In this all-in-one guide on How to Reheat Rice, you'll find the best ways to warm up all kinds of rice recipes. Mastering these techniques can make weeknight dinners easier, cooking for a crowd simpler, and even help reduce kitchen waste.We'll walk you through when to use the microwave, stovetop, or oven, so you can pick the method that works best for you.
For even more rice recipes to warm up, see this collection with all kinds of tutorials and delicious side dishes.
Cooking up a big batch of rice and freezing it for later has been one of my go-to tricks for making dinner a breeze on busy nights. Plus, when I'm feeding a crowd, popping pre-cooked rice in the oven to reheat has seriously been a game changer. Depending on the situation one of these methods works perfectly:
- Microwave: Perfect for small amounts of rice that you need to warm up fast.
- Stovetop: If you've got a bit more rice, heating it up in a pan on the stovetop or in an electric skillet works great.
- Oven: The oven is the way to go for big batches or when you just want a hands-off option for a busy weeknight dinner.
If you're looking to learn how to freeze rice or how to freeze brown rice, we've got complete guides ready for you!
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Helpful tools for reheating rice
Microwave Splatter CoverNon Stick Everyday Pan w/ LidNonstick Oval Electric SkilletCeramic Baking Dish
What is the best way to reheat rice?
The best way to reheat rice is to keep things gentle and add a little moisture. This helps prevent the rice from drying out or getting crunchy. Whether you're using the microwave, stovetop, or oven, just add a splash of water or broth and cover it up to trap the steam. This keeps the rice fluffy and fresh, just like when it was first cooked.
How to reheat rice in the microwave
The best tip for reheating rice in the microwave: use a microwave-safe cover or, alternatively, cover with damp paper towels. After sprinkling a teaspoon or two of water per cup of rice, cover it up and heat for 1 minute. Give it a stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until it's warmed through.
If you're working with 3 cups or more, start with 2 minutes, then heat in 1-minute intervals until it's hot and ready to serve.
How to reheat rice in the oven
Our preference for reheating rice in the oven is to start with frozen rice. For refrigerated rice, try the stovetop or microwave methods. See below for step-by-step instructions for starting with frozen rice.
How to reheat rice on the stove
- Place the cooked rice in a nonstick skillet with a splash of water (about 1 tablespoons per cup of rice). This can also be done in an electric skillet.
- Cover the pan tightly with a lid and warm over low heat.
- Stir occasionally, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is hot. Add a tablespoon more water at a time if it begins to look dry.
How to reheat frozen cooked rice
Warming up frozen rice is pretty much the same as reheating refrigerated rice, but since it's frozen, it'll just take a few extra minutes to heat up and might require a little more moisture.
Can you microwave frozen rice?
Yes, frozen rice can be warmed in the microwave. Begin by placing rice in a bowl, sprinkle with 1-2 teaspoons of water, cover with microwavable cover and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue with one more minute at a time if it isn't warmed through.
How to reheat frozen rice in the oven
Cooking rice from frozen in the oven is super easy. Make sure to cook it from frozen or mostly frozen (thawed rice can get gummy).
- Place frozen rice in a baking pan. Sprinkle lightly with water (no more than ½ tablespoon per cup of rice).
- Cover tightly with tinfoil and bake at 300°F for 30-40 minutes or, if you have allowed it to partially thaw, at 300°F for 20-30 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork again. If needed, top with fresh ingredients depending on the recipe used (i.e. lime juice, cilantro, shredded coconut, green onions, etc).
Serve rice very soon after reheating to avoid it drying out.
How to reheat frozen rice on the stove
- Place the frozen rice in a saucepan with a splash of water (about 1 tablespoons per cup of rice).
- Cover the pan with a tight lid and place over low heat.
- Stir occasionally and break up any clumps, cooking until the rice is fully warmed through. If it begins to look dry add a tablespoon of water at a time until it looks moist but not wet.
FAQ
You can totally reheat frozen rice! If you're just warming up 1-2 servings, the microwave is your best bet. For up to 6 servings, the stovetop does the trick. And if you're reheating rice for the whole family or a large group, the oven is the way to go.
If a microwave isn't handy, the next best way to reheat rice is to use a skillet on the stovetop or use an electric skillet. Just be sure to use a splash of moisture to ensure that the rice doesn't get crispy or dried out on the edges.
Tips and tricks
- Always add a bit of moisture when reheating rice, no matter which method you choose.
- Make sure to cover the rice to lock in that moisture.
- Use gentle heat and give it a stir halfway through to ensure it warms up evenly.
- If serving a crowd, freeze the rice in a disposable baking pan. You can pull it straight from the freezer, bake it in the oven, and serve it all in the same pan.
Rice recipes that freeze well
By following the steps above, you can efficiently reheat rice frozen rice, making meal prep a breeze and ensuring you always have a quick and easy side dish or ingredient ready to go. Enjoy the convenience and reduce food waste with this simple kitchen hack!
More how-to guides
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
How To Reheat Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- leftover rice refrigerated or frozen
Instructions
How to Reheat Rice In Microwave
- Place rice in microwavable plate, sprinkle on a teaspoon or two of water per cup of rice. Cover with a microwavable over or damp paper towel and heat for 1 minute. Give it a stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until it's warmed through.leftover rice
How To Reheat Rice In Oven
- Place frozen rice in a baking pan. Sprinkle lightly with water (no more than ½ tablespoon per cup of rice). Cover tightly with tinfoil and bake at 300°F for 30-40 minutes or, if you have allowed it to partially thaw, at 300°F for 20-30 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork again. If needed, top with fresh ingredients depending on the recipe used (i.e. lime juice, cilantro, shredded coconut, green onions, etc).leftover rice
How To Reheat Rice On Stove
- Place the cooked rice in a nonstick skillet with a splash of water (about 1 tablespoons per cup of rice). Cover the pan tightly with a lid and warm over low heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is hot. Add a tablespoon more water at a time if it begins to look dry.leftover rice
Notes
- Always add a bit of moisture when reheating rice, no matter which method you choose.
- Make sure to cover the rice to lock in that moisture.
- Use gentle heat and give it a stir halfway through to ensure it warms up evenly.
- If serving a crowd, freeze the rice in a disposable baking pan. You can pull it straight from the freezer, bake it in the oven, and serve it all in the same pan.
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.
Misty says
These tips are super helpful for reheating rice in so many different ways.