How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Short answer: Plain cooked rice keeps 4–6 days in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, and about 6 months in the freezer. Rice dishes with meat, fish or egg, like fried rice, follow the leftovers rule: 3–4 days.
Cooked rice storage times
| Rice | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked rice (white or brown) | 4–6 days | 6 months |
| Rice dishes with meat, fish or egg (fried rice, burrito bowls) | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Rice with vegetables only | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Uncooked white rice, unopened (pantry) | — | 2 years in the pantry |
| Uncooked brown rice, unopened (pantry) | — | 1 year in the pantry |
Times are from USDA FoodKeeper and assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Freezer times are for best quality; food kept at 0°F stays safe longer but dries out.
How to store cooked rice safely
- Cool it fast: Get cooked rice into the fridge within 2 hours. Spread it in a shallow container so it chills quickly. Over 90°F outside, the limit is 1 hour.
- Write the date: Label the container with the day you cooked it. Count 4–6 days from that day, not from when you bought the rice.
- Freeze the extra: Freeze portions you won't eat by day 4. Flat bags thaw fast and keep about 6 months for best quality.
- Reheat hot: Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C). Stir and check that it's steaming all the way through.
- When in doubt: Throw it out. A sour smell, slimy texture or mold means it's done, but rice can be unsafe before it smells off, so go by the date.
Common questions
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Plain cooked rice keeps 4–6 days in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, and about 6 months in the freezer. Rice dishes with meat, fish or egg, like fried rice, follow the leftovers rule: 3–4 days.
Can you eat rice after 7 days in the fridge?
USDA FoodKeeper lists plain cooked rice at 4–6 days. Past that, throw it out or freeze it before day 6 next time.
How long can cooked rice sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if it's above 90°F (32°C). Then refrigerate or toss it.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes. Cooked rice keeps about 6 months frozen for best quality. Freeze it in flat portions and reheat until steaming.
How long does fried rice last in the fridge?
Fried rice with egg or meat is a leftover dish, so eat it within 3–4 days.
Related guides
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper data and USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.