Here's your go-to guide for How to Freeze Brown Rice the right way. Follow these easy steps whether you're cooking in bulk or just want to save those leftovers. Freezing rice is not only super simple but also a great way to cut down on kitchen waste.
For more rice recipes that we love and use all the time, check out our collection of tried-and-true favorites!
Frozen brown rice is a real game-changer. My family has been freezing rice for over 20 years, and it's been a lifesaver.
It makes whipping up a quick, healthy side dish a breeze when you're short on time. Plus, it's perfect for adding a nutritious boost to soups, stews, and even fried rice.
When you are ready to reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop we have a complete guide on how to reheat rice.
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Can you freeze cooked brown rice?
Freezing brown rice is super easy, but following these steps will make sure you get the perfect texture.
Prepare the brown rice
- Cook the brown rice according to your prefered method. My prefered method is an Instant Pot or rice cooker.
- Fluff it with a fork to make sure the grains remain separate. All that means is to lightly rake a fork across the top of a cooked pot of rice. A super easy step to help release moisture and maintain the texture.
Spread the rice & cool completely
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on a baking sheet using a light touch so as to keep it fluffy. Ensure the rice layer doesn't rise above the rim of the baking sheet, using additional pans if needed.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Cooling thoroughly maintains the rice's fluffy texture and prevents clumping.
Put into zipper bags or airtight containers
- Scoop the cooled brown rice into a zipper bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. You can also use an airtight container or a disposable foil pan.
Freeze brown rice
- Gently pat the bags of rice flat before placing them in the freezer.
- Freeze the bags flat on a baking sheet first, making them easy to stack or fit into tight spots in the freezer. Once they're fully frozen, you can remove the baking sheet.
How long does cooked brown rice last in the freezer?
In my experience, cooked brown rice lasts for up to 3 months before the quality begins to deteriorate. The tighter it is sealed, meaning the less air that touches the rice, the longer it will last.
How to reheat frozen brown rice
When ready to use, thaw the rice in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen using your preferred method (microwave, stovetop, etc.). Or see our reheating rice post for complete step-by-step instructions.
Tips and tricks
- Freeze cooked brown rice while it's still fresh to keep it moist. If you wait to freeze it after it's been in the fridge for a few days, it won't reheat as well.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet-the brown rice shouldn't be higher than the rim. If it is, spread it out on more pans for thinner layers.
- Be gentle when spreading it on the pans. Don't smash it down, or the rice grains will stick together and become one big mass.
- Let the rice cool completely before freezing to keep it fluffy. Warm rice tends to stick together and get clumpy.
Serving ideas
- Pepper Steak
- Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
- Easy Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Pieces
- Toss with butter and serve alongside Maple Chicken Breasts, Apricot Chicken Breasts, Baked Chicken Breasts.
More side dish recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Orange Rice
- Toasted Coconut Rice
- Pineapple Lime Rice
- Brown Butter Pilaf
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- How to Freeze Rice (including flavored rice dishes)
Recipe
How To Freeze Brown Rice
Ingredients
- cooked brown rice - Any rice recipe in any amount
Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to the preferred method.
- Use a fork to fluff the cooked rice. Run the tines of the fork across the surface of the rice, until all the rice has been fluffed.
- Evenly spread the rice onto a baking sheet, keeping a light touch. Do not smash or press down on the rice. The goal is to keep the grains separated and fluffy. If the layer of rice is thicker than the cookie sheet, spread it onto more pans for to keep the layers thin.
- Allow to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it is completely cool. Don't hurry through this step - cooling it helps to maintain the fluffy texture and prevents it from becoming a large mass in the freezer.
- Scoop the rice into a zipper bag, squeezing out as much extra air as possible. Carefully, press the rice flat while inside the bag. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container or a tightly covered disposable foil pan.
- If using a zipper baggie, freeze flat on a baking sheet until frozen solid (this makes the rice easy to stack or store in tight spots in the freezer). Frozen rice keeps well for up to 3 months if tightly covered.
Notes
- Freeze cooked brown rice while it's still fresh to keep it moist. If you wait to freeze it after it's been in the fridge for a few days, it won't reheat as well.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet-the brown rice shouldn't be higher than the rim. If it is, spread it out on more pans for thinner layers.
- Be gentle when spreading it on the pans. Don't smash it down, or the rice grains will stick together and become one big mass.
- Let the rice cool completely before freezing to keep it fluffy. Warm rice tends to stick together and get clumpy.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
It's super helpful to know how to freeze brown rice. Makes for easy side dishes to accompany future dinners!