Table of Contents

How Long Can Cooked Rice Sit Out

Introduction

I’ve learned that as a culture, we tend to be pretty wary of cooked rice. It’s not a food that we eat cold and straight from the pantry. And yet, cooked rice is a staple in many kitchens — it’s quick and easy to prepare, and it fills us up with long-lasting energy. Even so, if you’re like me, you probably still have questions about how long can cooked rice sit out and what’s safe to do with leftovers or refrigerated cooked rice after it’s been prepared. You might wonder whether there are ways to reheat cold rice without ruining the texture or taste? Well wonder no more: We’ve got answers for all your questions about this humble dish.

How long can cooked rice sit out?

You can keep cooked rice at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you are in a rush, you can place the rice in a bowl with a damp paper towel over it. You should not leave cooked rice out for more than 2 hours.

What is the shelf life of cooked rice?

Rice is a grain, which means it has a long shelf life. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and frozen for up to 6 months.

How long can you keep rice in your refrigerator?

You can store cooked rice in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep it fresh, place the container of rice in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

You can also freeze cooked rice for up to six months; just make sure you use freezer-safe containers if you want to save some for later!

Is it safe to eat cold rice that’s been kept in the refrigerator for a long time?

You can keep cooked rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re storing it for more than 2 days, make sure you use an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually on an upper shelf).

If you have leftover cold rice that has been stored in the fridge for over 2 days and want to eat it, there are two different ways: reheat it in the microwave or on top of a stovetop burner.

To reheat cooked rice in a microwave oven, place 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice into a covered dish and add 1/2 cup water; stir well before cooking on high power until hot throughout–about 5 minutes depending on wattage settings. Alternatively, bring 4 cups water plus 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon butter (optional) to boil over high heat; add 3 cups leftovers from any kindled grain dishes such as risotto or pilafs; cover tightly after adding so steam won’t escape during cooking time which should be 15 minutes minimum but may take longer depending on amount used along with other factors such as size/type containers used etc..

Can I reheat leftover rice?

Reheat rice in the microwave:
Place a glass bowl or plate on top of the rice and microwave until it’s hot, about 1 minute.
Stir the reheated rice, then microwave again in 30-second intervals until warmed through and fluffy (about another 2 minutes).
If you have time and want to avoid dirtying another dish, let the rice sit for 5 minutes before serving so that it has time to soak up any excess moisture left behind by microwaves or boiling water.* Use this method for reheating any kind of leftover grain dish like quinoa or couscous.*

Cooked rice can last about 24 hours if refrigerated.

Rice can last about 24 hours if refrigerated.

Here’s how long cooked rice will stay good when properly stored:

In the fridge: 3-4 days (if unopened) or 1-2 days (if opened)
In the freezer: 6 months to 1 year

Conclusion

We hope we’ve answered your question about how long cooked rice can sit out. As always, if you have any other questions about food safety or cooking techniques, feel free to contact us!