Rice is one of the most beloved and consumed components of many people’s diets. Rice contains several beneficial vitamins and minerals that are advantageous for the human body. It helps keep the heart healthy, controls diabetes, reduces cancer risk, and even improves the digestive system.
Having this information in my pocket, when I set out on my journey to eat healthier, I made sure I added generous quantities of rice dishes to my diet plan. But what I later realized about myself was that I could never measure a proper serving size for one meal and so I always had leftovers.
The leftovers in my fridge would’ve gone to waste until one fateful night, while on my daily internet scouring marathons in search of new recipes, I found out that you could reheat rice in the microwave.
Amazing, right? I thought so too. So I have compiled all I found on how to reheat rice in the microwave and I’ll be sharing all that information with you today!
Can You Reheat Rice In The Microwave?
Yes, you definitely can! So, now you can stop the hesitation and just stick your leftover rice inside the microwave to warm them. However, using the correct and proper procedure is also very important.
There are many different types of rice, which include Basmati Rice, white rice, brown rice, etc. All of these different types can be put in the microwave, only if you heat them properly. It is necessary to know how to heat rice without letting the microwave leech off all the moisture and make the rice dry.
A key step in this process is to know how to store the rice. Don’t let the rice remain in the fridge for more than three days and if you have rice that is more than three days old, then it is best to not reheat them. Cooking a new batch of rice is preferable in this situation.
Can You Reheat Rice That Has Already Been Microwaved?
No, don’t ever heat rice in the microwave that you have already reheated in the microwave once. Doing this provides a clear path for the rapid multiplication of food-borne bacteria. However, you may reheat cooked rice using your microwave.
Most uncooked rice contains spores called Bacillus Celeus, which is a bacteria that has a huge part in causing food poisoning. Unlike some other bacteria, these spores do survive the heat of the microwave. So, even after a round in the microwave, these bacteria will still be thriving.
When this rice is put back at room temperature, the bacteria multiply and grow, simultaneously producing toxins that lead to vomiting and diarrhea. The more times the reheating process is repeated, the more bacteria will be present in your food next time.
What Will You Need?
- A microwave-safe dish or a ventilated microwave-safe container
- Gloves or a heat-resistant cloth
- A kitchen thermometer
- A spoon
- A microwave
How To Reheat Rice In The Microwave?
A microwave is one of the best ways to reheat your rice. It is also highly convenient and simple to follow this process.
Before you insert the rice into the microwave, there are a few things you need to make sure of. Ensure that the rice was stored in an air-tight container in the fridge right after being cooked.
Use a microwave-safe bowl or dish that is ventilated (has holes on the top or is not covered) and put your rice in it. Place this dish in the microwave and heat it initially for two minutes. After that, keep heating the rice for 30-second intervals until it reaches 74-degree Celsius or 165-degree Fahrenheit, which you can easily check using the kitchen thermometer.
Once it is thoroughly heated, take the dish out of the microwave and keep it on the kitchen slab. Using a spoon, mix the rice thoroughly to ensure it contains no overheated portions that can potentially burn your mouth.
Is It Safe To Reheat Rice In The Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat rice in the microwave, if you are following some simple steps. Usually, when you cook rice traditionally, on the stove, it is considered best to serve them right after you finish cooking. However, this is not the case when you’re reheating rice in the microwave.
When reheating, you will need to wait till the rice reach the standard 74-degree Celsius (165-degree Fahrenheit) temperature. This is very important as this step will make sure that the rice doesn’t reach room temperature quickly and hence, the chances of multiplication of bacteria will be lower.
The importance of the storage and handling of the cooked rice will again be highlighted here. The rice needs to be cooled down properly and then put in the fridge within twenty-four hours in an air-tight container. The air-tight container will make sure that no excess moisture is lost from the rice.
How To Reheat Rice In The Microwave Without Letting It Dry Out?
There are three methods through which you can ensure that your rice isn’t dry. They include:
Using A Paper Towel
With this method, you are supposed to cover the rice with a damp paper towel so the moisture in the rice can be retained. All the rest of the process is unchanged.
