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Even though fried rice originated in China, it has worked its way up to everyone’s heart around the world now. As this dish is so diversified and not limited to specific ingredients, it has become a staple in many households. However, there is still some confusion around whether or not you can reheat egg fried rice.
Yes, you can reheat leftover egg fried rice. The best way to do that is by adding some moisture to it. As rice needs water to cook, it also needs a little amount of liquid to reheat as well. You can stir fry your leftover rice with a small amount of oil, broth, or even water; depending on the type of taste you are looking for. Your stove, microwave, and even the oven can do the job effectively.
When you make a large batch of fried rice that you would not finish, you have to maintain some protocols before you store it in your refrigerator. Otherwise, your rice may go bad or come in contact with harmful bacteria. So, keep reading, to know how you can prevent that from happening and the proper ways to reheat your fried rice.
How to Properly Store Your Leftover Egg Fried Rice?
If any sort of cooked rice is stored at room temperature for too long, it becomes very prone to Bacillus cereus, which is one of the main causes of food poisoning. It is health hazardous for everyone, especially for children, because they have weak systems in their bodies. Hence, it’s advised to keep your fried rice or any sort of cooked rice in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
You have to put the rice in an airtight container if you want to eat it within 1-2 days. But if you want to eat it later in the day, then storing it in a bowl with a lid would do fine. Always remember to not keep your rice for more than 4 days, but if you have to, then freeze it in the freezer section. If the rice smells funny or feels slimy after, then you should throw it away.
If the rice was properly contained and stored then you can try reheating it. Now, there are plenty of ways you can do that. Now, let’s talk about these processes.
Reheating Egg Fried Rice on Stove Tops
In my opinion, this is the ultimate way to reheat your fried rice. You can use oil, broth, or water with this appliance. If you own a Chinese wok, then your fried rice would have that restaurant-quality taste that people love. It would char the toppings to a point where it releases all of its essential oil flavors into the rice, making it extra delicious and juicy.
Directions Using Oil:
- Depending on how oily your rice already is, add the required amount of oil in a wok or pan.
- Stir fry in high flame for 5-7 minutes or until you see the rice is completely hot and steamy.
Directions Using Water or Broth:
- Warm up your desired liquid in a pan or a wok.
- Add your fried rice and incorporate it thoroughly with the liquid.
- Cover it up, and let it steam for 3-4 minutes, and then stir it again to make sure it’s not sticking to the pan.
- Add more liquid if necessary and let it steam for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Reheating Egg Fried Rice Using The Microwave
This is the most common process people follow for reheating their food. Although I am pretty sure, all of you have noticed, leftover fried rice tends to dry out in the microwave. It happens because, as mentioned, rice needs liquid, so that it soaks it up, and reheats properly.
Place an ice cube in the middle of your rice dish, and microwave for 5 minutes for a fast result.
Directions:
- Add 2-4 tablespoon of water or broth into your cold fried rice, and cover the plate.
- Cover it with a microwave-proof lid, and put it on high for 3 minutes.
- Repeat the previous steps, and put it on medium for 2 minutes.
- Once steamy, serve it.
Reheating Egg Fried Rice Using the Oven
This appliance can be used for anything if you have the time for it. However, for your fried rice, it’s not recommended. If you have no other option rather than an oven, then there is a specific way and temperature to achieve back the fried rice’s natural texture and taste.
Roast some bulbs of garlic with your rice, and mash them over, to add a punch of flavor!
Directions:
- Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
- Place your cold rice on a baking sheet and add some butter on top.
- Wrap the sheet with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Remember to stir in between.
Reheating Egg Fried Rice Using the Air Fryer
Air Fryers have created a lot of craze among people these days. It is mostly because this appliance is very easy to use, and almost takes no oil to cook. So, reheating leftover rice in an air fryer is a very simple process. It might take some more time than a microwave but it would keep your rice just as flavorful as the first day you cooked it!
Directions:
- Put your leftover rice in the air fryer by spreading it equally.
- Put it on high for 8-10 minutes.
- Check if your rice is steamy enough to be perfectly hot.
- Serve and enjoy!
Chart: Appliances and Expectations
The chart below would help you to understand the different flavors and textures you would get with reheated rice using different appliances and what to expect from each of them. The added ‘Time’ section would also help you to achieve the perfect reheated fried rice.
| Appliance | Time | Expected Result |
| Stovetop | 7-10 minutes | With oil- More flavorful and same texture. Broth or water- Flavorful but sticky texture. |
| Microwave | 4-6 minutes | Will dry out the dish, and the rice would feel harder. Added moisture is essential |
| Oven | 18-20 minutes | Same flavor but time-consuming. Might feel sticky due to added moisture. |
| Air fryer | 8-10 minutes | Flavorful and less greasy. Might even taste like a fresh batch of fried rice. |
How to Reheat Frozen Fried Rice with Different Toppings?
If you have frozen your leftover egg or chicken or vegetable fried rice for later use, there are some tips you should follow before eating it. First, defrost the rice in a room temperature environment. When it is about 80% defrosted, you can check whether it has a bad smell or feels slimy to touch. If it does, then most certainly your rice has gone bad.
Egg and vegetable fried rice can be microwaved for 5-7 minutes with added moisture, depending on the power of your microwave. On the other hand, chicken fried rice would need some extra steps, as chicken tends to dry out too.
So, it’s better to use a stovetop for meaty dishes. Add a bit of oil or butter, to keep your protein elements juicy and delicious.
Conclusion
To keep yourself and your family away from potential diseases, reheating your food is a must. But when the dish contains rice, you have to be extra careful because they go bad really fast.
