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5.0 from 21 votes

How to Cook Brown Rice in the Microwave

Follow this super simple recipe for cooking brown rice in the microwave. Now you can make plump and nutty brown rice at home without the headache.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
32 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 3423 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Two servings
  • 178 g long grain brown rice
  • 14 fl oz filtered water
Four servings
  • 356 g long grain brown rice
  • 20 fl oz filtered water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Read the note both above or below this recipe about using the right scoop. I used the small rice scooper that came with my rice maker. If you don't have this, follow this recipe using measurements by weight for best results.
  2. Measure out your long grain brown rice and rinse under running water. Place the rice in a large microwave-safe bowl (the rice will expand so you need enough room, I use a microwave-safe eight-cup mixing bowl).
  3. Add water into the rice bowl and place it in the microwave for 10 minutes on the highest power (my microwave’s highest power is level 10).
  4. After 10 minutes, use a dish towel to cover the bowl and continue to cook for 15 minutes, but lower the power to half the strength (mine is level 5). After this is finished, let it rest in the microwave for five minutes (do not open the door).
  5. Carefully remove the bowl and use a paddle or fork to fluff the rice and test if it’s finished. Your rice should be soft but still have whole kernels intact.

Notes

  • The "cup" in all the measurements uses the plastic rice scoop that came with my rice cooker, so for best results you should use yours too.
  • Rice recipes usually don't scale up linearly, so its important to use the right scoop. This is how much water each tool holds by weight. My rice scoop: 173g. A 1-cup dry measuring scoop: 217g. 1 cup liquid measure 250g.
  • This recipe is strictly for one cup and two cup portions. I have found that the more rice I add on, the amount of water also changes. 
  • If you find that there is a little water still on the bottom of the bowl after fluffing, continue to fluff the rice to mix the water and then let it rest, uncovered for about 10 minutes on the counter. The rice should soak up the leftover water. I try not to place this back in the microwave because the rice could end up overcooking. 
  • If your rice is too hard, add a little more water (about two tablespoons at a time) and mix it in the rice. Place in the microwave for about one-minute intervals on medium power.  

Nutrition Information

Calories 342.3kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 71.4g (24%) Protein 7.3g (15%) Fat 2.7g (4%) Saturated Fat 0.5g (3%) Sodium 16.8mg (1%) Potassium 206.3mg (6%) Fiber 3.2g (13%) Sugar 0.8g (2%) Calcium 27.5mg (3%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3423

% Daily Value*

Calories 342.3kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 71.4g 24%
Protein 7.3g 15%
Fat 2.7g 4%
Saturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Sodium 16.8mg 1%
Potassium 206.3mg 4%
Fiber 3.2g 13%
Sugar 0.8g 2%
Calcium 27.5mg 3%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.