Can You Reheat Cauliflower Rice? The Ultimate Guide

That is the question, isn’t it? 

And in this heated article, that’s exactly what we’re going to answer. 

Long story short…

Yes. You most definitely can reheat cauliflower rice. 

Not to do so when you have excessive amounts of it would be a wasteful crime, honestly.

If you think about it, the better question would be what’s the best way to go about reheating it.

But let’s table that one for now and expound on the initial question at hand.

Can You Actually Do It?

Can you reheat cauliflower rice? 

Yes. 

And surprisingly enough, it reheats really well. 

At first glance, you’ll think nothing much of it. What with its pale color and cotton-like look. 

But it sure makes up for it by being an ideal option for whenever you’re meal prepping or when you end up making too much for one sitting. 

It also rises above other reheated foods. You know, those that disappoint because they easily dry out or become soggy. 

Because unlike those, cauliflower rice can retain much of its original state even after being cooked again.

Yes, that includes its flavor!

Some even insist that reheated cauliflower rice is better than its fresh counterpart. 

But we’re not going into that whole debacle of which is better (both my hands are up in surrender).

It’s just worth pointing out that reheating adds its own twist on bringing out the cauliflower rice’s flavors. 

Disclaimer, though, this early on to our discussion. 

While it’s easy to reheat cauliflower rice, using the wrong technique can leave you with a sad, dry mess of a rice plate. 

So, how does one go about reheating cauliflower rice?

Show and Tell: The Art of Reheating

Reheating is not merely a process you robotically do. It’s art in and of itself!

There are a couple of ways that you can try to reheat your cauliflower rice according to your personal tastes and free time. 

And I’m not about to gatekeep them from anyone. 

Meal prepping for the week? Reviving last night’s leftovers?

Whichever it may be, this article got you covered 😉

Microwave

First up might just be the easiest method you can do.

Here’s how you can reheat about 200 grams of cauliflower rice: 

1. Place your leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl. I personally prefer a bowl when reheating in the microwave because it’s less messy unlike flat plates.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth — either works. But go with broth if you want the added flavor. 
3. Make sure to cover it with a microwavable lid or a damp paper towel. 
4. Set your timer for 2-3 minutes on high power.
5. It’s also advisable that you stir it halfway through. This ensures that everything’s heated enough and not just the top part. 
6. If after 2-3 minutes the rice is not heated thoroughly, microwave for a couple of 30-sec intervals until your desired temperature is achieved. 

You can then mix your cauliflower rice with a spoon to let the steam out.

This will result in a fluffy texture (you’re welcome). 

Pros

• Most convenient, especially for people in a rush
• No need to bring out any cooking utensils 
• Best way of maintaining the moisture

Cons

• Overcooking can cause too much gooeyness 
• No resulting roasted texture

Stovetop

Want full reign over your reheated cauliflower rice? Then this next method is what you should do. 

For this one, you’ll need a stovetop and skillet. 

1. To start off, heat your pan at medium heat.
2. Put 1-2 tablespoons of water, broth, or oil.
3. You can then add 200 grams of cauliflower rice, and cook it for 3-5 minutes. 
4. Stir it occasionally until you see the edges turn slightly crispy.
5. If, on the off chance, that your cauliflower rice turned dry, you can add another tablespoon of your preferred liquid. 

Pros

• Allows visual monitoring to prevent drying or burning 
• Easier to season your rice
• Results to crispy bits

Cons

• Requires stirring and monitoring, more hands-on
• Expect to clean dirty cooking utensils afterwards

Oven

From a totally hands-on technique, we’re moving on to a more hands-off one. 

So, if you’re  looking for a way that doesn’t require much attention from you, the oven is your salvation.

1. Preheat your oven at 200°C.
2. While waiting, start spreading an even layer of 500 grams of cauliflower rice in a baking pan (don’t forget to put a baking sheet). 
3. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter on top and mix it evenly.
4. Place the pan inside the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
5. Once again, make sure that you stir it halfway through.

Pros

• Excellent for reheating large batches
• There’s more even heat distribution
• Provides a more nutty flavor

Cons

• Oven needs to heat up first 
• Takes the longest time to do

Choosing which among these three is a tough call if you ask me. But then again, it all comes down to you. 

Besides, you can always just try all three on different occasions. 

Truly, reheating just opens up so many possibilities. So go out and go wild!

Breaking the Magician’s Code

Reheating cauliflower rice is plain and simple, really. Borderline dull, even. 

But alas! That just won’t do for people like us. 

And so, here are some tricks (up my sleeves) that will take your reheated cauliflower rice to a much higher level:

Keeping Up with the Moisture Content

You just have one goal in reheating cauliflower rice, and that’s to prevent it from drying out. 

Naturally, cauliflower has little natural moisture. No surprise there if the rice can easily become crumbly and stale. 

That’s why water, broth, butter, (or even milk) is added before reheating. 

They can help in producing steam and thus, keeping the rice soft and cotton-like.

Mixing in the Seasoned Pro

Reheating is the time for your seasonings and mix-ins to shine. 

You can introduce new flavors to your cauliflower rice by adding herbs and spices.

Just between you and I, it’s the paprika plus garlic powder that does it for me.

Let’s not forget the sauces too. Pesto? Salsa? Both works.

Then, of course, we have our sautéed veggies, chicken, meat, seafood, and the likes.

Whoever said cauliflower rice is boring? 

The almost too plain picture above doesn’t help my argument, but whatever.

Reheat that cauliflower rice with confidence today!

Frequently Asked Questions

You have a lot of questions. I know, I know. 

Let’s have at it, shall we? 

Q: Is it okay to freeze cauliflower rice?

A: Yup. You get the best of both worlds. It freezes incredibly well as much as it reheats well. 

Do make sure that it has fully cooled down before storing it, though.

Q: How long can I keep cauliflower rice in the fridge?

A: You have 3 to 4 days of shelf life if you store it properly in the fridge.

Q: Can I reheat it more than once?

A: You can. 

But then again, don’t expect to keep its texture and flavor if reheated for more than once or twice. 

Q: Is it normal for reheated cauliflower rice to smell funny?

A: Yes. This may be caused by the sulfur compounds. 

But fear not. The addition of acidic ingredients like lemon juice can help neutralize the weird smell. 

Q: Does cauliflower rice turn soggy and watery after reheating?

A: Yes, it does. But by avoiding overheating and too much addition of liquids, your rice will turn up just fine.