How To Reheat Fried Rice

Hearty, comforting, and delicious — what's not to love about fried rice? Fried rice is the perfect meal to whip up when you're short on time and ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftover rice, vegetables, and protein. Plus, it's an easy one-pan meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

So, whether you have some leftovers from last night's dinner or you just made a big batch ahead of time, reheating fried rice is easy and only takes a few minutes. Read on for tips on reheating fried rice so it's just as good (if not better!) the second time around.

Reheating Fried Rice In The Skillet - Quick & Easy

Perhaps the best way to reheat fried rice is in a skillet on the stove. This method is quick and easy, and it helps to re-crisp the rice, so it's not mushy. Besides, using the skillet allows you to quickly reheat any protein or vegetables that may have been cooked with the rice.

There are two ways to reheat your fried rice in a skillet- with or without oil. If you want to revive the chewy texture of your fried rice, you'll have to reheat it with a dash of water. As for sauteing or stir-frying the fried rice, a little oil will help to add flavor and prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet.

Guide 1 - Reheating Fried Rice In The Skillet With Water

First, add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet, just enough to cover the base.
Then, bring to a simmer over low-medium heat.
Add your leftover fried rice and cover with a lid.
Stir occasionally until the water evaporates and the fried rice is heated through.

Guide 2 - Reheating Fried Rice In The Skillet With Oil

For this method, start by heating your preferred cooking oil in the skillet over medium heat. It can be any vegetable oil or butter.
Once hot, add the leftover fried rice to the skillet.
Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
If your fried rice is a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of water (or chicken broth) to help moisten it.

Reheating Fried Rice In The Microwave - Easy Peasy

The microwave is another great way to reheat fried rice. It's quick, easy, and hands-off- perfect when you're short on time. Also, microwaving your fried rice will help preserve its flavor and texture. However, there are a few things to remember when reheating fried rice in the microwave.

Add a splash of water (or chicken broth) to the fried rice.
If you don't want to add water to the rice, simply place a cup of water beside the dish in the microwave.
Another trick is to cover the rice bowl with a damp paper towel or add an ice cube on top of the rice. This will help create steam, thus preventing the fried rice from drying out.

Steps For Reheating Fried Rice In The Microwave

Place your leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
Next, follow any of the three tips we've mentioned above.
Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Reheating Fried Rice In The Oven - For Large Batches

If you're reheating a large batch of fried rice, then reheating it in the oven is the way to go. This method is also great if you want to avoid using the stovetop but still want a crispy, stir-fry texture. The only downside is that it takes a little longer than the other methods- about 15-20 minutes.

Here's what you need to do:

Preheat your oven to 425° F.
Put the fried rice in an oven-safe bowl.
You can also put it on a baking sheet, but make sure to grease it lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Also, you should spread the rice evenly in a single layer.
Next, add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the rice.
Stir everything together and then bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring a couple of times throughout. Once heated through, your fried rice is ready to be served!

Leftover Fried Rice - Tips & Tricks

Now that you know how to reheat fried rice, here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your leftovers:

Add a protein: Fried rice is great on its own, but it's even better with some protein. Just add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to turn it into a complete meal.

Make it spicy: If you like your food with a little kick, add some Sriracha sauce or chili flakes to your reheated fried rice.

Add some vegetables: Fried rice is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Simply stir in some chopped-up broccoli, carrots, peppers, or spinach.

Use day-old rice: If you're making fried rice specifically for leftovers, then make sure to use day-old rice. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy when reheated.