If you’ve ever reheated rice only to end up with dry, crunchy, or oddly chewy grains, you’re not alone. The trick to good reheated rice is simple: add a little moisture and trap the steam. With that approach, leftover rice becomes fluffy and tender again, ready for stir-fries, bowls, soups, or simple weeknight dinners.
Once you know how to reheat rice properly, you can confidently cook extra and repurpose leftovers throughout the week without sacrificing texture.
The Golden Rule of Reheating Rice
Rice dries out in the fridge, so reheating is all about adding moisture and trapping steam. A small amount of water and a tight cover make the difference between fluffy, enjoyable rice and disappointing leftovers.
- How to Reheat Rice on the Stovetop (Best Texture for Larger Amounts)
- How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave (Best for Small Amounts)
- How to Reheat Rice in the Oven (Best for a Crowd)
- What Kind of Rice Can You Reheat?
- Does the Type of Rice Matter?
- Tips for Make-Ahead Rice
- FAQs
- How to Use Reheated Rice
- How to Reheat Rice Recipe
- More Rice Recipes
Two quick ways to heat leftover rice: on the stove or in the microwave. No more dry or sticky rice for dinner tonight.
How to Reheat Rice on the Stovetop (Best Texture for Larger Amounts)
This method gives you the most control and works well for larger portions. If you don’t have a microwave, the stovetop is ideal.
- Add the rice to a saucepan or skillet. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of water or broth per cup of rice.
- Cover tightly and heat over low, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice is heated through and fluffy.
Kitchen Smarts
A third option is to turn leftover rice into fried rice—stir-frying dries and flavors the rice while returning it to a pleasant texture.
How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave (Best for Small Amounts)
Tip: Let the rice sit covered for 30 seconds after heating to finish steaming.
- Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice (more for larger portions).
- Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second bursts until hot. Stirring helps redistribute the rice so it heats evenly and avoids cold pockets in the center.
How to Reheat Rice in the Oven (Best for a Crowd)
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Spread the rice in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle with a few tablespoons of water.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
This method is convenient when reheating a large batch alongside other dishes.
What Kind of Rice Can You Reheat?
These techniques work for most rice varieties: white rice, brown rice, basmati, jasmine, Texmati, black rice, and wild rice. You can also reheat dishes made with short-grain or starchy rices like risotto or sticky rice, though very starchy or glutinous types won’t regain separate, fluffy grains because they weren’t separate to begin with.
Does the Type of Rice Matter?
Yes—slightly. Different rices respond a bit differently to reheating:
- White rice (jasmine, basmati): Reheats easily with a small splash of water.
- Brown rice: Needs a bit more moisture and time because it’s chewier.
- Sticky or sushi rice: Reheat gently with extra steam to avoid drying out.
Tips for Make-Ahead Rice
If you plan to reheat rice later in the week, cool it quickly and store it properly to avoid clumping and excessive softness. Spread the rice on a rimmed baking sheet to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Cooling it this way helps keep the grains more separate and makes reheating easier.
FAQs
Yes. Microwaving rice is safe and effective when you add a little water and cover the bowl to trap steam. Those steps keep the rice moist and help it reheat evenly.
It’s best to reheat rice only once. Rice can support bacterial growth if left at room temperature, so cool it promptly after cooking, refrigerate, and avoid repeated reheating.
Hard rice usually means it needs more moisture and better steam trapping. Add water and cover the bowl before microwaving.
Yes. Reheat frozen rice straight from the freezer in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to generate steam as it thaws and heats.
How to Use Reheated Rice
Reheated rice can be used just like freshly cooked rice. It’s an excellent side for roasted or pan-seared proteins and pairs well with dishes like baked chicken or salmon. Rice is also a classic companion for chilies and Asian-style dishes. You can serve reheated rice with a wide range of mains or transform it into fried rice for a new meal.
Simple Stir-Fried Crispy Tofu and Vegetables
Chicken and Spinach Stir-Fry with Ginger and Oyster Sauce
Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
How to Reheat Rice
Equipment
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Saucepan (for stovetop)
Ingredients
- Leftover rice
- Water (as needed)
Instructions
On the Stovetop:
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Place leftover rice in a pot and add about 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice. Use a shallow pot so you can stir easily and avoid scorching or breaking the grains.
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Cover and heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the rice is hot throughout.
In the Microwave:
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Put rice in a microwave-safe dish. Choose a bowl deep enough to stir without spilling but not so deep that stirring is difficult.
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Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of water per cup over the rice.
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Cover with a damp paper towel to trap steam and prevent drying.
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Heat for about 20 seconds per cup, stirring as needed until hot. For larger amounts, stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
Notes
More Rice Recipes
- Shrimp Pineapple Stir-Fried Rice
- Dirty Rice
- Creamy Rice Pudding
- Chicken and Rice Soup