Using Plastic Wrap
Cover the dish using plastic wrap tightly after sprinkling two to three tablespoons of water into the rice. Heat the rice at medium power for two minutes, adding thirty seconds until it reaches the desired temperature.
Using A Glass Of Water
After placing a single serving of rice in the microwave, add a microwave-safe glass of water that is half-filled. Place the two close to each other and microwave them on high for two minutes, adding thirty seconds when required until the rice reaches 74-degree Celsius or 165-degree Fahrenheit.
How Long Are You Supposed To Heat The Rice For?
Similar to all the other meals you heat in the microwave, reheating your rice in the microwave will not take long at all. This is exactly why every individual should know this process.
All the different types of rice take different durations to heat up because of the varying nutritional components present in them. Some of the most common kinds of rice with their respective durations are mentioned below:
- Basmati Rice: 2 minutes
- Brown Rice: 3 to 4 minutes
- Jasmine Rice: 1 and a half to 2 minutes
- Sushi Rice: 2 to 3 minutes
- Wild Rice: 4 minutes
Tips For Reheating Rice In The Microwave
- If you don’t have a microwave-safe dish option, ceramic and glass are the go-to. However, usually, people prefer microwave-safe plastic.
- Before you begin to microwave, remove any big lumps of rice or break the lumps apart using the back of a spoon.
- If your rice is frozen, it doesn’t require defrosting. You can simply nuke it in the microwave for thirty-second intervals.
- Do not reheat more than one servings at a time.
- Do not reheat rice that has already been reheated in the microwave before.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches the recommended temperature ( 74-degree Celsius/165-degree Fahrenheit) so that the rice is safe to consume.
- In between the thirty-second intervals, you can also use a spoon to mix the rice so that the rice gets evenly heated.
- Wear gloves or use a heat-resistant kitchen cloth to remove the rice dish from the microwave to make sure that you don’t burn yourself.
Conclusion
Having this basic and yet invaluable knowledge will come in handy for all the people who have tight and hectic routines. The few minutes this process will save will feel like heaven.
This is also essential considering it reduces food wastage and your grocery bills. Now, whenever you have leftover rice, you will not be forced to through them away but can instead transform them into rice that is just as delicious and fresh as they were when they were first made!
FAQ
How can I reheat leftover rice to make it fluffy again?
To reheat leftover rice and make it fluffy, place the cold rice in a baking dish with a damp paper towel on top. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, stir fry the cold rice with some oil and vegetables to add flavor.
Can you freeze cooked plain rice?
Yes, you can freeze cooked plain rice by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To prevent the rice from becoming dry when reheated, add a bit of water before freezing.
What is the best way to reheat fried rice?
The best way to reheat fried rice is by using a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add some oil and stir fry the cold fried rice until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes with a damp paper towel on top.
How do I keep my reheated rice moist?
To keep your reheated rice moist, add some water or broth before microwaving or stir frying it. Covering it with a damp paper towel while heating will also help retain moisture.
Is frozen cooked rice safe to eat after thawing?
Yes, frozen cooked rice is safe to eat after thawing as long as it has been stored properly in an air-tight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods mentioned above.
How can I reheat rice properly?
To reheat rice properly, you should first ensure that it is stored in an airtight container. Then, place the desired amount of rice on a microwave safe plate and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Heat on medium heat until piping hot. Finally, add soy sauce to taste.
What are some food safety guidelines for reheating rice?
When reheating rice, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to avoid any potential health risks. Make sure to store leftover rice in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. When reheating, use medium heat and make sure the rice is piping hot before consuming.
Is there such thing as too much rice when reheating?
Yes, there is such thing as too much rice when reheating. It’s best to only reheat the amount of moist rice that you plan on eating at one time rather than trying to reheat large quantities all at once.
Can I use a microwave instead of a rice cooker for reheating?
Yes, you can use a microwave instead of a dedicated rice cooker for reheating your moist cooked grains. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines and heat on medium power until piping hot.
What’s the best way to store leftover cooked white or brown grain so it stays fresh longer?
The best way to store leftover cooked white or brown grain so it stays fresh longer is by placing it in an airtight container immediately after cooking and refrigerate within two hours if not consumed right away.