Home > Side Dishes > How To Cook Brown Rice How To Cook Brown Rice January 23, 2022 | 2 Comments SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. Are you tired of struggling to make perfectly cooked brown rice? Look no further because we have the solution for you! Introducing How To Cook Brown Rice! This is the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy and tender brown rice. All you have to do is throw everything into a large baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and let the oven do the work. Brown rice is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is naturally gluten free. QUICK TIP Check out our guide on How To Make White Rice! How To Cook Brown Rice Are you looking for a simple and delicious recipe that will make meal prep a breeze? Look no further! This recipe for baked brown rice has been a lifesaver in my home. Every Sunday, we make a big batch of rice and use it throughout the week. It’s so convenient to have cooked rice ready to go in the fridge, saving us time and effort in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe you will be hooked too! Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, it also yields a large amount of rice, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The nutty flavor of the brown rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grain salads to grilled meats to casseroles. Plus, it’s a hands-off recipe so you can focus on other tasks while the rice cooks. If you’ve been disappointed with stovetop brown rice in the past, we highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at just how easy and delicious homemade brown rice can be. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy perfectly cooked brown rice with minimal effort. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed! Use The Oven, Not The Stovetop! Here are a few benefits to cooking brown rice in the oven: Hands-off cooking: Making brown rice in the oven is a totally hands-off cooking method, as opposed to stovetop cooking, which requires more monitoring. This allows you to do other tasks or relax while the rice cooks. Consistent results: Because the oven is a sealed environment, the heat is distributed evenly. This can lead to more consistent and evenly cooked rice. Large batch cooking: Preparing brown rice in the oven is a great way to cook a large batch of rice at once. This is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Efficient use of space: Cooking brown rice in the oven frees up a burner on the stovetop. This can be helpful if you are cooking multiple dishes at once and are short on stovetop space. Tips On How To Cook Brown Rice We prefer long-grain brown rice for this recipe. It has a lower moisture content and results in fluffier rice. However, medium or short grain brown rice can also be used. Look for rice that has a consistent color and avoid any that is discolored or has a musty smell. Be sure to use the correct amount of water. Too little water will result in dry, undercooked rice, while too much will make it mushy. Don’t skimp on the salt. Salt is important for seasoning the rice and bringing out its flavor. Be sure to use fine sea salt for the best results. The olive oil adds flavor to the rice and helps to prevent sticking. You can also use other types of oil or butter, if desired. Be sure to use two layers of foil to tightly cover the baking dish. This prevents steam from escaping and will help cook the rice evenly. Once the rice is done cooking, let it rest for a full 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier. Rushing the rest time can result in mushy rice! VARIATIONS How To Jazz Up Your Brown Rice There are many ways to jazz up cooked brown rice and make it more flavorful and interesting. Here are a few ideas to use after removing the cooked brown rice from the oven: Add a variety of veggies: Cooked brown rice is a great base for a grain bowl. Add some chopped raw or roasted vegetables and a tasty sauce! Add some protein: Cooked brown rice is a great base for a protein-rich dish. You can add some cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for added flavor and nutrition. Mix in nuts or seeds: Add some chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds to brown rice after taking it out of the oven for added texture and flavor. Add some herbs and spices: Cooked brown rice is a great base for a flavorful dish. You can add some fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil, or some spices such as cumin, turmeric, or garlic powder) to your cooked brown rice. Add some sauce or dressing: You can add some sauces such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce, or some dressing such as vinaigrette, or peanut sauce to your cooked brown rice. Top with some cooked legumes: Cooked brown rice is a great base for a hearty dish. You can add some cooked legumes such as lentils, pinto beans, black beans, or chickpeas to the rice. STORAGE Storing Cooked Brown Rice Here are a few tips for storing cooked brown rice: Let the rice cool completely before storing it. If you put hot rice into a container or bag, it creates steam and causes the rice to become soggy. Transfer the rice to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Press out any excess air. Store the rice in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you’re not sure if rice is still safe to eat, it’s best to play it safe and discard it. If the rice has an off odor, slimy texture, or if it’s discolored, it’s no longer safe to eat. How To Cook Brown Rice FAQs1What is the ratio of water to brown rice?We use 3 cups brown rice to 4-2/3 cups boiling water. It’s the perfect ratio when cooking rice in the oven! 2How do they make brown rice?Brown rice is made by simply removing the outermost layer (the husk) of the rice kernel. This layer is removed by using a machine called a rice huller. This process leaves the nutritious bran and germ layers intact, giving brown rice its characteristic nutty flavor and chewy texture. 3How do I make my brown rice fluffy and not sticky?To make fluffy and not sticky brown rice, it’s important to use the correct ratio of water to rice. Be sure to tightly cover the casserole dish with foil, and let the rice steam after cooking before fluffing it with a fork. Avoid stirring the rice too much, as this can break up the grains and make it sticky. 4How long does it take to cook brown rice?We think it’s perfect after 1 hour in the oven! 5Can I add flavor to brown rice while it's cooking?To add flavor to brown rice while it’s cooking, try adding in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, or adding in spices such as cumin, turmeric, or garlic. You can also stir through fresh chopped herbs after the rice is cooked. 6Can I freeze cooked brown rice?Yes, cooked brown rice can be frozen for later use. Simply let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to press out any excess air before sealing the bag. Frozen rice can be stored for up to 6 months. 