to create steam. Stir the rice occasionally. The rice is done and ready to serve once it's completely heated through, which should take 3 to 5 minutes.

Heat Rice in the Oven

This method is less common because it takes a little longer than the other two methods, but reheating rice in the oven will still give you excellent results. Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter or ghee. Toss the leftover rice with a tablespoon or two of water then wrap the dish with foil. Pop it in the oven and bake it for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is piping hot and completely heated through.

Fry Leftover Rice

Did you know the secret to making the best-ever fried rice is to use leftover rice? While dried-out leftover rice isn't ideal when you're looking to reheat it and enjoy it as a side with baked chicken or crispy salmon, drier rice is amazing for frying. Because the rice has had time to dry out in the fridge, it fries beautifully and gets perfectly crispy. Add some shrimp, chicken, or pork and a handful of fresh veggies like peas and onions to make delicious homemade fried rice.