Leftover rice is a versatile addition to your evening meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and store in your fridge or freezer. How should you cool your rice quickly and safely?
Cool your rice by spreading it on a sheet pan. Place the pan in your fridge for 30 minutes or freezer for 15 minutes. Once your rice is completely cool, store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can also cool cooked rice in an ice bowl bath.
How Do You Cool Rice Fast?
Cool your rice quickly with either of these two methods:
The Tray Method
- Spread your cooked rice on a clean tray with sides.
- Place the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes.
The Ice Bowl Method
- Transfer your cooked rice to a heat-proof bowl.
- Fill a smaller bowl with ice water.
- Place the bowl with rice in the ice water.
- Let your rice sit for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I alternate between these two methods. Sometimes, my fridge and freezer are too full to accommodate a tray of rice. In that case, I use the ice bowl method. Both methods work equally well and are easy to follow.
Is It Okay To Put Hot Rice In The Fridge?
It’s better to divide large amounts of hot food into smaller containers before you put it in the fridge. You can put large amounts of hot food in the fridge, but large bowls take a long time to cool down.
When you cool your food, you should cool it as quickly as possible so bacteria don’t grow. Cool down your rice in less than an hour so it’s safe to eat later. Use your fridge, freezer, or an ice bath to quickly and safely cool your rice.
How Long Does Rice Need To Cool For?
Rice should cool for 30 minutes or until completely cool. Cool your rice as quickly as possible. Fast cooling helps prevent bacteria growth.
Cool your rice and store it in the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking. Make sure you include the time your rice sits on the dinner table. After two hours at room temperature, bacteria start to grow.
Eating rice contaminated with bacteria can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can I Put Hot Rice In The Freezer For Fried Rice?
Cool your hot rice slightly before you put it in the freezer. Spread it in a single layer on a sheet pan and place it in the fridge. After it’s cool to the touch, put it in the freezer. Once your rice has cooled completely, it’s ready to use in your fried rice.
How To Cool Rice Step By Step
Cooling rice is easy. You don’t need any special equipment or tools. Follow this step-by-step guide to cool your rice quickly and safely.
The Tray Method
Step 1: Spread your cooked rice in a thin layer on a sheet pan. You can line your pan with parchment paper so your tray stays clean.
Step 2: Place the pan in your refrigerator. Let it sit for 30 minutes or until your rice is completely cool. You can also place your sheet pan in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer your rice to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store in the fridge for one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
The Ice Bowl Method
Step 1: Transfer your rice to a heat-proof bowl.
Step 2: Make an ice bowl by combining three handfuls of ice with enough water to fill your bowl halfway.
Step 3: Set your rice bowl into your ice water bowl.
Step 4: Let the rice sit for 15 minutes, stirring it occasionally so all the grains come in contact with the ice water bowl.
Step 5: Transfer your rice to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store in the fridge for one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Use the tray or ice bowl method to cool your rice quickly. The more quickly you cool your rice, the less chance bacteria have to grow.
