How to Cook Brown Rice – WellPlated.com

A pot fluffy, tender Brown rice is yours! Follow these steps to cook the perfect stovetop brown rice every time.

Cooking brown rice can be intimidating at first. If you’ve made it, you know that finding the perfect texture is harder than you’d expect.

With the right techniques (all of which you’ll find below), you can make it a staple in your meals.

This post will walk you step by step through how to cook brown rice to perfection on the stovetop!

Brown rice is a great grain to have on hand.

Its slightly nutty flavor and tender, chewy texture make it the perfect base for stir-fries, fried rice (like shrimp fried rice and chicken fried rice), and more!

Why brown rice is a healthy option

Brown rice has many health benefits, is a nutritious alternative to white rice, and can be an excellent choice for many different diets.

• full grain. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it contains all parts of the grain (including the bran, germ, and endosperm). This means it has more fiber, vitamins and minerals than refined grains like white rice, which contain only the carbohydrate-rich endosperm.
• High in fiber. Brown rice is a great source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber may also help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve blood sugar control.*
• Low glycemic index. Brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice. This can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes, making it an ideal food for people with diabetes.*
• Gluten free. Brown rice is naturally gluten-free.
• minerals. Brown rice is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus and selenium.*

How to cook brown rice on the stove

Cooking brown rice is easier than you think using these two methods.

• Method 1 – Simmer. In this method, you combine water and rice, bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Method 2 – Boil and drain (pasta method). With this method, you cook the rice like you would pasta: bring the water to a boil, add the rice, cook until the rice is tender and drain off the excess liquid.

Both methods work and have their pros and cons.

• The simmer method is the most common, which rice packs dictate and avoids the mess of having to drain the cooked rice. In addition, the rice retains more nutrients because nothing evaporates.
• The simmering method makes it easy to cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth to add flavor.
• The cooking method is considered by many to be easier because you don’t have to worry about the water being completely absorbed and the rice burning to the bottom of the pot while cooking.

If you’re nervous about getting the perfect rice texture or always seem to burn your rice, try the cooking method.

If you’re able to check the rice regularly, don’t bother with draining, want to retain maximum nutrients, or want to add extra flavor, let it simmer.

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The ingredients

• Brown rice. Choose a long grain brown rice for the cooking times listed below. Short grain brown rice may have a slightly different cooking time.

• Water. The ratio of rice to water is crucial.

• Olive oil. Improves flavor and reduces stickiness.

The directions

storage tips

• To store. Allow the brown rice to cool before storing in an airtight container. Store cooked brown rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To warm up. Place the brown rice and a small amount of water or broth (or an ice cube!) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 1-2 minutes until reheated.
• Freeze. Spread the brown rice on a baking sheet and freeze until set. Place the frozen rice in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ways to use brown rice

Enjoy your perfectly cooked brown rice; no rice cooker needed!

*Health benefits of brown rice at health.com.