How to Perfectly Cook Brown Rice

Brown Rice is healthy whole-grain rice loaded with nutritional benefits. It is usually cooked using the absorption method, cook and drain method, instant pot, or baking method. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to cook or make Brown Rice using the absorption method with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home.

I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe below to make the cooking process visually clear. The cooking method shared here delivers soft, and fluffier Brown Rice that pairs great with curries, stir-fries, baked or roasted dishes, chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Jump to:

• What is Brown Rice?
• Ingredients
• How to Cook Brown Rice?
• Brown Rice Types
• Brown Rice Water Ratio
• How Long to Cook Brown Rice?
• Is Brown Rice gluten-free?
• Is Brown Rice healthy?
• Nutritional Facts and Benefits
• Calories
• Tips
• Storage Suggestions
• Serving Suggestions
• Related Recipes
• Recipe Video
• 📖 Recipe
• FAQ

What is Brown Rice?

Brown Rice is an organic whole-grain rice that has a bran and germ layer on it. This makes the rice rich in fiber, healthy and also loaded with vitamins and minerals. The cooked Brown rice usually tastes earthy, nutty, and chewy in texture. So like any other rice, Brown rice can be served with curries and favorite side dishes for a perfect lunch or dinner meal.

And here comes the tricky part! How to perfectly cook Brown Rice? cooking Brown Rice perfectly deals with three important factors. Type of Grain, Rice Water Ratio, and Cooking Time.

So here I have a detailed post about How to cook or make Brown Rice using the absorption method. Even though I have shown the recipe using long-grain brown rice, I have also shared detailed information about other grain types and cooking processes below.

This absorption method is one of the easiest ways to cook Brown Rice even on your busy weekdays or nights. I usually love to serve this healthy rice with some sauteed spinach, and air fryer salmon especially for tiring weeknight dinners. And it is a favorite combo in our family. But you can feel free to serve it with tons of combination that makes a memorable meal at your home too.

So let's see how to cook Brown Rice in the following sections below.

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need to cook Brown Rice are basic and you might easily find them in most grocery stores around. So let's see what are they below.

• Brown Rice - I have used long-grain brown rice here and you could use any type of brown rice that is handy for you
• Water - Filtered water to cook Brown Rice
• Olive Oil - I have used olive oil here, but you can also use butter or another type of cooking oil

For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.

How to Cook Brown Rice?

The recipe I have shared here is How to cook or make Brown Rice using an absorption method on the stovetop. This absorption method is one of the easiest ways to cook Brown Rice and delivers soft and fluffy grains once cooked.

The Brown Rice and water ratio that I have used here delivered me soft and fluffy rice that is great for curries, and to enjoy with some stir fry recipes. But if you are looking to make fried rice, and salads using brown rice, then I recommend reducing the water as mentioned in the recipe card below for firmer rice grains.

Following are the high-level instructions to make this recipe but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and video, please check out the recipe card below

Cleaning the Rice

Rinsing and washing brown rice is one of the important steps to make sure there are no dust particles. So always rinse and wash your brown rice with water a few times until it runs clear. Doing this will not only removes the dust particles but also the residual starch from the grains. Cooking the rice with this residual starch may also lead to sticky rice once cooked.

Cooking Brown Rice

• Boil the water - In a wide bottom pot with medium heat pour water and oil. Bring the water to a boil. The ratio of rice to water here I have used is 1:2. This delivers soft rice once it is cooked. But if you are inclined to achieve firmer and more tender rice then I recommend going with a 1:1¾ ratio
• Add rice - Once the water starts to boil, add the washed brown rice and give it a good mix
• Stir on and off - Allow the rice to boil for 5 to7 minutes stirring on and off
• Simmer and cook - Now simmer the heat to low, close the pan with its lid, and cook the rice for about 40 minutes. Or until the water is absorbed completely
• Rest the rice - Switch off the heat and allow the rice to rest for another 10 minutes. This will help to absorb any leftover water in the rice
• Fluff and serve - Now open the lid and fluff the brown rice with a fork. Serve this perfectly cooked Brown rice with your favorite curries, roasted vegetables, baked or roasted dishes, chicken, salmon, or shrimp

Brown Rice Types

You have planned to make a brown rice meal but wondering what type you have on hand. And will the rice cook as perfectly as the recipe you are following? The answer is yes and no.

If the author of the recipe has mentioned the type of brown rice, and its water ratio, and if you are using the same rice type, then you could achieve the perfect result. But if in case, the type of rice is not mentioned and if you are using a different type of rice not exactly what the author used, then the end result would not be the same.

So, to clear all those confusions I am sharing the basic info about the brown rice types below. You can also find the Brown Rice type on the package itself.

