- Servings 3
- Prep 5 min
- Boiling 45 min
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 17 gm
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
- Sodium: 783 mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary.
Ingredients in Brown Rice Recipe
- One cup of brown rice
- Two and a half cups of water or broth for added flavor
- Four tbsp. of unsalted butter
- One tsp. of salt (adjust to taste)
Kitchen Tools for Cooking Brown Rice
- Medium Saucepan with Lid
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon
How to Cook Brown Rice
- Place the brown rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and improves the texture.
- Bring 2 1/2 cups of water (or broth for extra flavor) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Stir once, reduce the heat to low, and cover the saucepan with a lid. Time to cook brown rice: Let the rice simmer for about 45 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam further and become fluffier.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, then serve. Perfectly cooked brown rice is a versatile side dish for any meal.
Tips
How to Cook Brown Rice
Mastering how to cook brown rice can be simple! Forget mushy or undercooked results. This guide reveals the secrets to consistently fluffy brown rice on your stovetop, including the ideal brown rice-to-water ratio and cooking time for this healthy whole grain. Get ready for the best, easy brown rice recipe to make this nutritious staple delicious every time.
- Brown Rice and Water Ratio: The ideal water-to-rice ratio for brown rice is slightly more than 2:1 due to its whole-grain nature, requiring more water to cook thoroughly.
- Avoid Stirring: Resist the urge to stir the rice while cooking. This can release more starch and make the rice gummy.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you’re cooking at a high altitude, you may need to increase the water and cooking time slightly.
- Storage: Leftover cooked brown rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious brown rice, a versatile base for countless dishes or a wholesome side all on its own.
How do I cook brown rice to achieve the perfect texture?
To achieve the perfect texture, use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and simmer on low heat after bringing it to a boil. Cook covered for about 45 minutes, then let it sit off the heat, still covered, for another 10 minutes to steam.
What are the secrets to successfully cooking brown rice?
The secrets to successfully cooking brown rice include rinsing the rice before cooking, using the correct water-to-rice ratio (typically 2:1), cooking on a low simmer to avoid overcooking, and letting the rice steam with the lid on after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture. Additionally, patience is key—allowing the rice to rest after cooking ensures a fluffier texture.
Why use a Wooden Spoon for Rice?
Using a wooden spoon for cooking rice or stirring other dishes has several advantages rooted in tradition and practicality. Here are some reasons why a wooden spoon is often recommended for cooking rice:
- Wooden spoons are non-reactive, meaning they won’t chemically interact with acidic ingredients. This is particularly important in dishes where maintaining the purity of flavour is crucial.
- Wooden spoons are soft and gentle on surfaces, making them ideal for use with non-stick cookware. They won’t scratch or damage pots and pans like metal utensils can, which is essential when stirring rice to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Wood is a poor conductor of heat compared to metal. This means a wooden spoon handle will stay cool to the touch, even when left in a hot pot for an extended period. This makes cooking more comfortable and reduces the risk of burns.
- Wood spoons can last many years when properly cared for. They are sturdy and can handle the thick, heavy consistency of rice, mainly when it sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- Wooden spoons add a traditional, rustic look to the kitchen. Many cultures worldwide have long histories of using wooden utensils for cooking, including stirring rice. Using a wooden spoon can be a nod to these traditions.
- Wooden spoons are poor conductors of heat and are non-conductive to electricity, making them safer around electric rice cookers and other electric appliances.
It’s important to note that wooden spoons require more care than their metal or plastic counterparts. They should not be soaked in water and should be cleaned and dried thoroughly after washing to prevent cracking and warping. Occasionally, you might also need to treat them with mineral oil to keep them in good condition.