This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
Learn how to cook brown rice perfectly every time with this simple stovetop method: it comes out fluffy, nutty, and tender!
When I first learned to cook whole grains, I was intimidated by brown rice’s reputation for being time-consuming. But once you nail the ratio and the technique, it can become one of the most reliable grains in your kitchen.
The only thing you need to do? Think ahead! It takes about an hour start to finish, which means this is a grain meal prep, not one you throw together at the last minute. Put it on, go set the table, help with homework, pour yourself a glass of wine. Or, cook up a batch in advance: it saves through the week perfectly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brown rice: Long-grain or short-grain both work with this method. I found there’s some variation in cook time brown rice brands so you’ll have to watch the cook time with each different type of rice.
- Water: The 1:2 ratio is the key to perfectly absorbed rice. You can also swap in vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Kosher salt: All you need for a great seasoning.
How to Cook Brown Rice
Step 1: Rinse the rice. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under running water until the water runs clear. This helps to make the rice fluffy by removing starch. (Even though it’s an extra step, I try to do it: see How to Rinse Rice.)
Step 2: Bring the water to a boil. Add 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Add the rice and salt. Add the rice and salt to the boiling water. Stir once and return to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat and simmer. Lower the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed (again, cook time varies based on brand).
Step 5: Steam off the heat. Remove the pot from the heat entirely and let the rice steam, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Fluff and serve. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately, or let it cool for meal prep storage.
Tip: How much does 1 cup dry rice make? 1 cup dry rice = 3 cups cooked
Variations
- Cook it in broth: Use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water for even more savory flavor.
- Cilantro lime rice: Stir in lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro after fluffing. My Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a favorite.
- Coconut rice: Replace the water with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, lightly sweet result. See my Coconut Rice recipe for the full method.
- Lemon: Add lemon zest to lift the flavor: see my Lemon Rice.
Is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?
Turns out, brown rice has a lot of nutritional benefits: it has an impressive amount of vitamins, minerals and beneficial compounds because it is less processed than white rice.
White rice has its hull, bran, and germ removed, but brown rice keeps the nutrient-packed bran and germ and only has the hull removed. This means brown rice keeps the fiber and nutrients that white rice lacks such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In summary: Brown rice has more nutrients and fiber than white rice, so when you can find time to cook it, brown rice is a great choice. See my guide to Brown Rice vs White Rice.
Instant Pot Brown Rice
Alex and I love cooking essentials like rice and quinoa in our Instant Pot (pressure cooker). The method is usually not quicker: but the advantage is that it’s totally hands off and leaves the stove free for cooking other things!
If you’re interested in trying rice in a pressure cooker, try our Brown Rice in Instant Pot recipe. You also can cook White Rice in an Instant Pot.
What to Serve with Brown Rice
Brown rice is one of the most versatile base grains I keep in my rotation. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Grain bowls: Top with a fried egg, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- With beans: Black Beans and Rice is simple and satisfying.
- Easy fried rice: Day-old brown rice makes the best Easy Fried Rice.
- Alongside curries and stews: Brown rice’s nutty flavor works well with a coconut tofu curry or chickpea curry.
- In stuffed peppers or casseroles: It adds heartiness to stuffed peppers.
Storage Notes
Store leftover brown rice refrigerated for up to 5 days. It reheats well with a splash of water in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
You can freeze brown rice too: spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags where it keeps for up to 3 months. See How to Freeze Cooked Rice.
Dietary Notes
This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
How to Cook Brown Rice
Learn how to cook brown rice perfectly every time with this simple stovetop method: it comes out fluffy, nutty, and tender!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Essentials
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Basics
Ingredients
- 1 cup long or short grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Using a strainer, rinse the rice under cold water, then drain it completely. (Here’s why.)
- Boil the rice: Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and kosher salt. Return to a boil, then lower the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed.
- Steam the rice: Remove the heat. Allow to steam, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
“Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes.” Do you put the covered pot back on the burner with the heat still on or with the heat turned off or put it on a hot pad off to the side? Thanks for your help!
P.S. Love your website and recipes!
Thank you for the comment (and kind words)! The heat should be removed here — just cover and set on a burner with no heat applied. We added updates to this recipe. Thank you!!
“Pour the rice into a strainer then return to the pot.” In the strainer or poured back into the pot (without the strainer)?
Without the strainer.
So I started making this and then realized when I got to the part where you let it steam I wasn’t sure if you turn the heat all the way off or just slightly off So I have the Burner on low will see how that goes if you could Clarify that for me that would be great Thank you so much and thank you for the quick way to make the rice
All the way off!