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Sticky rice is a type of short-grain rice that is primarily used for desserts such as mango sticky rice and rice pudding but is also used in savory dishes. It is referred to as glutinous rice or sweet rice, getting its name from its glue-like texture when it is cooked.
If you’re wondering how to store sticky rice properly and how long can sticky rice last, here’s an article for you.
Storing uncooked sticky rice is different from storing cooked sticky rice. Like other uncooked grains, raw sticky rice can be stored in an air-tight container and kept in a cool, dry place. Stored properly in this way, raw sticky rice can stay fresh and last for up to six months.
However, leftover cooked sticky rice is a different story. Once cooked, sticky rice will only last for four to five days at most in the fridge. If you want leftover sticky rice to last longer than that, you will have to freeze it.
To refrigerate leftover sticky rice, the first thing you have to do is wait for the rice to cool down. Putting hot rice in the fridge can ruin it as the moisture in the grains will evaporate. It will end up being dry and gross, and not to mention, it can spoil even faster.
Once the cooked rice is cooled down, put the sticky rice in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. As mentioned, putting sticky rice in the fridge can last for four to five days.
If you want to extend the shelf life of cooked sticky rice and make it last long, you will have to freeze it. Provided that you follow the correct procedures, frozen rice can last up to two months.
Frozen sticky rice can be actually stretched for three months but it’s recommended to consume it within a month or two. Exposing the sticky rice to the air inside the freezer can cause a freezer burn.
Sticky rice should never be left out at room temperature for long periods of time.
Yes, you can eat leftover sticky rice provided that you store it properly in an airtight container.
When you freeze or refrigerate sticky rice, the grains can lose moisture and turn dry. If you want to eat and consume your leftovers, you will have to reheat them. Although, once you reheat sticky rice, you cannot reheat it again. This is because rice grains contain spores of bacteria that may cause food poisoning. The spores can survive cooking and when reheating sticky rice, they can multiply quickly.
If you need to reheat sticky rice, only reheat a portion that you will surely finish and consume. To reheat sticky rice, you can steam it over the stove or use a microwave. Do note that if you’re reheating rice that has been frozen, you will need to thaw it in the fridge overnight.
The steaming process is the best way to reheat sticky rice as it ensures the rice stays moist without becoming soggy or overcooked. For this method, you can use a steamer or a skillet.
Reheating sticky rice in the microwave is the best way if you want it in a hurry! Here are the steps that you need to do:
If you want to cook sticky rice and keep it soft, it is crucial to soak it beforehand. This allows the grains to absorb plenty of water, giving them a nice and soft texture when done. You can then cook them over the stove or using a rice cooker.
If your leftover sticky rice hardens and separates, don’t worry as you can make the rice sticky again by adding cold water to the rice in a pan and adding two spoons of flour. Boil the mixture and allow it to thicken.
Leftover rice can be unavoidable and to make sticky rice last long after cooking it, it can be refrigerated or frozen. Freezing sticky rice is a great way to make it last for a couple of months. It’s important to store it in an airtight container. While you can fridge sticky rice, it’s best to eat it right away as unlike regular rice, it hardens faster. To reheat sticky rice, you can steam it over the stove or use a microwave oven-safe dish covered with a paper towel.
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