To cool a pot of rice using the shallow pan method, follow these steps:
- Transfer the hot rice into a shallow pan, spreading it out so that the layer is no more than 2 inches deep.
- Place the shallow pan in the refrigerator on the top shelf where air can circulate freely and nothing can drip onto the rice.
- Do not cover or stack the pan immediately; allow air to move around the rice to facilitate cooling.
- Once the rice has cooled to 41°F (5°C) or below, cover the pan to prevent contamination.
This method cools the rice rapidly through the "danger zone" temperature range to reduce bacterial growth risk and helps to cool it evenly and safely.
