The Short Answer
Yes, you can safely reheat Chinese takeaway fried rice. The best way is to use the stove or microwave to quickly heat it through without drying it out. Fried rice can generally last 3-5 days refrigerated. Reheat until steaming hot, at least 165°F to kill any bacteria. You may need to add a little water to restore moisture if it seems dried out.
Storing Leftover Fried Rice
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
Like most leftover rice dishes, fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to put it in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. You want to minimize exposure to air to prevent bacteria growth. After 3-5 days, the flavors and textures start to degrade.
For longer term storage, you can freeze fried rice for 2 to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a little water or broth while reheating to restore moisture lost during freezing.
Safe Reheating Methods
There are several good ways to reheat fried rice without ruining the taste or texture:
On the Stovetop
Reheating fried rice in a skillet or wok on the stovetop allows you to restore the wok hay (breath of the wok) flavor. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons oil to the pan and heat over medium high. When hot, add the chilled fried rice and break up any clumps with a spatula. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. You can also add a bit of seasoning or soy sauce to refresh the flavor.
In the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick way to reheat fried rice. Put the rice in a microwave safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high power in 1 minute increments. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. The paper towel helps prevent it from drying out. Reheat until 165°F, checking with an instant read thermometer.
In the Oven
To reheat larger batches, spread the fried rice in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until hot and steaming. Stir halfway through for even heating. The foil helps retain moisture.
Tips to Restore Crispiness and Moisture
Fried rice often loses its signature crispy texture when refrigerated or frozen. Here are some tips to restore crispy fried rice texture:
- Add a bit of oil when reheating in the skillet or wok to help crisp it up.
- Try pan frying for a few minutes after reheating in the microwave or oven.
- If it seems dried out, stir in a sprinkle of water or broth while reheating.
- You can also stir in beaten egg to add moisture.
The most important thing is to reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any bacteria for safe consumption. Avoid reheating more than once.
What Happens If You Don’t Reheat Properly?
It’s important to reheat fried rice to 165°F to eliminate risks from bacteria. Below this temperature, bacteria can survive and multiply to unsafe levels.
Potential risks from undercooked fried rice include:
- Food poisoning – Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
- Salmonella poisoning – Diarrhea, fever, dehydration
- E. coli infection – Severe diarrhea, kidney failure
- Listeria infection – Fever, muscle aches, confusion
The elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to foodborne illness. Don’t take risks with undercooked rice.
Can You Reheat Fried Rice Twice?
It’s best not to reheat fried rice more than once. Each reheating introduces more opportunities for bacteria growth. Flavors and textures also degrade with multiple reheatings.
However, reheating twice should be safe if done properly with thorough heating to 165°F. Make sure to tightly seal and promptly refrigerate leftovers after the first reheating. Use within 3 to 4 days.
Conclusion
In summary, leftover fried rice is generally safe to reheat and enjoy within 3 to 5 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Reheating on the stove or microwave until piping hot allows you to safely enjoy takeout fried rice again. Be sure to thoroughly reheat to 165°F. With a few simple precautions, you can safely reheat and enjoy your leftover fried rice.