How to Store Rice Cakes

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 11, 2022 References Tested

Whether your rice cakes are Korean or American style, homemade or store-bought, they can be tricky to store. Rice cakes tend to go stale quickly, so plan to make or buy small batches and eat them within a few days. If you do need to store them, there are a few simple strategies that can help them stay fresher longer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Uncooked Korean Rice Cakes

1
Leave the rice cakes in their package if you got them from the store. Most Korean rice cakes come in vacuum-sealed packages that keep air out. If you can, leave your rice cakes in the package until you are ready to use them.^{[1]
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- If you are buying rice cakes in bulk, it’s better to buy individually wrapped ones than ones in a large package.
2
Put your rice cakes in an airtight container if they're homemade or the package is opened. Using an airtight container helps preserve the rice cakes so they'll be fresher longer. You can also individually package your rice cakes using plastic wrap for easier storage.^{[2]
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- Use a glass jar with a lid for tall rice cakes.
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3
Keep your rice cakes in the fridge for 3 days. Set your rice cakes on the middle shelf of your fridge to keep them cold and try to eat them within 3 days. The sooner you eat your rice cakes, the better they will taste and feel.^{[3]
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- If the package is unopened, check the expiration date to see how long you can store it in the fridge.
4
Freeze your rice cakes to keep them for 3 months. If you really want to keep your rice cakes around for a long time, make sure they are sealed airtight and place them in the freezer. Thaw your rice cakes in the fridge for 1 day before you eat them and try to use them within 3 months.^{[4]
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- Even if your rice cakes are unopened, you should still try to eat them within 3 months so they don’t go bad.
- Depending on the ingredients of your rice cakes, freezing them could change the texture. Rice cakes with eggs or meat added in might not do as well in freezer storage.
Tip: Freezing rice cakes works best when they have been vacuum-sealed since it keeps them airtight.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Cooked Korean Rice Cakes

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Place the rice cakes into an airtight container. Transfer any leftover rice cakes into a container that has a lid and can be sealed airtight. If you don’t have a container, you can also wrap your rice cakes in plastic wrap.^{[5]
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- Leaving the rice cakes exposed to air will make them crunchy and hard.
2
Put your rice cakes in the fridge for up to 3 days. Set your container of rice cakes in the fridge and try to eat them as soon as you can. For the best texture and flavor, eat them within 2 to 3 days and then throw them away, since they will go bad after that.^{[6]
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- Rice cakes are best when they are eaten fresh.
3
Reheat your rice cakes on a stovetop over medium heat. Put your rice cakes in a large saucepan along with any leftover sauce you have. Keep them on medium heat until they are thoroughly warm, or about 5 minutes.^{[7]
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- Your rice cakes may get mushier when you reheat them.
Tip: You can also add soup stock or water to keep them from sticking to the pan if you don’t have any leftover sauce.
4
Avoid freezing your rice cakes to preserve their flavor and texture. Putting your rice cakes in the freezer adds moisture to them, even if you seal them airtight. They will also have a hard time thawing out before you eat them again. Keep your rice cakes in the fridge if you’d like to store them.^{[8]
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- If your rice cakes are uncooked, freezing them is okay since you’ll cook out most of the moisture before you eat them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Store-Bought American Rice Cakes

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Keep the rice cakes in their package for as long as possible. If you purchased your rice cakes pre-made, don’t open them up until you are ready to eat them. Make sure their package is airtight and don’t puncture the seal as you store them.^{[9]
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- Make sure the package doesn’t have any holes in it before you store your rice cakes in your kitchen.
2
Seal the rice cakes in an airtight container once you open them. Once you open your rice cakes, they’ll probably start to get a little stale. Keep them crisp by putting them in an airtight container and storing them in your pantry.^{[10]
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- Alternatively, just reseal the bag with a chip clip or a twist tie instead.
- Try to keep your rice cakes in a cool, dry spot, like your pantry. Warm, humid environments can change the texture of the rice cakes.
3
Eat the rice cakes within 1 year. Rice cakes have a surprisingly long shelf-life, and they can keep their texture and flavor for up to a year if you store them properly. Either keep them in their packaging or write the date that you bought them on their container so you don’t forget.^{[11]
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- If your rice cakes lose their texture or get wet, put them in the toaster for a quick way to crisp them back up.
- If you haven’t opened your rice cakes, you might be able to keep them around for a little longer. You should still try to store them in a cool, dry spot so they don’t get moist or stale.
- If your rice cakes have an expiration date on them, it’s usually accurate for unopened packages. You can refer back to it when you’re checking on how good your rice cakes are.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Homemade American Rice Cakes

1
Use an airtight container to store batches of rice cakes. If you made puffed rice cakes, put them all together in a sealed container with a lid. Open the container to grab a rice cake out, and only grab what you need each time.^{[12]
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- You can also put them in plastic bags with a zipper seal to keep individual servings fresh.
2
Wrap each individual rice cake for easy snacking. If you’re going to be taking your rice cakes on the go, cut them up into squares and wrap each one in foil. When you want a snack, just grab one and head out the door!^{[13]
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- This is a great tactic for athletes or if you have super busy mornings.
3
Store the rice cakes in the fridge for 4 days. Homemade rice cakes tend to get stale quickly. Keep your rice cakes in the fridge and try to eat them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.^{[14]
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- If your rice cake seems a little stale, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds before you eat it.
- Experts don’t recommend freezing rice cakes, since it can change their flavor and texture.