How to Cook Rice for the Freezer

White bowl filled with rice

Rice is one of those foods that many people assume will not freeze well. However, both brown and white rice freeze and reheat beautifully!

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How to cook rice for the freezer

Cook rice according to package directions and allow it to cool to room temperature. (Stirring occasionally will allow it to cool more quickly.)

Package the cooled rice in quart-size freezer bags. After filling the freezer bags, remove as much air as possible and seal. Label each bag with a permanent marker. Lay flat in the freezer to freeze.

How to use precooked rice

Precooked rice can be used straight from the freezer. You may need to run hot water over the bag until the solid chunk of rice thaws enough to break up a little.

Transfer rice to a microwave-safe bowl with a lid; add a teaspoon or two of water. Microwave until heated through. Fluff before serving.

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10 Comments

  1. Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says:

    Great idea! I have done this before and packaged the rice in 1/2 cup portions to use for making rice milk.

    1. Packaging according to the amount that you need is one of the many benefits of batch cooking! (And how neat that you make your own rice milk!)
      It’s so nice to “see” you again. 🙂

      1. Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says:

        Thanks, Judy! Yes, rice milk is easy to make in a blender.

  2. Annette @ In All You Do says:

    What a GREAT idea!!! I wish I’d known about this over the weekend. I cooked too much rice for our family gathering and it would’ve been nice to put in the freezer for later!! At least I know for the future now.

    I found you through the Welcome Home link-up! Thanks for sharing!!
    Blessings,
    Annette

    1. Annette, freezing the rice really does work great. (And if you hate cooking rice, like I do, it’s a double blessing to be able to pull the leftovers out of the freezer!)
      Thanks so much for stopping by!

  3. Are you using instant rice or regular rice? Thanks. 🙂

    1. Jenny, I have always used regular rice. I’m not sure how the instant would work in the freezer–if you try it, I’d love to know how it turns out for you!

      1. Thanks Judy, I will try it both ways & let you know how the instant works out. I love all you freezer meal ideas you’ve posted! Helps make meal prep so much easier! Thanks!

  4. We usually use brown rice… do you think freezing & reheating brown rice would work the same way?

    1. Judy Hoch says:

      Yes! I’m almost certain that I’ve frozen brown rice, too. It’s such a time saver!