How to Dehydrate Rice
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While instant rice products exist and rice itself is naturally shelf-stable, dehydrating rice offers unique advantages. It allows you to transform nutrient-rich rice varieties—typically requiring long cook times—into a quick-cooking option perfect for outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice efficiently.
Snapshot
Special Prep
Cook/boil
Temperature
105°F
Time
2-3 hours
Mass Change
Approx 75% decrease
How to prep rice for dehydrating
Prepping rice for dehydrating is very minimal. The only prep required is cooking the rice. If using leftover rice that’s a bit clumpy, rinse under water and lightly massage to break up clumps as much as possible.
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What type of rice can you dehydrate?
When it comes to rice, there are countless varieties available for you to choose from. Whether you prefer short-grain, long-grain, brown, white, or any other type of rice, the choice is entirely up to you. While I do encourage you to explore different rice options and find the one that suits your taste buds best, I advise against using glutinous or sticky rice. These types of rice may be popular for certain dishes but their stickiness can be tricky to work with for dehydrating.
Pro tip:
Before dehydrating, add in a liquid seasoning, such as soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar or hot sauce… This adds those flavour profiles to the rice, eliminating the need for you to pack them out with you.Â
How to dehydrate rice
Basic Steps:
- Cook rice according to instructions. If using left over rice, and it’s a clumpy, rinse under water and lightly massage to break up clumps as much as possible.
- If adding a sauce or liquid seasoning, do so now and stir to combine.Â
- Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the grains (although unrealistic to separate each grain, avoid large clumping and over lapping as much as possible)Â
- Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 105°F for about 2-3 hours
It’s that easy!
Notes:
- A mesh liner is required for rice
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water content in the rice, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
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How do you know when rice is fully dehydrated?
Rice will be dry to the touch, and will harden, but will be easily break or snap in half.Â
Jar test: If eager, you can place your rice in a glass jar and tightly close the lid. If you notice moisture or condensation forming in the jar within 24-48 hours (or if the rice become tacky or soft) you know there is still moisture and more dehydrating time is needed.Â
Note: You technically can’t over dehydrate rice. If in doubt, dehydrate until you’re absolutely certain there’s no moisture left.Â
Fresh to dehydrated conversion measurements ​
70%
The mass and weight of rice decreases by about 70% once dehydrated. Results may vary by type of rice used.
Ex. 1 cup cooked white basmati rice
- Pre-dehydrated:Â 115g | 1 cupÂ
- Dehydrated: 35g | 1/3 – 1/2 cupÂ
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How to store dehydrated rice:
Here are some tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your dehydrated rice:
- Allow to cool after dehydrating before storingÂ
- Keep stored in a sealable container or bag in a cool, dry and dark place
- Using Mylar bags or vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by up to three times its normal duration! This is useful if you’re prepping lots for longer term use. Learn the pros and cons of each in our post: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Food Storage: Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Sealing (Bags & Jars)
When dried and stored properly, rice should have a shelf life of several years.
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Rehydrating Dehydrated Ingredients
When & Why to Rehydrate Dehydrated Ingredients
Knowing how much water to use for rehydration is essential for getting the best texture and flavour out of your dehydrated foods. Some ingredients are best rehydrated just before use, while others can absorb enough liquid during cooking – it all depends on how you’re using them!Â
For Dehydrated Meal Prep
- When preparing dehydrated meals for outdoor adventures, understanding the water requirements for different ingredients ensures you add just the right amount, giving you confidence in your meal creativity and preparation.
Before Cooking or Baking
- If a recipe doesn’t contain much liquid – such as stir-fries or casseroles – rehydrating beforehand prevents ingredients from staying too tough
- Pre-soaking reduces cooking time, especially for hard ingredients like beans or root vegetables
- Certain dehydrated ingredients (such as whole mushrooms or tomatoes) regain a better texture and flavour if rehydrated before cooking
- Rehydrated ingredients absorb flavors more easily when cooked, making dishes more flavorful
- Baking: Ingredients like dried fruits can be rehydrated to have a softer texture and to prevent them from drawing moisture out of the dough or batter
For Eating Raw
- If you’re eating the dehydrated ingredients uncooked, but prefer a softer texture (such as using dehydrated fruits or vegetables in a salad)
Rehydrating Dehydrated Rice:
Different rice varieties may require varying amounts of water or time, however, water to dehydrated rice ratio is typically 1:1. It’s best to test what works best for your rice and label the container you’re storing it in.Â
Per 1/4 cup of dehydrated rice:
Quick Simmer
- Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil
- Turn down heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes
- Turn off or remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes
Just Add Hot Water
- Add 1/4 cup boiling water and stir
- Let soak for 12-15 minutes
Add water & refrigerate
- Add 1/4 cup boiled water and stir
- Allow to cool, place in fridge and let soak for 24 hours
Note: it’s important to not let sit for more than 30 minutes in room temperature because of the risk of bacteria growth.
FAQs
Can I use an oven to dehydrate rice?
Not unless your oven can maintain a low temperature of around 105°F (40°C). Rice need to be dehydrated at this temperature to dry properly. If the temperature is too high, you risk “case hardening,” where the outer layer hardens, trapping moisture inside and preventing proper drying.
How to Dehydrate Rice
While instant rice products exist and rice itself is naturally shelf-stable, dehydrating rice offers unique advantages. It allows you to transform nutrient-rich rice varieties—typically requiring long cook times—into a quick-cooking option perfect for outdoor adventures. Plus, it's an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice efficiently.
Notable Equipment
- 1 Dehydrator
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- 1. Cook rice according to instructions.
- 2. If using left over rice, and it’s a clumpy, rinse under water and lightly massage to break up clumps as much as possible.
- 3. If adding a sauce or liquid seasoning, do so now and stir to combine.Â
- 4. Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the grains (although unrealistic to separate each grain, avoid large clumping and over lapping as much as possible)Â
- 5. Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 105°F for about 2-3 hours
Notes
- A mesh liner is required for rice
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water content in the rice, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
