How to Reheat Fried Rice Perfectly in a Microwave, Oven, or Pan

Last Updated: January 25, 2023 References

There’s plenty to love about fried rice. It’s delicious, diverse, cost-efficient, and there are often plenty of leftovers. And when you prepare leftover fried rice, you want it to be just as crispy and tasty as it was the first time, and for all the veggies to really pop. That's why we've outlined the 3 best ways to reheat fried rice using the microwave, stovetop, or oven so you'll have a delicious meal in minutes.

Things You Should Know

Microwave leftover fried rice on high for 3 minutes, and add a splash of water for moisture.
Cook the fried rice on a stove top with a bit of butter for 3-4 minutes.
Spread your leftover fried rice on a buttered pan and heat it in the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for about 20 minutes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Microwave

1
Put the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe container. It’s important to use bowls or other containers that are both food-safe and safe to go in the microwave. Don’t use metal or aluminum containers, and make sure any plastic containers are specified as safe by the manufacturer. Approved plastic containers, glass, and ceramic are the best.^{[1]
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2
Add water to the fried rice. For each cup of fried rice you’re reheating, add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water directly to the container. While heating in the microwave, the water will steam the rice and add moisture, which preserves a nice texture to the leftover dish. You can substitute water here for a bit of broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for an extra kick of flavor.^{[2]
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3
Break up clumped fried rice. With a fork or other utensil, fluff up your fried rice and make sure there aren’t any stuck-together clumps.^{[3]
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Research source} This will ensure the rice and its other add-ins, like meat and veggies, are evenly and thoroughly heated.
4
Cover the container. Moisten a kitchen towel and drape it over the bowl. Doing so will add moisture and prevent your fried rice from making a mess while it heats.^{[4]
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5
Heat the rice on high for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. While heating, stop the microwave every minute or so and give it a stir.^{[5]
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Research source} Stirring the fried rice every so often makes for even heat distribution. Don’t leave any cold spots! Add another minute or so if the rice seems too cold.
6
Remove the rice carefully and serve it. Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, take the container out of the microwave. Be careful—the container will be hot. Give the fried rice one more stir, and enjoy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Stove

1
Melt 2 tbsp (~28 g) of butter in a saucepan. Over low heat, swirl a small pat of butter around your pan, coating the bottom evenly. You can also use an equal amount of the cooking oil of your choice.^{[6]
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Research source} The butter or oil will add flavor to the rice, and also prevent it from drying out.
2
Cook the fried rice over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the rice to the buttered pan, and use a fork to separate any clumps. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed along the bottom of the pan. Cover with a lid, and let it sit for about 4 minutes.^{[7]
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Research source} Check the rice periodically to prevent burning.
3
Remove the fried rice from heat and serve. Carefully grip the saucepan with an oven mitt or kitchen towel, and remove it from the burner. You can tell the rice is finished when it’s moist and thoroughly warmed.^{[8]
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Research source} You can cook the rice a little longer if you’d like a crispier dish.
- Stir the rice thoroughly and enjoy.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Oven

1
Preheat your oven to 300 °F (149 °C). Do this about 10 minutes before you plan to cook the rice to give the oven ample time to preheat. Be sure the oven is completely preheated before you add your rice.^{[9]
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2
Place a baking sheet into the oven with butter and spices. Place a small pat of butter onto a baking sheet, as well as a sprinkling of your choice of spices.^{[10]
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Research source} Use about 3 tbsp (~42 g) of butter, and try a pinch each of paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder, or any combination of the four. Leave the tray in the oven until the butter is melted.
3
Remove the tray from the oven and add the leftover fried rice. Using oven mitts or a sturdy kitchen towel, take the tray out of the oven and place it on the stovetop or another heat-safe surface. Add the rice and spread it out evenly across the pan, mixing it with the butter and spices, and breaking up any clumps in the process.^{[11]
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4
Add water to the fried rice and cover it with tin foil. Sprinkle some water over the top of the rice to add moisture. Then, poke some holes in a sheet of tin foil, and spread the sheet over your fried rice. This will allow your fried rice to steam while in the oven.^{[12]
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5
Heat the fried rice for 20 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C). Let your fried rice cook in the oven for an initial 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the oven and stir it with a fork or other utensil. Place it back in the oven without the tin foil covering, and let it heat for an additional 5 minutes.^{[13]
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6
Remove the fried rice from the oven and serve. When the rice is thoroughly reheated, carefully remove it from the oven. With a serving spoon, portion the rice into bowls and serve it while it’s still warm.