How to cook brown rice
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4.9
How to cook brown rice
Description
How to cook brown rice covers both boiling and baked methods tailored to various rice grain types. The boiling and draining approach requires submerging the rice in ample boiling water to move the cooking along quickly, followed by draining and resting the rice to let residual steam finish the cooking and prevent sogginess. This method is best suited for medium and long grain, including basmati rice. The baked rice method is specified for short grain varieties and involves pouring boiling water over rice in a baking dish and cooking in a preheated oven, which needs less active monitoring.
The cooking process highlights adjusting water quantities if the grains are rinsed to prevent excess water. Cooking times vary: medium and long grain grains simmer for about 30 minutes, while basmati needs less. A key detail is rinsing only to clean bulk-purchased rice and reducing water accordingly for baking. The importance of draining and letting the rice rest uncovered after boiling is emphasized to achieve separate, fluffy grains.
Cooks are advised to identify their rice type to select the appropriate method for best results and to check doneness early to avoid overcooking. The recipe also clarifies that rinsing is optional and mostly for cleanliness, not fluffiness, and gives guidance on rinsing techniques. The method notes that some rice types, like short grain, will not work well with boiling and draining due to their sticky nature.
Overall, the guide helps home cooks master brown rice cooking with practical tips on timing, water handling, and resting to deliver fluffy rice tailored to the grain variety.
Ingredients
Boil and Drain:
- 1 cup brown rice medium grain, long grain or basmati
- 8 cups water (Note 1)
Baked Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups short grain brown rice (medium grain ok too)
- 2 1/2 cups water Note 2, boiling
Will NOT work for / not yet tested:
- rice will not work, quick cooking, ie par boiled
- brown jasmine rice not yet tested
Instructions
- Rinsing rice: only required if you purchased from bulk bins. If you rinse, reduce water by 1/4 cup for baked version.
Boil and Drain:
- Boil water: Bring water to a boil in a small pot or large saucepan over high heat.
- Boil rice: Add rice, then boil rice until just cooked, a tiny bit firmer than you want (it gets softer during Rest step). Use these times as a guide (Note 3):- Medium and long grain rice: 30 minutes- Basmati rice: 12 minutes (1st check) to 14 minutes
- Drain VERY well (key tip! Note 4): Drain rice in a colander, shaking the pot well to remove as much water as you can, and shaking the colander to remove excess water from the rice. Pot should steam dry from residual heat.
- Rest: Return rice to now-dry pot. Put lid on and put it back on the turned off stove. Leave for 10 minutes.
- Fluff and serce: Fluff rice with fork and serve.
Baked Rice:
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
- Combine rice and water: Pour rice and boiling water into a 20cm/8" square pan or round casserole pot. Cover with lid or foil.
- Bake 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Rest, fluff & serve: Remove from oven, stand 10 minutes then fluff with fork and serve.
Notes
- Adjust water amounts if you rinse the rice, especially for the baked method to avoid sogginess.
- Check rice doneness early when boiling, as cooking times vary greatly between brands and grain sizes.
- Thoroughly drain and shake the cooked rice to remove excess water before resting it to steam dry for fluffier grains.
- Rinsing rice is generally not needed unless purchased from bulk bins and should be done just before cooking.
- Resting rice in a covered pot off heat allows moisture to redistribute evenly, improving texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 229cal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 170mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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