How to Reheat Rice in Microwave? Complete Guide

by Ada Parker — 2022-12-29 in Kitchen Appliance / Microwave

Leftover rice is not to be underestimated. Learning how to reheat rice in microwave is vital in our daily life. It’s an instant shortcut for easy dinners and sides like fried rice, loaded grain bowls, cheesy casserole recipes, and more.

what happens when you make too much rice on the stovetop—it never hurts to be prepared!—and don’t want it to go to waste? Don’t feel obligated to put it in the trash or to pile more food on everyone’s plate.

You already have a method in your freezer for reheating cooked rice without causing it to dry out even more. Keep reading and learn the detailed reheating process.

Table of Contents

How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave?

The fastest method for reheating rice, according to Tang, is in the microwave. Put your cooked rice in a bowl or container that can go in the microwave first. For each cup of cooked rice in the container, Tang advises adding one tablespoon of water to provide moisture and re-steam the rice.

Any rice clumps should be broken up with a fork. Rice should be reheated for one minute on high while being covered with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Remove the towel from the dish and stir the rice thoroughly after the microwave has finished. To ensure that the rice is thoroughly heated, place the towel back on top of the container and microwave it for an additional one to two minutes.

Quick tip: Rice can also be reheated in the microwave by having an ice cube placed on top of it. By allowing the rice to steam and retain moisture, it functions similarly to Tang’s method. Microwave for one minute while covering with a damp towel.

Is It Safe to Reheat Rice in the Microwave?

Indeed, of all the ways to reheat rice, this is the quickest and simplest. In under a minute, the microwave will complete the task. Just add some water and your rice to a bowl that can be used in a microwave.

When heated through, cover tightly with plastic wrap, place a microwave-safe plate, wet paper towel, or both, and microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between each interval.

Can You Reheat Already Cooked Rice?

There are many ways to reheat rice, whether it be white rice, brown rice, or fried rice, and you can certainly reheat rice that has already been cooked.

In order to keep the rice moist and reheat it quickly, I prefer to reheat rice in the microwave when I only have a small amount to eat. On the stove, you can also reheat rice and use it again in a different recipe, like garlic fried rice. Using a steamer or a lot of oven space are additional options.

How to Repurpose Leftover Rice?

The versatility of rice is what makes it so appealing as a leftover food. You can throw it into different dishes without any preparation, even though it can be easily reheated for sides. When you want to get creative with your leftovers, try one of these ideas:

Fried Rice: Tang says that fried rice is his favorite “second act” for his leftover grains. “There’s something special about dehydrated rice grains that takes the fried rice texture to the next level,” To make fried rice, Tang says to heat vegetable oil or canola oil in a wok or sizable frying pan, add the leftover rice, and cook until it develops a toasty color. Then, you’re free to add whatever mix-ins you like, including vegetables, eggs, cooked pork, and soy sauce.
Stuffed Peppers: The filling for the peppers in this popular retro treat is made from seasoned cooked rice, making it the ideal use for any leftover grains. Fill hollowed-out bell peppers with cooked rice seasoned with your preferred spices, cooked ground beef, sausage, or chopped vegetables, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pao Fan: Congee, a rice-based porridge that can be made with cooked rice, can also be made this way, but Tang prefers to make Pao Fan, a variation on congee. “Paofan translates to “rice soaked in water” in Mandarin.’ All you have to do to make Pao Fan is add hot water to a bowl of cold rice.” Cooked meat, seafood, or pickled vegetables like kimchi or radish can be added to the soup-like dish created by the water (or broth, if you prefer) soaking into the steamed rice and loosening it.

FAQs

How Long to Reheat Rice in Microwave?

Place in the microwave and heat for 3–4 minutes, or until piping hot throughout.

How to Reheat Rice in Oven?

Set the oven’s temperature to 300°F. Over the baking dish, spread the rice in an even layer and gently break up any clumps.
Pour about 2 tablespoons of water or broth per cup of rice. Cover the dish completely with foil.
20 minutes or until heated all the way through in the oven.