Cooked rice can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four to six days. After this period, the quality and safety of the rice may begin to decline, and it is advisable to discard it. It's essential to cool the rice quickly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
If you know you won't be able to consume the cooked rice within the safe storage timeframe, you can consider freezing it. Cooked rice can be frozen for up to six months. Freezing helps to preserve the quality and safety of the rice for a more extended period.
When reheating stored rice, make sure to do so thoroughly, ensuring it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria that might have grown during storage. Always use safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.