Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish that goes great with many Tex-Mex and Mexican entrees. The rice is infused with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices to give it that signature taste. Homemade Mexican rice will usually last 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of cooked rice depends on a few factors:
- Storage container – Airtight containers help block moisture and bacteria from getting in.
- Cooking method – Rice that is soaked and steamed tends to last longer than rice boiled in water.
- Ingredients – Plain rice will last longer than rice mixed with vegetables, meats, sauces, etc.
- Refrigerator temperature – Rice lasts longer when stored at 40°F or below.
For plain cooked rice stored properly in the fridge, it will generally last 3-5 days. However, rice that contains other ingredients like onions, tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings will shorten the shelf life to 3-4 days max. The additional ingredients introduce more moisture and opportunity for spoilage.
Does Mexican Rice Go Bad?
Yes, leftover Mexican rice can go bad if left in the fridge for too long. Some common signs that Mexican rice has gone bad are:
- Mold growth
- Sour smell
- Change in color/texture – wet, mushy, slimy
- Strange taste that wasn’t there originally
If you notice any of those signs in your leftover rice, it’s best to throw it out. As Mexican rice contains moist ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, it’s more prone to spoiling than plain rice.
How to Tell if Mexican Rice is Bad?
Here are some ways you can test your Mexican rice to see if it has gone bad:
- Look – Check for mold, sliminess, or changes in color/texture.
- Smell – Give it a sniff test. Bad rice gives off a sour, rotten, or funky odor.
- Taste – Take a small bite. If the rice tastes funny or bitterness/sourness has developed, toss it.
Trust your senses. If anything seems off from when you first made it, err on the side of caution and throw out the rice.
How to Store Mexican Rice
To help maximize the shelf life of leftover Mexican rice:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Let rice cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Use shallow containers to allow for faster chilling.
- Keep rice away from raw meats and their juices to avoid cross contamination.
- If reheating, heat to 165°F until steaming hot.
Storing rice properly prevents bacterial growth and molding. Refrigeration at 40°F or below inhibits most spoilage.
How Many Days Does Mexican Rice Last in the Fridge?
In general, you can expect homemade Mexican rice to last 3-5 days when refrigerated and stored in an airtight container. To maximize freshness and shelf life:
- Eat within 3 days for best quality and flavor.
- Discard any uneaten rice after 5 days.
- Don’t let rice sit longer than 1 hour at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Divide into shallow, covered containers for fast chilling.
The veggies, garlic, spices, and other ingredients in Mexican rice make it more prone to spoilage than plain rice. Follow the above guidelines for storage and use to get the most days out of your leftover rice.
Can You Freeze Mexican Rice?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve Mexican rice and extend its shelf life. To freeze:
- Let rice cool completely before freezing, about 1-2 hours.
- Portion rice into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Lay bags flat in freezer to quickly freeze rice.
- Once solid, bags can be stacked or stood upright.
- Label bags with date and contents.
- Frozen rice lasts 2-3 months at 0°F.
To use frozen rice, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stove or microwave until steaming hot.
Can Mexican Rice be Reheated?
Yes, leftover Mexican rice can safely be reheated and consumed within 5 days if it has been continuously refrigerated. To reheat:
- Use microwave, stovetop, or oven to reheat rice to 165°F until hot and steaming.
- Only reheat the amount needed rather than the whole batch.
- Consume reheated rice within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Do not reheat rice more than once.
- Discard rice if moldy, slimy, or smells bad.
Proper reheating helps kill off any bacteria that may be present and brings the rice back up to safe eating temperatures. Only reheat what you plan to eat right away.
Microwave Method
To reheat Mexican rice in the microwave:
- Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, bowl, or plate.
- Cover dish with a paper towel, paper plate, or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until steaming hot, 165°F.
- Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Allow to rest 2 minutes before serving.
Oven Method
To use the oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Transfer rice to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake 10-15 minutes until hot, 165°F.
- Stir halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop Method
For the stovetop:
- Place rice in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of water to loosen up the rice.
- Heat through, stirring regularly until steaming hot.
- Add extra spices or salt and pepper to boost flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Mexican rice will keep for 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. Look out for signs of spoilage like mold, sour smell, sliminess, or off flavors. For maximum freshness and quality, eat Mexican rice within 3 days and don’t reheat more than once. The rice can also be frozen for longer storage. With proper refrigeration and reheating, you can safely enjoy your leftover Mexican rice for several days.