Reheatable leftover rice meal ideas for everyone
It’ll come as no surprise that we hate seeing food go to waste, which is why we’re big believers in making the most of leftovers – right down to the last grain of rice.
Feeding the family on a budget
With the cost of living still refusing to go in the other direction, household food budgets are being stretched further than ever before. Being savvy with groceries is a great way of getting more from the weekly shop, but sometimes the mightiest of home chefs need a pinch of inspiration. If you’ve made too much, or your dinner table simply couldn’t touch another spoonful, you’ll likely be thinking what am I going to do with the leftovers?
That’s where we come in.
The myth of reheating rice
Everyone has likely heard a version of how it can be unsafe to reheat rice – a cruel rumour, in our opinion. Rice can be reheated and enjoyed the next day, provided it’s been cooked properly and warmed through thoroughly. That said, rice shouldn’t be reheated more than once.
As there are many different varieties of rice, the methods of reheating can differ slightly. Here’s a quick rundown of how you can enjoy your favourite kind of rice again, but if you want more info, head over here to check out a more in-depth blog about storing and reheating cooked rice.
Reheating brown rice
Whether you’re dealing with long-grain or short-grain brown rice, the microwave is your best friend. Add a splash of water to your bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s cooked completely and evenly. Fluff with a fork and dig in.
Reheating Basmati or Jasmine rice
To reheat Basmati or Jasmine rice, follow the same steps as above, but add a cover to your microwave-safe plate before cooking for 30 seconds. Stir, recover and heat for a further 30 seconds. Repeat until the rice is piping hot.
It’s also important to consider how you’re storing your rice. Whether it’s dry or steamed, rice should always be stored in a cool, dry place. And, once a pre-cooked rice packet has been opened, our best advice is always to use a sticker to seal up the packet, or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Keep pre-cooked rice should go in the fridge once it has cooled, and shouldn’t be left any longer than two days.
Leftover rice ideas
So, you’ve got some leftover rice… what next? Given how versatile rice is, it’s really up to you what you want to add in. Stick your nose in the fridge and see what’s lying around. Cook together some bacon, chicken, onion, garlic and tomatoes and you’ve got the makings of a tasty lunch. We’re also quite partial to a sausage and soy combination. Add in some peas, courgettes, spring onions, ginger, honey and garlic, and you’ll be wondering why you didn’t have this meal to begin with.
Steamed, or even frozen, veggies can quickly be cooked together with leftover rice for a protein-packed snack. Or keep it simple, and cook in a couple of eggs with some salt and pepper, for a quick egg-fried rice side.
Cheeky, cheap meals for rice lovers
If you’re also searching for some quick, easy and – most importantly – affordable meals to make at home, you’re in luck. Scroll down to check out a few of our favourite low-cost meals, and click through to read the recipes.
