Want to know how to cook perfect brown rice every time? This foolproof method will give you perfect rice that is never sticky.
How to Cook Perfect Brown Rice
How to Cook Perfect Brown RiceBrown rice is extremely nutritious with higher fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals compared to white rice. There are endless dishes you can make with brown rice, some of my favorites are Edamame Fried Rice, Mexican Style Brown Rice with fresh veggies, Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Rice, or along side any choice of protein.
I can make white rice in my sleep, rice was a staple in my home growing up and a task my mom taught me at an early age. So naturally you would think making brown rice would come easy to me. Nope!
I never liked making brown rice because it was always hit or miss, until I found this easy brown rice cooking method on Saveur. Now I can make perfect brown rice every time and because I make large batches, it’s great to keep on hand to use throughout week to create easy sides or new dishes.
I’ve played around with the original recipe quite a bit and found the perfect ratio of rice to water. If you are making 2 or 3 cups of rice, double or triple the recipe.
How To Make Perfect Brown Rice
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Rinse brown rice and add to the pot of boiling water.
- Boil the rice, partially covered 30 minutes.
- Drain the rice, shut the stove off and return the rice to the pot.
- Cover the pot tight to let the steam continue cooking it for 20 minutes then fluff with a fork.
How To Freeze Brown Rice
You can use frozen rice straight from the freezer to the microwave or stove top— no need to thaw in the refrigerator first.
- Step 1: Cook Rice. Cook the rice following the method below.
- Step 2: Let it cool. Once the rice is cooked, spread in an even layer over a sheet pan and cool for about 10 minutes, until it’s room temperature.
- Step 3: Portion. Measure the rice and separate by portions, then transfer to freezer safe containers or ziplock bags squeezing out as much air as possible.
- Step 4: Label and freeze. Label the name, date and amount of rice in each bag.
- Step 5: Freeze. You can freeze the rice for up to 3 months.
- Step 6: Reheat. To reheat you can microwave from frozen covered for 3 minutes, or add to the stove if you’re making stir fries, soups, etc.
Recipes Using Cooked Brown Rice
- Chicken Sausage Brown Rice Stuffing
- Dirty Brown Rice
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Shrimp Peas and Rice
- Brown Fried Rice
How To Cook Perfect Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural brown rice I used long grain
- 8 cups cold water
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice with cold water for 30 seconds.
- Bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat in a large heavy pot with a tight fitting lid.
- When the water is boiling add the rice, stir and partially cover (don't cover complete or it will spill over) and cook on medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
- Shut the heat off. Drain the rice in strainer, then quickly return to the pot and cover tightly for 20 minutes so the steam finishes cooking the rice.
- Uncover the rice and fluff with a fork.
His is absolutely “perfect” brown rice. Cooked exactly as directed, so good. This has been a staple in my family for the past 3 to 4 years.
Literally Perfect!! ! Rinsing the rice is not necessary
Very happy to have found this recipe. Life changer! I never got the same result twice when cooking brown rice – too gooey, underdone, overdone…sigh. Until I tried this and it comes out perfectly EVERY TIME. Happy happy. Thanks for sharing Gina.
Can this be reheated if made in advance?
8 cups of water for 1 cup of rice?
I love your recipes and wanted to know if you have a favorite go to brand for brown rice. Your whole wheat pasta brand recommendation was a game changer for me and I have been on the hunt for a great tasting brown rice. Any tips? Thank you so much!!😊
I look forward to using this cooking method – I bet the results will be excellent!
Lundberg makes great brown rice!
What was the whole wheat pasta recommendation? I haven’t found one that I enjoy eating yet 😕?
Delallo
I almost never leave reviews, but this is the perfect technique for brown rice. I’ve tried everything but my brown rice always came out gummy. I even forgot to rinse the rice the first time I tried this recipe, and it still came out better than any other technique I’ve tried. Really, after 30 minutes of cooking and then straining, the rice was ready to eat, so I covered and steamed for just 10 minutes, but that might have been the kind of rice I used (basmati brown rice.)
My go to recipe for perfect brown rice, every time ! Thanks for the recipe !
I finally can make edible brown rice. Thank you!
Wow! I am in awe of the brown rice sitting on my stovetop right now. It’s perfect! Every single time I have ever made brown rice it has come out sticky and gummy and dull. This is magical and was worth the effort of every single step! Thank you for sharing this!
Forgot to rate
I will say I have been making and eating brown rice for a long time and I was skeptical but the ratings peaked my curiosity. I tried it out and this rice came out amazing. This will be my new go to for making brown rice. Thank you 😊