• Short Grain - These grains look short, and round compared to other varieties. The process of cooking the rice remains the same similar to the recipe that I shared in the recipe card below. But I would recommend sticking with a 1:1½ ratio of rice to water to achieve soft yet fluffier rice once it is cooked. This type of rice easily tends to turn mushy, so here we need less water compared to other types of rice
• Medium Grain - Slightly longer than short grain, but shorter than basmati and long grain. You can use the 1:2 rice water ratio for soft and fluffier rice. And 1:1¾ ratio for firmer rice
• Long Grain - In the recipe card I have shared how to cook brown rice using the long grain type, so you could cook the rice as per the instruction below
• Basmati Brown Rice - Delivers long, fluffy and aromatic rice. A healthy alternative for white Basmati Rice. I would recommend using a 1:1½ rice water ratio and simmering until all the water is absorbed for perfect results
• Instant Brown Rice - These are precooked and dried varieties. So it needs less amount water and less cooking time. So if you are using an instant Brown Rice then I recommend following the package instructions

Brown Rice Water Ratio

Rice Water Ratio is one of the main key factors in achieving perfectly cooked rice. Perfect here is subjective to everyone. For instance, some of you would like to have the rice on the soft side and some on the firmer side. So I am sharing the rice-water ratio for different preferences below.

• For Fluffy yet soft Brown Rice - 1:2 brown rice to water ratio (perfect for enjoying with curries, stir-fries, and baked or roasted chicken, salmon, and shrimp)
• For Mushy Rice - 1:2½ brown rice to water ratio (perfect for rice soups, porridge, and sushi rolls)
• For Firmer and nutty rice - a 1:1¾ rice to water ratio (perfect for salads, and fried rice)

Note: This Brown Rice Water ratio suggested above is for long-grain rice and it may vary for other types of brown rice.

How Long to Cook Brown Rice?

Cooking time for Brown Rice varies based on the type of grain you are using. Here I have used long-grain brown rice which took about 40 minutes to cook perfectly in low heat. And I also boiled the rice in water for about 5 to 7 minutes before switching the heat to low. So overall it took me around 45 minutes to cook the Brown Rice.

Is Brown Rice gluten-free?

Yes, all-natural forms of rice are gluten-free and it includes Brown Rice as well. Not only brown rice is gluten-free but other naturally occurring white rice, basmati rice, and wild rice are also part of the list. So don't worry if you are on a gluten-free diet, you can totally enjoy this rice and safely fit it into your diet plans.

Is Brown Rice healthy?

According to the National Library of Medicine, yes, Brown Rice is a healthy grain that has more nutritional value than regular white rice. It is loaded with dietary fibers that are good for your gut. It also has a good amount of magnesium, vitamins, and other minerals that lead to a healthy heart. Brown rice also has fewer calories compared to regular white rice.

Nutritional Facts and Benefits

Is Brown Rice healthy? Is it good to add it to a regular diet? These are some of the questions that usually come into your thoughts. So according to WebMD, Brown Rice is

• Low Glycemic Index - It has a low Glycemic index that usually does not shoot up your glucose level after having your meal. It may also help to reduce your type 2 diabetics
• Dietary Fiber - Good source of dietary fiber that helps to keep your gut healthy. Helps in good digestion, and relieves constipation
• Weight Control - Since it has high fiber, adding it to your diet keeps you fuller for a long time. Also, it has only fewer calories compared to white rice
• Heart Health - The vitamins and minerals present in rice also help in maintaining a good heart health
• Brown Rice Protein - Even though Brown Rice has a good amount of protein, it is also used to make protein powder to boost body muscles and recover them from repair

Calories

The cooked Brown Rice that I have shared here contains 250 calories per serving and it is an estimation by the nutrition calculator. The calorie count may change if you have extra add-ins. You could also find detailed nutritional information in the recipe card below.

Tips

• Look for rice type - Always look for rice types like short, medium, long, or brown basmati rice you are using. Since each type requires a change in the water ratio and cooking time. For more information please check under the section brown rice types
• Water Ratio - Brown rice to water ratio is one of the main factors to follow to achieve perfectly fluffy rice. So please check the details under the water ratio section for more information
• Seasoning - I haven't seasoned the rice with salt, since I usually serve this rice for curries and other side dishes that already have salt. But you can feel free to add salt if you would really want to
• Resting the rice - Resting the rice once it is cooked helps to absorb any leftover water in the rice

Storage Suggestions

You can store the cooked Brown rice for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

This Brown Rice tastes great with veg curries and non-veg curries like Chicken Curry, Thai Yellow Chicken Curry, Panang Curry, Lamb Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chole, Palak Paneer, or Egg Curry. You can also pair it up with baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, and roasted vegetables for a perfect rice bowl.

Related Recipes

You can also find similar rice recipes below and more at lunch and dinner recipes.

• White Rice
• Basmati Rice
• Jasmine Rice
• Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice)
• Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)
• Chicken and Rice
• Baked Chicken and Rice
• Egg Fried Rice
• Fried Rice
• Schezwan Fried Rice

Recipe Video

I have also shared a detailed video of how to cook or make brown rice below that I hope will help you to make a perfect meal at home. You could also find this recipe in a story format.

📖 Recipe

FAQ

I hope you enjoyed the recipe I shared here and would love to hear from you about how it turned out for you. Please let me know.

If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Happy Cooking!