7 Things to Make With Leftover Rice
Fried rice, rice bowls, stuffed peppers, rice soup, arancini-style bites, rice pudding and burritos, plus how to store cooked rice safely.
Leftover rice is a head start, not a problem. Day-old rice is actually better for fried rice: it has dried out a little, so the grains stay separate and crisp instead of clumping.
Store cooked rice safely
Cool rice quickly by spreading it in a shallow container, and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. Like other cooked leftovers, use it within 3 to 4 days, or freeze it flat in bags for up to a few months. Reheat it until steaming hot.
Classic egg fried rice
- 3 cups cold cooked rice
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Scramble the eggs in a very hot oiled pan and remove. Stir-fry the vegetables, add the rice and press it into the pan to crisp, then add the soy sauce, eggs and sesame oil.
Burrito bowls
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
- 1 cup corn
- Salsa, cheese and avocado
Reheat the rice with a squeeze of lime and build bowls.
Stuffed peppers
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Fill halved peppers with the browned meat, rice and sauce, cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, add cheese and bake 5 more.
Chicken and rice soup
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
Simmer the vegetables in broth for 10 minutes, then add the chicken and rice until hot.
Cheesy rice bites
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
Mix, form small balls and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for about 10. Serve with marinara.
Rice pudding
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Simmer, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes until thick and creamy.
Breakfast rice bowl
- Cooked rice
- Fried egg
- Sliced avocado
- Soy sauce or hot sauce
Reheat the rice and top with a runny egg.
Questions, answered
How long is leftover rice good for?
Refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking and eat it within 3 to 4 days, like other cooked leftovers. It freezes well for longer storage.
Why is day-old rice better for fried rice?
Chilled rice has dried out slightly and firmed up, so the grains separate and fry instead of turning mushy.
