How long can I keep cooked rice in the refrigerator before it becomes unsafe to eat?

Scott Krager

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B.A. from Seattle Pacific University (Graduated 2005) Apr 8

How long can I keep cooked rice in the refrigerator before it becomes unsafe to eat?

Cooked rice, huh? That's like asking how long you can survive in Portland without experiencing rain. The answer might surprise you.

First off, let's talk about rice. When cooked, it's a bit of a diva in the food safety department. You might think it's just sitting there innocently in your fridge, but there’s a whole microbial party going on if you're not careful. Slightly off topic, but did you know Portland has over 600 food carts? Our relationship with food here is serious, and rice dishes are a staple in many of them. Anyway, back to your kitchen.

The general consensus among food safety experts is that cooked rice should be eaten within 3 to 4 days. After that, you're rolling the dice, and not in the fun way like when you're deciding which new craft brewery to try in the Pearl District.

Here's why: rice can contain spores of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. Sounds like something from a sci-fi film set in space, but it's very much earthbound and can cause food poisoning. These spores can survive the cooking process, and if the rice is left at room temperature for too long, they can grow into bacteria that produce toxins. These toxins can cause vomiting or diarrhea, and not the kind you want to tell tales about.

Now, if you cool the rice quickly (within an hour is ideal) and store it in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C), you're putting a damper on that bacterial rave. That's why in many Portland kitchens, you'll see cooks spread the rice out on a large sheet or store it in shallow containers so it cools down faster.

But again, even with these precautions, don’t push your luck beyond those 3 to 4 days. If you're eyeballing some rice in the fridge that's been there long enough to start paying rent, just let it go. Portland's food scene is too good to risk a day sidelined by bad rice.

And remember, old rice isn't without virtue. It's the backbone of many a fried rice dish. So, if you find yourself with leftover rice that's still in that safety window, consider giving it new life with some vegetables and protein. In Portland, we're all about reducing waste and repurposing, whether it's furniture, clothing, or rice.

In essence, be smart, be safe, and when in doubt, throw it out. Your stomach will thank you, and you won't miss out on any of the culinary delights this city has to offer.