How to Freeze and Reheat Rice
Balancing a meal can be challenging, especially with a busy schedule. Convenient shortcuts like prepped rice and grains are lifesavers. However, microwaving grains in plastic pouches isn't ideal. Try this versatile, time-saving, and cost-effective hack instead: Cook a large batch of grains—such as brown rice, quinoa, farro, barley, and couscous—at the beginning of the week, portion them into the Anytime Trays, and freeze overnight. When you need a quick side, simply pop out a portion, reheat it in an Anyday Small Dish, and enjoy a perfectly cooked, delicious addition to your meal.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Anytime Freezer Tray Set
The Anyhand Mitts
The Large Deep Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups (290g) cooked rice of choice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, tarragon, and chives (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Preparation
- If the rice is still warm, transfer to a baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge until fully cooled.
- In a large bowl, add olive oil, mixed herbs, garlic (if using), and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste.
- Divide the cooled rice into the cups of an ½ cup Anytime Tray and cover with lid.
- Transfer to the freezer and allow to freeze for at least six hours.
- To reheat frozen rice: Add as many portions of frozen rice as needed into an Anyday dish. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of cold water on top of each portion and cover with lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is fully heated through.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Have you ever included grains like rice, pasta, or barley to a soup or stew, only to find that the leftovers are stiff and mushy? These starchy grains will soak up the liquid in the soup, changing the consistency of the dish (and not always for the best!). Freezing grains separately and reheating when you’re ready to eat is a great way to keep big-batch leftovers fresh.
- Jumpstart an easy Fried Rice recipe with pre-cooked rice. Simply add a portion of frozen rice to a skillet, add veggies, protein, soy sauce and sesame oil for a quick dinner.
Recipe notes
- This convenient method works well with full recipes such as buttery herbed rice, golden fried rice, kimchi fried rice, baked beans, and polenta.
- Season the rice or grains before freezing for even easier side dish solutions.
- Visit our blog post about how to freeze and reheat food using an Anyday dish.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need To Know About Freezing and Reheating Rice and Grains with Anyday
Can I freeze cooked rice using Anyday products?
| Ingredient | Reheating Time |
|---|---|
| 1 portion (1/2 cup) | 3-4 mins |
| 2 portions (1 cup) | 4-5 mins |
| 4 portions (2 cups) | 5-6 mins |
| 6 cups (3 cups) | 6-7 mins |
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice using silicone Anytime Freezer Trays. This method ensures your rice stays fresh and flavorful when you're ready to reheat and enjoy it. Freezing rice or grains is a great way to quickly create easy meals for your family or yourself, by simply reheating individual portions.
Why should I use Anyday products to freeze cooked grains?
Anyday products are perfect for freezing all types of cooked rice, including brown rice, white rice, quinoa, barley, and more. Anyday dishes cook grains to perfection. The Anytime Freezer Trays help keep portions organized, reduce freezer burn and drying, and prevent odor contamination, ensuring your cooked grains stay fresh and flavorful.
Do I need to cool the rice before freezing it?
Yes, for food safety reasons, it is crucial to cool the rice completely before freezing. Spread the cooked rice in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator until it is fully cooled. This step helps prevent potential food poisoning by reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
How long can I store frozen rice in the freezer?
You can store frozen rice in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its quality. For best results, portion the rice into silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to ensure easy reheating and portion control.
Can I freeze rice in large batches?
Yes, you can cook a large batch of 3 cups of rice by using our Extra Large Dish and freezing it in smaller, 1/2 cup portions for convenience. After cooking, portion the rice into silicone Anytime Freezer Trays, this way, you can easily grab and reheat the exact amount you need, saving time and reducing food waste.
How do I reheat frozen rice using an Anyday dish?
Reheating frozen rice with Anyday dishes is simple and efficient. Place the desired portions of frozen rice into an Anyday dish and microwave with the lid on for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is fully heated through. For detailed instructions, visit our blog post about how to freeze and reheat food using an Anyday dish.
Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to the rice before freezing?
Yes, you can add cooked or frozen vegetables, herbs, or even proteins like cooked chicken or tofu to the rice before freezing. This creates a nutrient-packed, ready-to-eat side dish. Make sure the added ingredients are fully cooked and cooled before mixing them with the rice and portioning them into the silicone Anytime Freezer Trays for freezing.
