Freezing meal prep that contains rice is absolutely possible, but does require some special considerations. The main concern with freezing rice is that it can dry out or get hard in the freezer. However, with the right prep and storage methods, meal prepped rice dishes can be successfully frozen for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. However, plain cooked rice tends to get hard and dry when frozen. It’s best to freeze rice in a dishalong with sauce or liquid to help prevent it from drying out. Some good options are:
- Frozen rice casseroles or bakes
- Burritos, enchiladas or stuffed peppers with rice
- Rice pudding or arroz con leche
- Risotto or paella
- Chili, jambalaya or fried rice
- Soups or stews with rice
Tips for freezing rice for meal prep
Here are some tips to help meal prepped rice freeze and reheat better:
- Undercook the rice slightly – Rice will continue to absorb liquid as it freezes and thaws. Undercooking it ensures it doesn’t get overly dried out.
- Quickly cool cooked rice – Spread it out on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before assembling dishes to freeze.
- Portion rice into freezer bags – This prevents a big block of frozen rice. Smaller portions are easier to reheat.
- Add sauce or gravy – The liquid helps keep rice moist while frozen.
- Wrap in foil or plastic wrap – This protects dishes containing rice from freezer burn.
- Freeze flat – Lay rice dishes flat in the freezer until solid, then you can stack them.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating – This helps rice reabsorb moisture evenly.
How long does frozen meal prep with rice last?
Properly frozen meals prepped with rice can safely last 2-3 months in the freezer. After that, quality starts to decline. The rice can get too dry or mushy.
Here are some guidelines for frozen meal prep with rice shelf life:
| Meal Prep Dish | Freezer Life |
|---|---|
| Rice casseroles or bakes | 2-3 months |
| Burritos or enchiladas | 2-3 months |
| Rice soups or stews | 2-3 months |
| Fried or jambalaya rice | 1-2 months |
How to reheat frozen meals with rice
Thoroughly thaw meals in the refrigerator before reheating. The best way to reheat rice dishes is in the oven or microwave.
Oven reheating instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place thawed dish in oven safe container.
- Cover with foil.
- Heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave reheating instructions:
- Place thawed dish in microwave safe container.
- Cover with plastic wrap or paper towel.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before eating.
What kind of rice works best for freezing?
Long grain rice varieties like jasmine and basmati freeze the best. The long grains help prevent the rice from getting too mushy or gummy when frozen.
Some good rice options for freezing include:
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Long grain brown rice
- Wild rice
- Brown rice mixes
Short grain rice varieties like Arborio or sushi rice tend to get gluey when frozen and are not recommended.
Can you prep rice in advance without freezing?
Yes, rice can be prepped up 3-5 days in advance without freezing by using proper storage methods. Here are some tips for storing precooked rice:
- Let rice cool completely after cooking, about 1-2 hours.
- Portion into shallow airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of rice to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate rice immediately, do not leave at room temperature.
- Use rice within 3-5 days for best quality.
Conclusion
Freezing meal prep with rice is definitely possible with the right techniques. Make sure to undercook rice slightly, portion into bags or containers, and add plenty of sauce. Allow dishes to fully thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. With proper handling, meal prepped rice dishes can stay good in the freezer for 2-3 months.