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This freezer-friendly Instant Pot rice is a lifesaver for mealtime. It cooks in just 3 minutes. Then, simply cool, freeze, and pull it out whenever you need a quick side dish or toss it straight into soups, stews, and casseroles.
Back when I first discovered Trader Joe's frozen rice, I thought it was genius. I honestly couldn't believe more stores weren't selling it.
Then, one day, it dawned on me…why not just freeze my own rice? And the rest was history. Now, I keep frozen rice on hand at all times.
To make and freeze rice, though, I prefer using the Instant Pot because it comes out perfect every time. Sure, you can cook rice on the stovetop and freeze it, but I've found the pressure cooker gives the most consistent results.
Really, the Instant Pot is one of my favorite tools for easy meal prep. Not only do I use it for freezer-friendly rice, but I also use it to batch prep other quick sides, such as Instant Pot millet and even Instant Pot boiled eggs.
Cooking white rice in the pressure cooker takes only 3 minutes of cook time. After that, it's just a matter of cooling the rice and portioning it into freezer containers.
The result is a quick, homemade side ready for soups, stews, casseroles, burrito bowls-you name it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick: Making rice in the Instant Pot takes only 3 minutes of cook time. Then, you just have to let it cool and package it. So easy!
Budget-Friendly: Freezing your own rice costs far less than buying store-bought frozen or pre-packaged rice.
Easy Meals: Having frozen rice ready to go makes busy weeknight dinners so much easier. I often toss it into soups or serve it as a side with my Instant Pot frozen whole chicken.
Versatile: This method works with white rice, but you can cook and freeze almost any variety using the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Rice: I generally freeze white rice for versatility, but you can make and freeze any rice. Some varieties, such as brown rice, may require more water and time.
Water: For this recipe, you’ll need 1 cup of water per cup of rice.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements on the printable recipe card below.
Tools You Will Need
Instant Pot: I prefer an 8-quart Instant Pot because I can make larger batches of food, but any size will work.
Freezer-Safe Containers: I like freezing rice in 2-cup Souper Cubes. But freezer bags or other freezer-safe containers work, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Transfer to the Instant Pot.
Step 3: Pour in the water and stir so all the rice is submerged.
Step 4: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
Step 5: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
Step 6: Spread the rice onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for about 2 hours, allowing it to dry slightly. This prevents it from becoming mushy after reheating.
Step 7: Portion the rice into Souper Cubes or freezer bags. I like freezing in 2-cup portions.
If using bags, flatten them for easier storage and quicker thawing.
If using Souper Cubes, freeze the rice for 24 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage.
Step 8: You can toss frozen rice straight into soups or stews as they cook. For sides, thaw a freezer bag in warm water, then reheat the rice with a splash of water, covered, until hot.
To reheat from frozen:
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals.
• Stovetop: Place rice in a small pot with about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Tips for Success
- For Instant Pot white rice, the ratio is 1:1 of water to rice. Adjust this recipe to make as much or as little as you prefer.
- After cooling, allow the rice to dry just a little before freezing. It shouldn't be completely dry, but this step helps prevent mushiness when reheating.
- Most types of rice freeze well, though you may need to tweak the water ratio and the time depending on the variety.
- Sushi rice or sticky rice doesn’t reheat as well, so they're best enjoyed fresh rather than frozen.
- Freeze rice in single-serving portions to make mealtime quicker and more flexible.
- For the most versatility, add seasonings once the rice is reheated, rather than before freezing.
Storing
- As long as your rice is packaged well and airtight, it will last in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- If your rice has been in the freezer for a long time, check for freezer burn. Freezer-burned rice has dry white patches, ice crystals, and a stale taste, though it's still safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Rice: Use thawed rice to make quick fried rice by tossing it in a hot pan with veggies, eggs, and soy sauce.
Rice Bowls: Reheat the rice and use it as a base for protein, roasted vegetables, and your favorite sauce. I often serve it under beef and broccoli or creamy lemon chicken.
Soups and Stews: Add frozen rice straight into veggie soup or stews for an easy, hearty meal.
Easy Side: Reheat frozen rice as a quick side with Instant Pot spare ribs or hot honey meatloaf.
Burritos: Use thawed rice as a base for burritos or wraps. It’s great for meal prepping and freezing again as grab-and-go lunches.
FAQs
Rice naturally clumps together as it cools, but it loosens up easily when reheated with a splash of water or stirred into soups and sauces.
Nope! You can reheat rice straight from the freezer. Just add a splash of water, cover, and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Cooked rice will keep for about 4-5 days in the fridge. In the freezer, it lasts up to 6 months if stored in airtight containers or bags.
You can, but I recommend seasoning after thawing. That way, your frozen rice stays versatile and can be used in anything from stir-fries to soups.
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Freezer-Friendly Instant Pot White Rice
Equipment
- 2-Cup Souper Cubes or other freezer-safe containers
Ingredients
- 3 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and gather your ingredients.
- Rinse. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Transfer to the Instant Pot.3 cups white rice
- Add Water. Pour in the water and stir so all the rice is submerged.3 cups water
- Cook. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Fluff. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
- Cool. Spread the rice onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for about 2 hours, allowing it to dry slightly. This keeps it from turning mushy once frozen.
- Freeze. Portion the cooled rice into Souper Cubes or freezer bags. I like freezing in 2-cup portions. • If using bags, flatten them for easier storage and quicker thawing.• If using Souper Cubes, freeze the rice for 24 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage.
- Reheat. You can toss frozen rice straight into soups or stews as they cook. For sides, thaw a freezer bag in warm water, then reheat the rice with a splash of water, covered, until hot.To reheat from frozen:Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals.Stovetop: Place rice in a small pot with about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Notes
- For Instant Pot white rice, the ratio is 1:1 of water to rice. Adjust this recipe to make as much or as little as you prefer.
- After cooling, allow the rice to dry just a little before freezing. It shouldn't be completely dry, but this step helps prevent mushiness when reheating.
- Most types of rice freeze well, though you may need to tweak the water ratio and the time depending on the variety.
- Sushi rice or sticky rice doesn't reheat as well, so they're best enjoyed fresh rather than frozen.
- Freeze rice in single-serving portions to make mealtime quicker and more flexible.
- For the most versatility, add seasonings once the rice is reheated, rather than before freezing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not reflect your final product. Please verify independently if needed.