7How can I reheat leftover brown rice?There are several ways to reheat rice: One of the best ways to reheat brown rice is in the microwave. Simply place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water (about a tablespoon for every cup of rice). This will help to add moisture back into the rice. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave the rice on high for about 2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the rice well before serving, as the heat may not be distributed evenly. Another way to reheat leftover rice is on the stovetop. Place the rice in a pan with a splash of water or broth and heat over medium heat. You can also add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil to give the rice a nice texture. Stir the rice frequently to prevent it from sticking and to make sure it heats evenly. You can also reheat brown rice in the oven by spreading it out in a baking dish and adding a splash of water or broth. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Again, be sure to stir the rice well before serving. No matter what method you use, reheating brown rice is best done in small batches, so it doesn’t dry out and you can monitor the reheating process easily. Ways To Use Cooked Brown Rice Use it as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. Make a grain salad by mixing it with chopped vegetables, nuts, and a vinaigrette. This Brown Rice Salad is our favorite! Use it as a base for a stir-fry, adding in your choice of protein and vegetables. (Try our Chicken Stir-Fry or Pork Stir-Fry). Mix it with black beans, corn, and cheese for a simple and delicious burrito filling. (Or use as the base of our hearty Burrito Bowls). Make a hearty soup by adding it to a vegetable-based soup like this Turkey Vegetable Soup or Chicken Vegetable Soup). Use it as a base for a casserole, adding in your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheese. (This Chicken Divan is a family-favorite). Mix it with cooked chicken or turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and easy dinner. Use it as a base for a fried or poached egg to create a hearty, filling breakfast. Make a Sushi Bowl by using brown rice as the base and topping with your favorite sushi ingredients such as avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger. Use it to make fried rice (replace the white rice with brown rice in our favorite Fried Rice recipe). Mix it with our favorite creamy coconut lentils for a flavorful and hearty Daal. QUICK TIP Here’s my all-time favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and what is featured in these photos. Recipes using cooked brown rice: Veggie Burgers: a great burger alternative to beef Sweet Potato Enchiladas: Tex-Mex meets vegetarian Mexican Street Corn Burrito Bowls Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice (swap out brown rice for the instant rice) Roasted Sweet Potato Salad (swap out brown rice for the wild rice) FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content. How To Cook Brown Rice 5 from 2 votes - Review this recipe Are you tired of struggling when cooking brown rice? Look no further because we have the solution for you! Introducing How To Cook Brown Rice! This is the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy and tender brown rice. All you have to do is throw everything into a large baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and let the oven do the work.Recipe barley adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook! SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe How To Cook Brown Rice 5 from 2 votes - Review this recipe SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe Are you tired of struggling when cooking brown rice? Look no further because we have the solution for you! Introducing How To Cook Brown Rice! This is the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy and tender brown rice. All you have to do is throw everything into a large baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and let the oven do the work.Recipe barley adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook! Course Appetizer, Side Dish Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian Keyword How To Cook Brown Rice Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 1 hour Resting Time 20 minutes Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes Servings 9 cups cooked brown rice Calories 245kcal Author Chelsea Lords Cost $1.45 Equipment9x13-inch baking dishCooking Spray Ingredients▢ 3 cups uncooked long-grain brown rice (medium/short grain works ok--Note 1)▢ 1-1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt▢ 4 teaspoons olive oil (Note 2)▢ 4-2/3 cups boiling water (Note 3)US - Metric USMetric InstructionsPREP: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large kettle or pot (that holds more than 5 cups) of water to a boil.COMBINE: In the greased baking dish, add the brown rice, salt, and olive oil. Measure and pour 4⅔ cup boiling water over top and stir everything to combine. Smooth in one even layer. COVER AND BAKE: Cover the dish tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 60 minutes. REST: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest (still covered--don't remove foil) for 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy! Recipe NotesNote 1: Rice: We prefer long-grain brown rice for this recipe. It has a lower moisture content and results in fluffier rice. However, medium or short-grain brown rice can also be used. Look for rice that has a consistent color and avoid rice that is discolored or has a musty smell. Note 2: Olive oil: This adds flavor to the rice and helps to prevent sticking. You can also use other types of oil or butter, if desired. Note 3: Boiling water: Since some water will evaporate as it boils, boil more water than needed. Once the water has reached a boil, measure the amount of water remaining to get 4⅔ cup and use that amount to cook the rice. Once the rice is done baking, let it rest for a full 15-20 minutes. This lets the rice absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier. Rushing the rest time can result in mushy rice! Nutrition FactsServing: 1serving | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I love hearing from you when you've made one of my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @ChelseasMessyApron or leave me a comment below.
This recipe for cooking brown rice in the oven is a great solution for anyone looking for an easy and foolproof method. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the recipe includes helpful tips and notes, such as using long-grain rice for a fluffier texture, and letting the rice rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to absorb remaining moisture. The use of tin foil and a baking dish also ensures that the rice cooks evenly. Overall, this is a great recipe for a big batch of perfectly cooked brown rice. Reply
