Whether you've ordered too much Chinese takeout or gone a little overboard making rice for a dish at home, there’s no need to toss your leftover rice. You may be one of those people who didn’t know that you can freeze it, but now you do. One rice packet from the store holds about two cups, so you can freeze your leftover rice in one- or two-cup bags. That way, you always have rice on hand for fried rice, casseroles, and bowls. It takes just a few minutes to bag it up.
- 1. Let hot rice cool before you bag it up. Spread it on a rimmed sheet pan to speed up the cooling.
- 2. Measure the rice.
- 3. Bag the rice in one- or two-cup increments.
- 4. Label and date the bag so you know the type and amount of rice.
- 5. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- 6. Thaw the bag on the counter for 2 hours or in the refrigerator overnight.
- 7. To microwave, break the ice into chunks and microwave in a covered microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes.
