Learn How to Cook Brown Rice with this easy stovetop method for fluffy, tender rice every time. It’s simple, reliable, and great for meal prep!
If your family goes through rice like mine does, you’ll want to try these next: Baked Rice, Perfect Basmati Rice, or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice!
I used to dread making brown rice. I admit I would always just wing it, use different amounts every time and not pay attention to the cook time — but I got fed up with having such inconsistent results.
I decided I needed to come up with a failproof method for perfect long grain brown rice, because we love it and it pairs with everything!
This simple method that takes so much of the guesswork out of the whole process. You’re basically boiling it like pasta, which takes out so much guess work!
This recipe has saved me on plenty of busy days. I can get it going while I prep the rest of dinner, and then use it for everything from stir fries to grain bowls to lunches in the fridge the next day!
Ingredients needed:
- Water: You’ll need plenty of water here, just like cooking pasta, so the rice has room to cook evenly! You can also swap some for broth or other seasoned liquids, like soy sauce. We’re draining the liquid away, so I prefer to add any flavor in after the cooking process.
- Salt: This seasons the cooking water and gives the rice a much better flavor from the start.
- Long grain brown rice: Be sure to use long grain brown rice for this timing and method, since other varieties can cook differently!
How to Cook Brown Rice:
This brown rice takes about 5 minutes to prep and cooks up with an easy stovetop method, so it’s a great side to keep on repeat. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Bring water and salt to a boil.
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve and cook according to instructions.
Tips for making perfect brown rice:
- Use a large pot: So the rice has plenty of room to move around as it boils. That helps it cook more evenly.
- Start checking early: Check close to the 30-minute mark. Brown rice can go from pleasantly chewy to too soft faster than you’d think!
- Don’t skip the resting time: After draining. That short covered rest lets the steam finish the rice and helps the texture even out.
- Let excess steam escape: If your rice seems a little wet after draining, let it sit uncovered for a minute before fluffing, or strain a little more.
How to store brown rice:
If storing rice, cool immediately, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 4 months!
I like freezing it flat in a large freezer bag so it thaws quickly and does not take up much space.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to help bring back the moisture.
Serving suggestions:
Brown rice goes with just about anything, which is why I make it so often! It’s especially good with saucy recipes like Pineapple Chicken, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef or quick dinners like Chicken Stir Fry, where it can soak up all that extra flavor.
For a simple, balanced dinner, serve it with Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Air Fryer Salmon. It’s also a great base for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas if you want to turn dinner into an easy rice bowl!
How to Cook Brown Rice
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1½ cups long grain brown rice
Instructions
- Combine the water and the salt in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Rinse the rice well in a fine mesh sieve. Add to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat so that it maintains a low boil and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When rice is al dente (nearly cooked but still has a bit of a bite), strain the rice through a fine mesh sieve until most of the water has run through (about 10 seconds or so). Place the rice back into the pot, cover with the lid and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Fluff and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebelVariations and Substitutions
- Add aromatics after cooking: Toss the hot rice with a little butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon for an easy flavor boost.
- Turn it into a grain bowl base: Use it as the starting point for burrito bowls, Teriyaki Chicken bowls, Mango Chicken Rice Bowls, roasted veggie bowls, or simple lunch prep with shredded chicken and sauce.
- Try a seasoned finish: Stir in taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or a little onion powder after draining for a quick way to match the rest of your meal.
More rice recipes you’ll love:
- Simple Fried Rice Recipe — perfect for any leftover rice!
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole — a one pan meal that the kids love.
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bake — a dump and bake meal for busy days.
Leave A Reply