If you cook rice ahead of time or have leftovers, you’ll need to heat it up before you eat. Microwaving rice is convenient, but what if you don’t have a microwave? What’s the best way to heat up rice?
There are four easy ways to heat up rice without a microwave. Steam it in a pot or the oven. Fry it in a skillet, or warm it in your rice cooker. Always add a few tablespoons of water when you reheat rice. Otherwise, the rice grains will be dry.
What’s The Best Way To Heat Up Rice Without A Microwave?
The best way to heat rice without a microwave is to steam it. Cooked rice dries out as it sits in the fridge. Reheating rice by steaming keeps the grains moist so it has the texture of freshly cooked rice.
You can steam rice on the stove, in the oven, or a rice cooker. You can also heat it in a frying pan. Always reheat rice to a minimum of 165 °F to kill any bacteria growth. Rice contains bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can still grow after rice is cooked. Cool your rice quickly after cooking and reheat it thoroughly to avoid food poisoning.
How To Steam Rice On The Stove
You’ll need a medium-sized pot, cooked rice, and a few tablespoons of water. The stovetop is my favorite method because it’s fast and easy.
Step 1
Take your cooked rice from the fridge or freezer and break up clumps. Let the rice sit at room temperature while you get your equipment ready.
Step 2
Transfer your rice to the pot. Add two tablespoons of water for every cup of rice. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Heat the rice on medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until heated through. Stir often so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Serve!
How To Heat Rice In The Oven
This method works great for large quantities of rice. You’ll need an oven-safe dish large enough to spread the cooked rice into one layer, a piece of aluminum foil, and a few tablespoons of water.
Step 1
Take your rice from the fridge or freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 300 °F.
Step 2
Spread the rice in your baking dish, breaking up any clumps. Choose a dish large enough to accommodate the rice in a single, even layer.
Step 3
Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice. Use two tablespoons for every cup of rice. Mix gently with your hands.
Step 4
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place inside your oven. Heat the rice for 20 minutes or until it reaches 165 °F. Remove from the oven and serve!
How To Heat Rice In A Frying Pan
I use this method if I want to make fried rice. You’ll need cooking oil and a frying pan.
Step 1
Heat two tablespoons of oil in a frying pan.
Step 2
Add your cooked rice and stir so all the grains get coated in oil.
Step 3
Cook your rice until it’s heated through–about five minutes. Serve plain, or make fried rice!
How To Heat Rice In Your Rice Cooker
I use my rice cooker if I have leftover rice but need to cook fresh meats or veggies. The rice warms in the cooker while I work on the rest of the meal.
You’ll need your rice cooker, a few tablespoons of water, and a bit of butter for richness.
Step 1
Remove your cooked rice from the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature while you gather your supplies.
Step 2
Place the rice inside the pot of your rice cooker. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of water. The best ratio is two tablespoons of water per cup of rice.
Step 3
Add a tablespoon of butter for richness if you prefer. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Close the lid and set the cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting.
Step 5
Let the rice warm for one hour or until it’s heated through. Serve!
Final Thoughts
Warming rice without a microwave is easy. Use your stove, oven, or rice cooker. Always add a few tablespoons of water to moisten the rice.
