The short answer: Cooked rice keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge, but only if it is cooled quickly. Do not leave it out for more than an hour or two.
How long cooked rice lasts
- Fridge: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: About 1 month for best quality, freezing in portions
- Left out: No more than 1 to 2 hours
How to tell cooked rice has gone off
- A sour or off smell
- A slimy or hard, dried-out texture
- Remember: the risk with rice is bacteria that survive cooking, and they do not always change the smell
How to make it last longer
- Spread it on a tray to cool, then refrigerate within an hour.
- Freeze flat in bags in portions.
- Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, and only once.
Common questions
Why is old rice risky?
Rice can carry spores of a bacterium that survive cooking and multiply if cooked rice sits warm. Cooling it fast and refrigerating it promptly is what keeps it safe.
Can you reheat rice?
Yes, once, until it is steaming hot throughout.
General guidance only. These times are for food bought fresh and kept at 40°F (4°C) in the fridge or 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer. Your own fridge, the packaging and the state of the food always come first, and when in doubt, throw it out. The official US chart is on FoodSafety.gov.
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