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Instant Rice

Instant rice, also known as minute rice or fast-cooking rice, is a convenient, time-saving alternative to traditional rice grains. It is fully or partially cooked rice that has been dehydrated, initially developed to cater to busy households and individuals seeking a quick and hassle-free preparation option. To prepare instant rice, one simply needs to combine the rice with a calculated ratio of water and cook for a few minutes, resulting in fluffy and ready-to-eat rice. Perfect for a variety of dishes, instant rice offers a quicker cooking time and fewer steps compared to traditional rice, making it an appealing choice for home cooks.
#3
IN GRAINS & RICE
380
CAL / 100G
$0.18
AVG / OZ
instant rice
90%
CARBS
1%
FAT
9%
PROTEIN
Instant Rice FAQ
Cooking with instant rice may seem straightforward, but there are several nuances that can drastically improve your meals when properly understood. One common mistake is treating instant rice the same as regular rice. This often leads to mushy or overly dense rice, due to the additional water content. The key here is to follow the package instructions explicitly in terms of the water to rice ratio. Another error is neglecting seasoning. Instant rice is typically bland, so it's essential to season appropriately during cooking, either by adding herbs, spices or cooking it in broth instead of water. To get the most out of instant rice, consider using it in casseroles, stir fries or salads where the rice is a component of a larger dish. This allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients while still lending its texture to the meal. Moreover, you can enhance the flavor of instant rice by sautéing it first in a small amount of butter, oil, or ghee before boiling. This adds a delicious and subtle flavor that pairs excellently with many dishes. Lastly, a quick and convenient tip: you can prepare a big batch of instant rice and freeze it in portion sizes. This can save you time for future meals. Simply defrost in the microwave or stovetop when needed.
Why is my instant rice mushy?
Why is my instant rice hard or crunchy?
Can I use instant rice in a rice cooker?
Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice in recipes?
How do I add flavor to instant rice?
Can I prepare instant rice ahead of time and freeze it?
Why does my instant rice taste bland?
Should I rinse my instant rice before cooking?
Can I use instant rice in a pressure cooker or instant pot?
Can I sauté instant rice before cooking it?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does instant rice expire?
Instant rice, being dehydrated, has a long shelf life. An unopened package of instant rice can last on your pantry shelves for up to 4-5 years. However, while the printed expiration date can be a general guide, it's best to use the product within a year for optimal quality. Once opened, instant rice should be used within one year. If you choose to freeze instant rice, it can last indefinitely, but for best quality, should be used within 18 months.
How do you tell if instant rice is bad?
Foul smells, changes in color, or visible mold are all signs that your instant rice has gone bad. If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is that if you don’t remember when you bought it and it smells funny, it's probably time to toss it.
Tips for storing instant rice to extend shelf life
• Store instant rice in a cool, dry and dark place. This helps to avoid moisture absorption and deterioration of the rice flavor. • After opening the package, consider transferring the instant rice into an airtight container. This will protect it from bugs and bacteria, and also helps keep the rice fresh. • Freezing instant rice can help extend its shelf life. However, make sure the rice is stored in freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. • Do not pour out more rice than you need. Exposure to air speeds up the ageing process, so only use what you need and seal the rest properly.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
102g
CARBS
1g
FAT
9g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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