How long does cooked rice last at room temperature? This is one of the most common questions I often get.
In this post, I will share with you the answer and some additional facts and techniques you can do with your leftover cooked rice.
So, how long does cooked rice last at room temperature?
Cooked rice can last for up to two hours at room temperature. However, storing cooked rice at room temperature is not recommended as it can increase the chances of bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Storing cooked rice at room temperature also risks the rice drying out or absorbing other aromas.
Leaving the cooked rice at room temperature only applies to cooked white rice, not brown rice.
Storing any type of rice at room temperature is dangerous as it can increase the chances of bacterial growth.
It can also create condensation, which moistens the rice and increases the chances of microbial growth.
If you plan to store cooked white rice at room temperature, make sure it will not exceed two hours.
Any longer and you risk bacterial or food poisoning from the rice.
Can we eat cooked rice after 12 hours?
Yes, you can eat cooked rice for up to 12 hours after cooking it as long as it is stored in an airtight container.
Storing cooked white rice for 12 hours is perfectly safe if you follow the above guidelines.
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice should be stored in the fridge and can last for up to 7 days if it is stored properly.
Refrigerating cooked rice is recommended as it can last for a longer period of time without the risk of food poisoning.
Storing cooked rice in the fridge also reduces the risk of microbial growth.
To store cooked rice in the fridge, cool the rice completely and place it in an airtight container before you store it in the fridge.
This will allow the cooked rice to stay safe in the fridge longer.
How long does cooked rice last in the freezer?
If you are thinking about freezing your leftover cooked rice to reheat it later, bear in mind that cooked rice can only last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Storing cooked rice in the freezer is not recommended though as it can deteriorate the overall quality of the rice.
To keep cooked rice at its best, you can use it within three months in the freezer.
How do you store cooked rice safely?
It is important to remember that storing cooked rice at room temperature for a longer period of time increases the chance of food poisoning.
However, storing cooked rice in an air-tight container and refrigerating it can help you to keep it safe for longer.
You can of course freeze cooked rice. But make sure that you use it within a short period of time.
Remember that freezing cooked rice for too long can cause deterioration of the rice.
How long can cooked brown rice sit out?
Cooked brown rice should never sit out for longer than 2 hours as it can increase the chances of microbial growth.
Storing cooked brown rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours can result in food poisoning.
The best thing to do instead is to refrigerate the cooked brown rice.
Freezing is also another option. But do not forget to thaw and reheat the frozen cooked brown rice before eating it.
How long can cooked brown rice sit out?
Cooked brown rice should never sit out for longer than 2 hours as it can increase the chances of microbial growth.
Storing cooked brown rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours can result in food poisoning.
Storing cooked brown rice in the fridge is recommended.
Can you freeze and reheat cooked rice?
Yes, you can safely freeze and reheat cooked rice. In fact, this is the best thing to do with frozen cooked rice.
When you are reheating, make sure that it is steaming hot.
Storing cooked rice in the freezer and reheating it when needed is a good way to save your leftover cooked rice.
Final Thoughts
In summary, cooked rice can last at room temperature for up to two hours.
However, storing cooked rice at room temperature for a longer period of time increases the risk of food poisoning.
Thus, cooked rice should never be stored at room temperature for more than two hours.
I hope that the tips and techniques shared in this post will help you store your leftover cooked rice next time.
Thank you for reading.
