As always, leftover cold rice works best for fried rice, with separated non-mushy grains. However, if you find yourself without cooked, cold rice for this recipe, try this: Cook 2 cups of rice and allow it to cool in the pot for 10 to 15 minutes, then spread it out onto a baking and place in the fridge, uncovered, for 1 to 2 hours to allow it to dry out and cool completely.