How Long You Can Actually Keep Leftover Rice, According to Food Safety Experts

When we make a big batch of rice to enjoy with a stir fry, we just scoop the leftover grains into a container and toss it in the fridge with grand plans to eat it soon. Unfortunately, we often don’t remember it’s there until a few days later and wonder if the rice is still OK to eat.

Generally, you can store leftover rice for about three to four days in the refrigerator, says Caroline Thomason, a dietitian and diabetes educator in Washington, D.C. “You might not think of rice as a particularly high-risk food, but it can be. The risk of bacterial growth, particularly Bacillus cereus, increases, which can lead to foodborne illness.”

Bacillus cereus thrives in rice that hasn’t been cooled correctly and can lead to food poisoning, says Xiaonan Lu, PhD, professor at McGill University and member of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Food Microbiology Division. “Over time, rice can dry out, harden, or lose its flavor, especially if not stored properly.” 

Why It’s Important to Store Rice Properly

Eating leftover rice that is past its prime can be a matter of safety and quality. “Safety is key first and foremost with rice because it is prone to bacterial contamination if left at room temperature for too long before refrigeration,” says Thomason. The USDA says you should never eat food that is left out of the fridge for more than two hours.

In addition to safety, the overall taste of leftover rice can suffer if it’s kept around too long. “Quality will also decline over time, with rice becoming drier and losing its texture or flavor,” Thomason says. “If rice is stored in sauces or oils, it might become mushy and the quality for reheating it may be affected.”

The type of rice you have—white, brown, jasmine, basmati, or sticky rice—doesn’t necessarily have an impact on its storage life. But the way it’s prepared might make a difference.

“Rice cooked with oils, butter, or other ingredients may spoil faster than plain steamed rice,” Thomason explains. “Similarly, fried rice or rice in sauces might not last as long due to additional moisture or perishable ingredients.”

It doesn’t matter if rice was steamed, boiled, or cooked as part of a dish, says Lu. “However, rice mixed with perishable ingredients like meat, seafood, or vegetables may spoil faster, so consider the most perishable ingredient when determining storage time.”

How To Store Leftover Rice

For a longer storage life, make sure you pack away your leftover rice properly. Cool rice completely before putting it in the fridge. Thomason suggests transferring it to a shallow container to help it reach room temperature within an hour. Then place the rice in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Airtight containers help keep out moisture and prevent the rice from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to eat rice leftovers, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. You can reheat rice in the microwave, on the stove, or in a steamer. Add a little bit of water to help restore moisture.

“Leftover rice is excellent for making dishes like fried rice, rice pudding, or rice soup, where its slightly drier texture can actually enhance the recipe,” says Thomason.

If you have a lot of leftover rice and know you won’t eat it within a few days, consider freezing it. Divide it into portion sizes that you’ll use in one sitting, then place it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or scoop it into resealable freezer bags. Thomason saysfrozen rice can last up to six months in the freezer and it’s easy to reheat and enjoy plain or in your favorite rice dishes.