How To Reheat Rice On Your Stovetop For Fluffy Perfection

Growing up in an Asian household, rice wasn't just a side dish — it was a staple at every meal. Whether paired with stir-fries, curries, or soups, a fresh pot of rice was always on the table. Leftovers were inevitable, and knowing how to properly reheat it was just as important as knowing how to make perfectly cooked rice. While it may be convenient, reheating rice in the microwave is a terrible idea. Nothing beats the stovetop method for restoring rice to its perfect, just-cooked state — a technique that takes advantage of the power of steam. 

Reheating rice can be tricky: too much heat can dry it out, while too much moisture can make it mushy. The key to bringing leftover rice back to life is using gentle steam to rehydrate the grains while keeping them fluffy. The best method for this is to let the rice warm to room temperature. Then, add your leftover rice to a pan or skillet, splash it with water, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This simple technique allows steam to bring the rice back to its delicious texture without overcooking it.

As a starting point, choose a shallow pan or a skillet with a snugly-fitting lid. Spread your leftover rice evenly in the pan, then add a few tablespoons of broth or water. Don't use too much — you can always add more if needed. If you're starting with rice that has clumped together, it's best to use a fork to break it up before heating it. Cover the pan with a lid and heat on low; this will ensure the heating is gradual and not too aggressive, which should prevent burning and sticking. Let the rice steam for about five minutes and then fluff it with a fork to check it. The consistency should be a "just-cooked" one — fluffy and moist but with the grains still intact. 

If your rice isn't fully heated, you can add another splash of water to create more steam. Keep it simmering for another minute and check it again — the time it takes will depend on how much rice you're reheating. This stovetop method works wonders on all types of rice, whether it's basmati, jasmine, brown, or white. Unlike reheating in a microwave, which can dry out the grains, this gentle steaming method ensures that your leftover rice will be as delicious and fluffy as when it was freshly made — perfect for your curries, stir-fries, and more.