It’s so convenient and efficient, you’ll wonder why you never froze rice before.
We have rice recipes that are easy to prepare like 9×13 Sushi Rice, 9×13 Fabulous Rice or 9×13 Garlic Confit Rice. We also have Fancy Rice that freezes amazingly well. But what about plain rice? Can that be frozen so you can have it ready really quickly.
When I first discovered Trader Joe’s frozen rice, I found it life-changing. Trader Joe’s frozen rice products are pre-cooked and can be heated in the microwave. The frozen rice can last for months in the freezer. I could now make that last minute side dish! Just pull a packet of frozen rice out of the freezer and a few minutes later, it’s hot and ready.
Since I got used to the convenience, one day, I drove all the way to Trader Joe’s (it’s a trip!) only to find that they were out of stock of frozen rice packets. I also realized that many of our readers would love the convenience of having these rice packets but would rather not spend the money when rice in a bag is so cheap. Plus, it would be a great way to save leftover rice. So, I thought to myself, “Why can’t I prep my own bags?”
Embarrassingly, this was the easiest *recipe* I’ve tested. It worked like a charm and I have no idea what took me so long to decide to DIY.
The first part is deciding what type of rice to use. While I usually use basmati rice on a day to day basis, the frozen packets feature Jasmine Rice. Jasmine rice is softer and stickier than basmati rice, and has a light, fluffy texture. Both are long grain rice that should be rinsed before using.
Since we would be freezing this rice, Jasmine rice sounded like a better choice. In general food loses moisture when frozen and we want our rice to stay fluffy.
Secondly, when cooking the rice, you want to make sure you are generous with the oil. If you usually use 2-3 tablespoons of oil, add another splash. We want the softest rice when warming it up and a little more oil always helps with stickiness and adds flavor. It’ll help balance any lost flavor or moisture that comes in the freezing and rewarming process.
Once the rice is cooked (Did you know you could prepare most (maybe all) grains in the oven?), let it fully cool.

Start by spraying or oiling a measuring cup.

Measure 2-3 cups in a Ziploc bag.

Lay the rice down flat so you have flat packets.

You are done.

Place them in your freezer. (Shout out to the Maple Salmon Sauce that freezes so well! Just remove from the freezer, place on salmon and bake! If you also have rice in the freezer, this meal will really be ready fast!)
Ready to serve the rice?

Remove from the bag and place in a microwave safe container or bowl.

Place a damp paper towel on top.

Microwave for 3 minutes on high.

You can now serve the rice!

Frozen rice is best served if you add some flavor to it (ready garlic confit, roasted veggies or under a saucy meat/chicken. If you are serving it plain, you might want to add a teaspon of oil and some salt and pepper.
This is so brilliant! Sometimes simplicity is hidden in plain sight! I also like the Target boil in a bag rice but this is even better! https://shopstyle.it/l/chJcx
Do you know of a microwavable bag I could freeze these in so I wouldn’t have to transfer to a bowl?
Ziploc brand say they are micowave safe to reheat food. But honeslty I didnt include it in the post because some readers get very passionate and would say its unhealthy to microwave plastic…. https://ziploc.com/en-us/faq
Thank you!
lol how dare you deprive people of a good opportunity to kvetch about the dangers of plastic?! 🙂
seriously this hack looks awesome, excited to try it
does plain macaroni freeze well?
lol
We have this post
https://betweencarpools.com/how-to-freeze-pasta/
What if I don’t own a microwave?
Same- I use the stove to prepare the Trader Joes rice packets. Any suggestions?
So cool! Would this work with brown rice?
THANK YOU!!!!! THIS IS WHY THEY PAY YOU THE BIG BUCKS!!
Lol! We love Leah and between carpools!!!
This is a great idea!
I happen to love the wild rice from Trader Joe’s I make the recipe on this site with the mushrooms and mushroom umami spice. It’s yum I can eat the whole pot…
Yes! I make a shortcut version of mejedra by combining TJ wild rice packet with the ready cooked lentils that come in a bag (rinse and shake off very well). Top with sauteed onions (freeze in small containers) and drizzle with techina. My favorite filling lunch!!! Or add crispy salmon for a filling delicious dinner
Thanks for this tip. I have rice in fridge and couldn’t come up with what i can add to for dinner. I usually add to meatballs but im serving that next week.
What a great idea!
Another option for freezing rice that I saw recently was to fill a gallon bag and flatten it. Then you use the edge of your hand to make indentations in the rice to form 4 sections in the rice. When you want to defrost just one serving, you can easily crack it along the indentations you made, and then proceed as directed here.
How can I defrost this without a microwave? Would it work?
Amazing, thank you! How could you defrost and heat in a pot or oven? How do you cook brown rice in order to freeze it?
I’ve defrosted frozen rice and reheated in the oven with the wet paper towel hack – thanks to BCP! Put (semi)defrosted rice in pan, place paper towel on top and cover with foil. Pretty good results.
I don’t even bother with the paper towel. I just add a splash of water to the pan or plate to add moisture. If i added too much and a little water stays in the plate and doesn’t get absorbed I just pour it off.
I love the microwavable rice for sushi salad/ poke bowls .
Works great for it. I’m so excited to try this
Do you not add salt prior to freezing?
I’ve noticed other microwave rice to be unsalted and I’m wondering if it interferes with this hack or if it’s just a matter of preference?
Been doing this for years. I put my leftover rice in the freezer. When I need a quick dinner, I saute an onion, add the rice to the pot, add a (usually frozen leftover) protein (meat, roast chicken), and some duck sauce or soy sauce or other flavor. The protein usually has liquid so I do not add water.
I freeze the rice in a Ziploc. flat. If I need only a portion, I give a bang on the counter. The contents break up and I use what I need.