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Brown Rice in a black bowl with lemon slices.

Brown Rice

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Learn how easy it is to cook brown rice with our simple, step-by-step absorption method. This technique gives you soft, fluffy rice that’s perfect for curries, stir-fries, or your favorite chicken, salmon, or shrimp dishes. Try this nutritious whole grain at home for a healthy and tasty addition to any meal!
Course Lunch and Dinner
Cuisine American, Asian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Brown Rice long grain
  • 4 cups Water
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

How to Cook Brown Rice

  • Begin by washing the brown rice. Rinse it under water until it runs clear. This removes dust and excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky and makes the grains fluffier.
    Brown rice with water in a glass bowl.
  • Pour water and a bit of oil into a wide-bottomed pot and place it over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil. For this recipe, use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, which results in softer rice. If you prefer firmer and more tender rice, opt for a 1:1¾ ratio.
    Water is boiling in a wide bottom pan.
  • When the water reaches a boil, add the rinsed brown rice and stir well to combine.
    Washed Brown rice in a glass bowl.
  • Allow the rice to boil for 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    Brown rice boiling in water in a pan.
  • After boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with its lid, and let the rice simmer for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
    Brown rice is cooking with lid closed.
  • Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Then cover the pot again and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the rice absorb any remaining water, improving its texture.
    Switching the heat off to rest the brown rice.
  • Finally, remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the brown rice. Using a fork instead of a spoon helps separate the grains, keeping the rice light and airy rather than mashing it together. Now it’s ready to serve.
    Cooked brown rice in a pan.

Serving

  • Enjoy this perfectly cooked brown rice with a variety of your favorite dishes, such as roasted vegetables, baked or grilled meats, or seafood like chicken, salmon, or shrimp. Check out the Serving Suggestions section below for more pairing ideas.
    Serving Brown Rice in a black bowl.

Notes

Here are some tips to help your brown rice turn out perfectly every time:
  • Choose the Right Rice: The type of brown rice you use—short, medium, long, or basmati—matters. Each variety has its own water ratio and cooking time. Check the 'Brown Rice Types' section below for more details.
  • Water Ratio is Key: Getting the rice-to-water ratio right is crucial for fluffy brown rice. Refer to the 'Brown Rice Water Ratio' section below for guidance on different rice types and their specific ratios.
  • Salt is Optional: I didn’t add salt since brown rice is often served with salty dishes, and I prefer to control the salt intake. However, feel free to add it to your taste.
  • Brown Rice Cooking Time: The cooking time for brown rice depends on the grain type. For long-grain brown rice, like the one in this recipe, it usually takes about 40 minutes on low heat to cook perfectly. Start by boiling the rice for 5 to 7 minutes, then reduce the heat. Overall, the rice should be ready in around 45 minutes.
  • Gluten-Free: Brown rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those on a gluten-free diet. This also applies to other rice varieties like white, basmati, and wild rice. If you're gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, brown rice is a safe and nutritious choice for your meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

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