How to Cook Fluffy Brown Rice

Say hello to rice that's a true game-changer!--No more mushy rice! Discover How to Cook Fluffy Brown Rice with this simple step-by-step recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll master the art of cooking perfect brown rice with a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture while maintaining that fluffy perfection. This fail-safe stovetop method ensures your brown rice turns out flawlessly every time! You'll wonder why you haven't been cooking brown rice like this all along.

What Makes This Brown Rice Recipe So Good?

When cooked to perfection, brown rice is nutty, slightly chewy + wonderfully light & fluffy. But cooking brown rice can be a bit tricky, and I totally get it. It took me a while to figure out the secrets to getting that perfect texture. I recently discovered How to Cook Basmati Rice and decided it was high time to master my other favorite rice---And I'm here to share my wisdom with all of y'all. So you can make it a regular in your favorite saucy weeknight meals, use it for meal prepping, and beyond!

We've all been there – ending up with rice that's too gummy or being left with undercooked grains---But don't lose heart, because I've cracked the code for cooking Brown Rice perfectly every time. Enjoy it with nourishing grain bowls, soul-warming curries, or as a sidekick to soups, and more!

I personally love to pair brown rice with curries--My all-time faves are Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Bowl, Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry with Potatoes, and these oh-so-creamy Spicy Butter Chickpeas! Plus it's a great base for this Healthy Weeknight Shrimp Fried RiceHealthy Weeknight Shrimp Fried Rice + Healthy Weeknight General Tso's Chicken!

Jump to:

• What Makes This Brown Rice Recipe So Good?
• What Is Brown Rice?
• Is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?
• How To Cook Perfect Brown Rice
• Ingredients
• Why You Will LOVE This Brown Rice Recipe
• Foods To Pair With Brown Rice
• Different Types Of Brown Rice
• What Are The Health Benefits Of Brown Rice?
• Brown Rice Recipe Q + A's
• More Delicious Meal-Prep Friendly Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• How to Cook Fluffy Brown Rice

What Is Brown Rice?

Brown rice-- It's like the "au naturel" version of rice, where we keep the husk, fiber, and nutrients intact, unlike its more polished and refined sibling, white rice. Brown rice has a history of cultivation dating back over 10,000 years in China. It then expanded its cultivation to various regions across Asia and eventually found its way to Europe and the Americas!

Is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?

Well technically yes! It's often seen as a healthier pick compared to plain old white rice or basmati rice. The secret sauce is that it keeps its outer layers—the bran and germ—which pack a punch of essential stuff like fiber, vitamins (think B vitamins), minerals (hello, magnesium!), and antioxidants. That extra fiber is your digestive system's best friend and helps with blood sugar too. Plus, brown rice has a lower glycemic index, so it's like a steady source of energy.

How To Cook Perfect Brown Rice

With just a few easy steps, you'll master the art of creating perfectly fluffy + nutty brown rice! But before we dive in, here's what you'll need for this brown rice recipe:

Ingredients

• Uncooked organic brown rice. The earthy + nutty foundation.
• Filtered water: Ensures fluffy rice texture. (You can also sub with vegetable or chicken stock for extra flavor)
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall taste.

RINSE + DRAIN RICE:

• In a large strainer, add the brown rice and wash thoroughly with cold water, at least 3-4 times and then drain any excess water.

COOK THE RICE:

• In a medium sized deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water and bring to a boil. Add in the rice and butter and reduce the heat to a simmer and cover it and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. NOTE: Add additional ¼ cup of water after awhile if the liquid dries out and the brown rice isn't tender and cooked through yet.
• Once the brown rice is cooked through + tender once tested, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to "rest".
• Fluff the brown rice with a fork and serve in your favorite meal.
• Bon Appetit!

Why You Will LOVE This Brown Rice Recipe

• Consistently fluffy & tender results
• Healthy, hearty + filling
• Ideal base for a variety of delicious saucy dishes!
• Meal prep friendly
• Customizable ---Experiment with different herbs + spices

Foods To Pair With Brown Rice

Brown rice's versatility makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes from various cuisines.

Here are some foods and dishes that pair well with it:

Curries: A total no-brainer! The rice's fluffy texture complements rich and flavorful curries. Try my Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken or this Spicy Curry Pumpkin Soup with Chickpeas

Stews or Soups: Hearty stews and soups or anything deliciously saucy go perfectly a comforting meal. Its texture and aroma enhance this Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas and this drool-worthy Braised Apple BBQ Ribs + Potatoes

Stir-Fries: The light and airy grains soak up the flavors of the stir-fry sauce perfectly, you could even try my Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice brown rice instead!

Grain Bowls: A creative way to enjoy brown rice as part of a balanced and customizable meal--If you are looking for inspiration try this Healthy Pesto Buddha Bowl or Easy Green Goddess Buffalo Chicken Bowl

Salads: You can use brown rice as a base for cold salads, mixing it with vegetables, herbs, and proteins for a satisfying meal.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings!

Different Types Of Brown Rice

While technically, any rice with the hull intact qualifies as brown rice --there are 4 main varieties to choose from-

Short Grain:

These grains are short and stubby, resulting in a more sticky texture when cooked. This stickiness makes it perfect for dishes like sushi, where you want the rice to hold together.

Medium Grain:

Slightly longer than short-grain rice, medium-grain brown rice is a versatile option. It offers a moderate level of stickiness, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes--this is the most common type of brown rice and the type I chose for this recipe.

Long Grain:

With longer grains, this variety cooks up fluffy and doesn't stick together as much. It's ideal for dishes like salads, where you want the grains to remain separate.

Basmati:

Basmati rice boasts a delicate flavor, an enticing aroma, and slender grains. Properly prepared, it assumes a light, fluffy texture, steering clear of stickiness found in other rice varieties.

Your choice of brown rice depends on the specific dish you plan to prepare and your personal taste preferences.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Brown Rice?

Not only is brown rice delicious, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping, but it also offers a host of health benefits.

• High fiber content: Brown rice is rich in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
• Nutrient-rich: It contains vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (like magnesium), and antioxidants that support overall health.
• Blood sugar regulation: Brown rice has a lower glycemic index, helping stabilize blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for those with diabetes.
• Antioxidants: Brown rice contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress. Check out my list of nutrient-rich and anti-inflammatory fall ingredients to learn more about antioxidant-rich foods!

Brown Rice Recipe Q + A's

More Delicious Meal-Prep Friendly Recipes

• Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
• Simple Walnut Pesto Bucatini Pasta
• Kale Pesto Pizza 
• Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta + Mozzarella
• Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites
• Baked Sticky Orange Cauliflower + Quinoa
• Spiced Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes 
• Sweet Potato Pasta Skillet
• Vegan Pot Pie

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Brown Rice or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.

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