Lifestyle

How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave 3 Ways

By Shea McCollum at Pepperdine University

Rice is a staple in most college students' diets, and for a good reason. It's affordable, good for you, and available at nearly every take out food place. However, there are few things less appealing than dried out and stale leftover rice. Before you toss out your old rice, try one of these ways to reheat rice in the microwave without drying it out. Here's how to reheat rice in the microwave like a pro.

#SpoonTip: Make sure that you only reheat rice that was refrigerated soon after cooking it, as rice that is left at room temperature can quickly develop bacteria.

1. Reheat with a Paper Towel

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 7 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 plate
  • 1 cup leftover rice
  • 1-2 Tbl water
  • Paper towels

Rebecca Block

Step 1

Pour rice evenly onto a flat plate.

Shea McCollum

Step 2

Lightly dampen a paper towel and lay it over the rice

Shea McCollum

Step 3

Microwave the rice for two minutes, or until the rice is evenly heated.

Shea McCollum

2. Reheat with Plastic Wrap

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 mins
  • Total Time: 9 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 cup leftover rice
  • 3-4 Tbl water or chicken broth
  • plastic wrap
  • towel or kitchen gloves

Jocelyn Hsu

Step 1

Pour leftover rice into a big bowl, leaving adequate some space for steam to collect.

Shea McCollum

Step 2

Add 3-4 Tablespoons of water, or use chicken broth instead to add a little extra flavor

Shea McCollum

Step 3

Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and microwave on low for a few minutes, or until the plastic starts to balloon up with steam.

Shea McCollum

Step 4

Take off the plastic wrap, making sure to use gloves or a kitchen towel so as to not burn yourself with the steam

Shea McCollum

Step 5

Stir the rice until the heat is distributed evenly and enjoy!

Shea McCollum

3. Reheat with a Glass of Water

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 7 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 bowl or plate
  • 1 cup leftover rice
  • 1 glass
  • 2/3 cup water

Tanya Soni

Step 1

Place your leftover rice in a microwave safe bowl or plate.

Shea McCollum

Step 2

Fill an 8 ounce glass with 2/3 cup of water.

Shea McCollum

Step 3

Microwave the water and the rice together for 2 minutes or until the rice is evenly heated.

Shea McCollum

I hope that you found these tips on how to reheat rice in the microwave without drying it out useful and that they inspire you to use your leftover rice creatively.