How Long Can You Keep Rice In A Rice Cooker? Answered

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Rice is a common staple in dinner preparations, and a rice cooker is a useful tool for consistently cooking rice to perfection. However, have you ever found yourself with leftover rice or needing to make a larger quantity for meal prepping?

How long can you keep rice in a rice cooker? Let’s find out.

How Long Is Rice Good For In A Rice Cooker?

Generally, cooked rice in a rice cooker can be kept for up to 10 to 12 hours. Additionally, leaving rice within that time frame is considered safe only if you have the “keep warm” turned on at a temperature higher than 140°F or 60°C.

It is important to note that this does not apply to all types of rice – for example, brown rice tends to spoil more quickly than white rice. 

After 12 hours, the cooked rice should be discarded as it can become contaminated with bacteria if left in the cooker for too long. 

To keep cooked rice fresh and safe for consumption, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Read:

• What Does It Mean When Rice Is Broken?
• Chipotle White Rice Vs. Brown Rice
• How To Keep Cooked Rice From Drying Out?

How To Cook Rice In A Rice Cooker

1. Measure the amount of rice you would like to cook and place it in the rice cooker pot. 
2. Add water to the pot. The general rule of thumb is 2 cups water for every dry rice cup. 
3. Place the lid on the rice cooker and plug it in. 
4. Press the button to start the cooking process. 
5. Let the rice cooker do its job. When the cooking cycle is complete, the rice cooker will switch to a “keep warm” setting. 
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve.

Read: How To Fix undercooked Rice?

How Long Can You Keep Rice In The Fridge?

Rice can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days after it is cooked. It is best to store cooked rice in an airtight container and to consume it within this time frame. 

“Give a bowl of rice to a man, and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his rice and you will save his life.”

– Confucius, Chinese Philosopher

If stored correctly, cooked rice can still be eaten after this time. However, it is important to check for any sign of spoilage before doing so. If the cooked rice has a strange smell, texture, or color, it is best to discard it.

Read: How Do You Cook A Pot Of Rice Using The Shallow Pan Method?

Can You Freeze Rice?

Yes, you can freeze rice. Rice [1] is a great item to freeze for meal prepping or when you want to make a large quantity of rice. 

When it comes to freezing rice, it’s best to cook it first because uncooked rice can spoil quickly when frozen. Once the rice is cooked, portion it into freezer-friendly containers and freeze it for up to 3 months. 

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight, and it’s ready to reheat and enjoy.

Read: How Do Rice Cookers Know When To Turn Off?

How Long Can You Keep It At Room Temperature?

Rice can be stored at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. After this period, the chances of contamination from bacteria and mold growth increase, so the rice should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. 

To maximize safety and quality, cooking rice immediately after purchase or within a few days of purchase is best if you plan to store it at room temperature.

Read: How Long For Pressure Cooker To Reach Pressure?

Signs That Rice Is Spoiled

• Unpleasant Smell – Spoiled rice may smell sour or have a musty odor. 
• Change in Color – Spoiled rice may have a grayish or dull color. 
• Slimy Texture – If the rice is slimy or has a sticky texture, it’s likely gone bad. 
• Presence of Insects – If you see any bugs in the rice, it’s a sign that it has gone bad. 
• Mold – Look out for any visible mold on the rice.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Storing cooked rice in a rice cooker is a great way to keep your rice fresh and ready to eat for up to 12 hours. 

For best results, store cooked rice in the refrigerator and reheat it when needed. It is also important to ensure the rice cooker is clean and free of bacteria [2] before and after use. 

With the right precautions, you can keep your rice fresh and flavorful for a long time.

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318699
2. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Bacteria