I'm no longer worried about eating leftover rice thanks to this advice on how to store it safely

I often cut corners in the kitchen to make things easier and one of those is buying instant microwavable rice instead of making it myself. The reason? They're perfectly portioned and I have the fear about how to store cooked rice properly (having heard horror stories of food poisoning), so when I inevitably cook too much rice, I tend to throw the leftovers straight in the trash.

But, I'm determined to start reducing my food waste, so I've been keen to learn how to store cooked rice properly, so that I always have some to hand to re-heat with dishes I'm cooking from scratch.

Whether you're planning to eat up your rice with barbecue recipe leftovers or re-heated curries, these tips from professional chefs on how to store cooked rice will have you covered. Time to tuck in.

1. Only ever store cooked rice after it's cooled down

Waiting for food leftovers to cool down before storing them isn't always practical. But I learned from Chef Janet Armstrong, Culinary Insights Senior Manager at Mars Food & Nutrition on behalf of Ben’s Original Rice, just how important this step is for food safety.

'It's vital to allow your cooked rice to cool down before storing it away to prevent condensation, overheating in your fridge, and the development of bacteria,' says Janet. 'To do this, allow your cooked rice to cool slightly [to the touch] before placing it in your refrigerator in an open container for 15-20 minutes. After this time has passed your rice will be thoroughly cooled down ready for storing. Do not let your rice fully cool at room temperature before storing it, as doing this is the fastest way to encourage bacteria to grow.'

Janet recommended placing your rice in the flattest position possible to ensure even, and fast cooling.. When I next have some leftovers, I'm going to try cooling mine down on a simple baking sheet such as the Mainstays Nonstick Cookie Baking Sheet available at Walmart. Cooled cooked rice stored in the fridge will last three to four days.

2. Store cooked rice in a sealed bag

Food bags are a staple in my home for keeping all kinds of snacks in my fridge or freezer. Apparently their preserving powers aren't beyond keeping cooked rice fresh, so I'm going to be keeping my smaller batches fridge-ready in some from now on (goodbye over-priced rice pouches).

Rocco Carulli, Executive Chef and Owner at R House Wynwood says, 'After your rice has completely cooled, storing it in sealed bags is a great idea for keeping it fresh as well as conveniently portioned out. Simply cool your rice and spoon it into your bags, ensuring they are securely shut to prevent air from drying your rice out. I love using shallow sealable silicone bags so I can stack my bags of cooked rice easily in the fridge or freezer.'

The Lerine 6 Pack of Reusable Gallon Freezer Bags from Amazon is a great choice because they're leak-proof and airtight. I think it's amazing that they're also dishwasher safe, so saves on some washing up.

3. Store cooked rice in an airtight container

Airtight containers are one of the most commonly-used kitchen storage solutions for good reason. They're perfect for storing portions of rice after using the best rice cookers, often stack, and they're ideal for keeping different kinds of rice separate from one another. As someone who loves meal prep, I can't imagine my kitchen without them.

'Storing cooked rice in an airtight container is pretty simple, so long as you ensure it's able to fully cool down before putting the lid on,' says Janet. 'Otherwise condensation will spoil the food. You can either cool your rice first on a baking sheet or in the airtight container. I recommend choosing a clean container that allows you to spread the rice out into a thin layer to help the rice to cool more quickly, or putting less rice in each container so it isn't too heaped to cool in the fridge before the lid goes on.'

I really like these Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lids from Amazon because they're long for storing rice in a shallow layer, and they're suitable for storing in either the fridge or freezer.

Don't forget to add a Dissolvable Food Label from Walmart so you know how old your stored cooked rice is. These ones won't leave sticky residue on your containers, either – a pet hate of mine.

4. Vacuum seal cooked rice for extra fridge or freezer freshness

Last year my partner purchased a small vacuum sealer for the kitchen, which we mainly use to preserve the last of homemade sauces for freezing that we won't use in the coming days. But since learning it would also be perfect for preserving rice in the fridge or freezer, we've begun using it more often throughout the week.

Chef Maricel Gentile, owner of Maricel's Kitchen and author of Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook, says, 'Rice is such a foundational part of so many Asian meals, so knowing how to store it properly can make a big difference in keeping it fresh, safe, and ready to enjoy again. To vacuum seal, simply let your rice fully cool and portion it out for sealing up with the machine. Without air inside the bag, there’s less moisture loss and no risk of freezer burn, which is what I love about the vacuum sealing method of storing cooked rice. I often use this for preserving speciality rice, like turmeric rice or the base for arroz caldo, so I can quickly reheat it later without losing quality.'

Vacuum-sealed rice will be at its best for up to 3 months in the freezer, or three to five days in the fridge.

5. Store cooked rice in the freezer for later use

Cooked rice in containers, sealed bags or vacuum sealed packs, can all be stored in the freezer, as long as the rice has cooled first. It's a real game-changer when it comes to reducing food waste, and having homemade rice dishes easily accessible whenever you want

'If you want that rice to go the distance, freeze it in single-serve portions ready for future use,' says Chef Rocco. 'Sealable bags are your best friend here. Press out the air, flatten them for easy stacking, and label with the date you made the rice batch. Frozen rice will keep for about a month in its prime condition and reheats beautifully in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.'

If you don't have freezer-safe labels, you can write on your storage container with Sharpie, or tape a small piece of paper to the container for easy removal.

Cooked rice storage FAQs

How do you reheat cooked rice for use?

Cooked rice can be reheated in multiple ways, from fresh or frozen. Chef Rocco says, 'To reheat cooked rice, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl and sprinkle it with a tablespoon or two of water per cup of rice so it won't come out dry. Cover it loosely with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals, fluffing in between, until it’s hot and steamy. On the stovetop, transfer the rice to a small pot, add a splash of water or broth, and cover with a tight lid. Warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until fully heated through.'

How can I tell if my cooked rice has gone bad?

There are a few telltale signs that your cooked rice is past its best and not recommended for consumption. 'Trust your senses,' says Maricel. 'If the rice smells sour, feels sticky or slimy, or shows any mold or discoloration, it’s time to let it go. Even if it looks okay, I don’t recommend eating cooked rice that’s more than 4 or 5 days old. It can harbor Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that grows quickly in rice and can cause food poisoning. If you’re not sure - don’t risk it!'

If you still have spare cooked plain rice after storing as much as you can, why not try putting rice in bird feeders as a nutritious snack? In moderation, it's a great source of carbohydrates for wildlife.