When I first started making brown rice, I was a bit intimidated. I can cook Basmati rice with my eyes closed but when it comes to brown rice, the ratio to water is different, cook time is different, and sometimes, there is a chewy bite to brown rice. I felt so out of my element.
I have tried multiple ways to cook brown rice and this recipe has become my fail-proof method. Even better, I’ve nailed both stove top and Instant Pot methods so you can choose what works for you.
Having rice in the fridge has helped me on numerous occasions. I can use it to make Pineapple Fried Rice, serve it on the side with a salmon, serve it up with lentils and so much more.
WHAT IS BROWN RICE?
Brown rice is actually rice with the hull still on it making it a whole grain. The germ and bran are in there too which gives it a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Because brown rice has the hull, germ, and bran, it takes longer to cook.
BE PATIENT
Trust me. I feel like I’m constantly on the go, but this one recipe will make you stop and smell the roses. And it’s worth it. All you have to do is keep the cover on the saucepan and not mess with it. Once it’s done cooking, let it rest. Just like all meats, rice also wants a little rest after spending all that time cooking to perfection. The additional 5 minutes of steam will make the rice fluffy and soft.
*Pro Tip: Start your rice first then work on dinner. Your rice will cook in the background while you get everything else done and not have to wait much.
HOW DO I SERVE BROWN RICE?
So many options! Try one of the following:
Citrus Herb Salmon with a Mango Pico and Cilantro Lime Rice
Pineapple Fried Rice
Zucchini Moong Dal
Mahi Mahi with Garlic Lemon Sauce
Instant Pot Rajma (Kidney Beans)
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry
How to Cook Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 c brown rice, rinsed
- 2 c water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
For Stovetop:
- Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan (about 2qts).
- Bring to a boil on high then reduce to simmer for 35-40 minutes.
- Turn off stove, cover and steam for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid and fluff with a fork.
- Serve hot with your favorite meal.
For Instant Pot:
- Combine rice, water, and salt in Instant Pot.
- Cover and position vent to sealing.
- Set Manual Pressure for 20 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, NPR (natural pressure release) for 10 minutes.
- Release the remaining steam by changing the vault to venting position.
- Open lid and fluff rice with a fork.
- Serve hot with your favorite meal.
Here are the tools I used for this recipe:
Thanks Sapna.I always have a problem for the brown rice.
Thanks for the brown rice recipe. I needed one.