Cooked white rice has always been a staple in many people’s homes.
It’s simple, easy to make, inexpensive, and easily customizable to go with any meal.
But, everyone has had the occasional question of how long does it lasts in the refrigerator.
So, how long does cooked white rice last in the fridge?
The answer is really simple. Refrigerated cooked white rice will last for one to two days in the refrigerator.
Refrigerating cooked white rice is important to do because when left at room temperature, bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can grow exponentially.
Refrigerating cooked rice quickly halts the bacterial growth by cooling rice to a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to refrigerate cooked white rice correctly?
Refrigerating cooked white rice is very simple. When you are done cooking the rice, spread it out in a thin layer on a sheet pan, and place it in the refrigerator.
This allows the rice to cool down more quickly, rather than letting it sit in a large mass.
Also, allowing the rice to cool quickly decreases the chances of bacteria growing.
Refrigerating cooked white rice correctly helps keep you and your loved ones healthy.
How long does cooked rice last at room temperature?
It is important to know how long rice lasts at room temperature to ensure safety.
Cooked rice can only last at room temperature for up to two hours. Thus, cooked rice left out on the counter for more than two hours should be thrown away.
This is because, without refrigeration, bacteria can grow exponentially on your rice.
Refrigerating cooked white rice helps keep your rice safe.
Refrigerating cooked white rice keeps the bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli and Salmonella, from growing on your rice.
Refrigerating cooked rice makes it safe to eat for one to two days.
How long does cooked white rice last in the freezer?
Refrigerating cooked white rice will keep it for one to two days. For longer storage times, you can freeze your rice for up to one month.
However, freezing is not always recommended. This is because freezing your rice will turn it into a big block of ice, and when you reheat it, it will be very mushy and waterlogged.
Refrigerating is a much better way to keep your rice fresh, as refrigeration halts the growth of bacteria that cause illness.
Refrigerating stored rice also helps it retain its texture and flavor better than freezing does.
How can you tell if rice is spoiled?
There are many indicators you will notice when rice gets spoiled. Most of these you can see.
Here are the signs you will notice when the rice has gone bad:
1. Change in smell
The first thing to notice is the smell. Mold, yeast, and bacteria release gases that cause odors, and if your rice has an odor, it is not safe to eat.
2. Change in color
The next thing you will notice is the color. Mold spores are often white, and if your rice has a white coating, it is contaminated.
3. Change in texture
Another indicator is the texture. If you notice your rice feels slimy or gummy, it has been contaminated.
If your rice is oozing liquids when you squeeze the bag or container it is stored in, it has gone bad.
When you see some of these indicators, you can be sure your rice has gone bad and is not safe to eat.
Do not hesitate to throw it away.
Can you eat cooked rice after 5 days?
Refrigerating cooked rice keeps it fresh for one to two days.
After this window of time, you need to throw your rice away.
Thus, I do not recommend eating cooked rice after five days. It is better to cook a new than eating the cooked rice after 5 days.
How long can cooked rice be left on the counter?
You should not leave cooked rice sitting out on the counter for longer than two hours.
Refrigerating your rice will keep it fresh for one to two days, but leaving it out on the counter provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow.
Be sure not to leave cooked rice sitting out for too long to keep your family safe.
If you have leftover rice that you want to consume later, make sure to keep it in the fridge and not on the countertop.
Can leftover cooked rice be frozen?
Yes, cooked rice can be frozen.
But again, although you can refrigerate cooked rice, this is not recommended because it changes the texture and taste of your rice when you reheat it.
As mentioned, refrigeration is a better storage strategy for cooked rice.
What is the best way to freeze cooked rice?
If you really want to freeze cooked rice rather than refrigerate it, I have a quick tip for you.
The best way to freeze cooked rice is using a container with a tight seal that protects the rice from freezer burn.
Freezing cooked rice should not be done using a zipper bag or other loose-fitting container because this method does not protect your rice from freezer burn.
If you have a container that is specifically designed for freezing, use that container to keep your rice safe.
Can fried rice be frozen?
Yes, fried rice can be frozen. Fried rice maintains a good texture and flavor when it is frozen.
If you want to refrigerate or freeze your fried rice, put it in an airtight container that protects it from freezer burn.
Refrigerating and freezing your rice helps it maintain its texture and taste, so remember to put it in the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
In summary, cooked white rice can last in the fridge for one to two days. Refrigerating it helps keep your rice at its best.
However, after five days, you should avoid eating the rice because it can be contaminated with bacteria that can make you sick.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an odor or colors, throw your rice away.
Refrigerating your rice is an important step that keeps it fresh and safe to eat for a few days.
Although you can freeze cooked rice, it is not recommended as freezing cooked rice can change its texture when you reheat it.
However, the final decision is yours. Figure out what is the best for your situation.
If you want to learn more about refrigerating foods, visit my related articles here.
