How To Reheat Rice On Stove
Rice is a staple in many cultures and cuisines around the world, especially in Asian countries. It is filling, nutritious, and makes great leftovers. However, sometimes reheating rice can be tricky, and it can turn out dry, hard, or mushy. But with a few simple tips, you can reheat rice perfectly every time! And we're here to show you how.
One of the best, foolproof methods of reheating rice is on the stovetop. The process is quick, easy, and mess-free, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice every time.
Step-By-Step Guide For Reheating Rice On Stove
There are two ways to reheat rice on the stovetop- steaming and sauteing. The steaming method is best for plain rice, while the latter is suitable for rice mixed with other ingredients like vegetables or meat.
Before proceeding with any of the methods below, your rice should be out of the fridge and allowed to reach room temperature.
#Method 1 - Steaming
- Transfer your rice to a pot and add about 2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice.
- Cover the pot tightly, and heat for about 5 minutes over medium-low flame. Covering the pot with a lid will ensure steam forms inside, which will help reheat and loosen up the rice grains. You can add oil or butter to the rice for extra flavor (optional).
- Once the 5 minutes are up, remove the lid and fluff your rice with a fork.
- Your rice should now be nice and hot! Serve immediately.
#Method 2 - Saute
- Start by heating some oil or butter in a wok. A skillet or pan would work too.
- Once heated, add your leftover rice and any veggies, meat, herbs, or seasonings of your liking.
- Keep stirring and tossing the rice until it is heated through. This should take about 5 minutes.
- And that's it! Your rice is now ready to be enjoyed.
So, there you have it- two simple methods for reheating rice on the stovetop. Give them a try and see which one works best for you. If you want to try other reheating methods, you can find them below.
Reheating Rice In The Microwave
You must've seen some viral videos on TikTok or Instagram of people reheating their rice in the microwave, and it turns out perfectly every time. Well, we're here to tell you that those videos are not clickbait! You can reheat your rice in the microwave, and it'll come out nice and fluffy.
The key to reheating rice in the microwave is adding a little water. This will help loosen up the rice and prevent it from drying out.
- Simply place your rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add water (about 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) or an ice cube on top, and cover with a paper towel.
- Reheat the rice for about 30 seconds and check if it's hot. If not, continue heating in 15-second intervals until the rice is heated through.
- Once your rice is hot, fluff it with a fork and serve immediately.
Reheating Rice In The Oven
If you're reheating a large portion of rice or want an alternative to the stovetop or microwave methods, then reheating in the oven is your best bet.
Just like with the stovetop and microwave methods, you'll want to add a bit of water (or stock) to your rice before reheating. It'll help keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Preheat your oven to 300° F.
- Spread the rice evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water or stock per cup of rice and cover the sheet with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Reheating Rice In The Air Fryer
Air fryers are generally used for cooking or reheating fried items with little to no oil. But did you know that you can also reheat rice in the air fryer? However, the only requirement is that your air fryer basket should be at least 6-inch deep.
Here's how you can reheat rice in the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320° F.
- Place the rice in the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Once done, fluff with a fork and serve with your favorite side dishes.
How Long Does It Take To Reheat Rice?
Generally, it takes about 5 minutes to reheat rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you're reheating in the oven, it'll take about 20 minutes. And if you're using an air fryer, it'll take about 5-7 minutes.
The amount of time taken to reheat rice might also vary depending on the kind of rice you're using. For example, white rice reheats faster than brown rice. However, the time difference is usually a matter of a few seconds to a minute. So, it's not something you need to worry about.