How to Cook Brown Rice on the Stove
The perfect recipe for Brown Rice on the stove is slow-cooked with fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Brown Rice takes a long time to cook compared to white rice, and the result is worth the wait when you have a winning recipe.
Not sure how to cook a delicious bowl of brown rice? Don’t worry! After this recipe, you will have a few reasons why you would want to cook Brown Rice all the time.
Brown Rice is served in my home at least once a week. I also cook Farro, Bulgur Wheat, and Quinoa during the week and depending on my menu. I served most of my grain dishes with chicken, for example, Chicken Colombo, a vegetable stew such as Ratatouille, a Provencal Vegetables Stew, or with a bean puree such as Chickpeas Puree.
What is Brown Rice
Brown rice is whole-grain rice with a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Brown rice is less processed than white rice. Compared to white rice, brown rice has its hull, germ, and bran. It contains more fiber and takes a longer time to cook.
How to cook Brown Rice
The two-for-one ratio applies for Brown Rice. But again, you may want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to cook your rice. Most people add butter, but I prefer extra-virgin Olive Oil because it keeps the rice moist. This way, if I don’t have a vegetable stew or a bean puree, it is perfect for eating with fried fish or fried turkey.
When I started learning how to cook, I was always taught to season my rice. Adding fresh garlic or fresh onion is perfect for Brown Rice. The rice’s nutty flavor goes perfectly with fresh garlic and or the onion if you want to add both. Personally, I prefer fresh garlic; lightly cook in the oil before adding water and salt.
When you ready to cook your rice the following steps are easy to follow:
- Always rinse your rice before cooking. By rinsing the rice, you are removing the excess starches coated on the grains. This will make the rice fluffier and less gummy.
- Follow the 2 for 1 ratio (confirmed with the manufacturer’s instructions). Use 1 cup of rice for 2 cups of water. This applies only to plain brown rice.
- First, add the oil to the pan, followed by the fresh garlic. Cook the fresh garlic for about 1 minute but do not let it brown. Add the water and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Once the water starts to boil, add the rinsed rice. Stir to mix and bring to a boil. Let the rice cook until the water has almost evaporated. Turn down the heat and cover the pan. Let simmer until the rice is fork-tender and fluffy, about 45 minutes.
- Serve the rice with your favorite entree dish.
Tips and Notes:
- All brown rice brands are not the same. I have found that some rice takes longer to cook than others. The texture might also be slightly different. I like this brand.
- Always cook your rice in a good saucepan. Check out this selection of pots and pans. I prefer this saucepan from Le Creuset. A bit expensive but it does the job for me. A heavy bottom pan is always better.
- Use fresh garlic or fresh onion or both to season the rice. This tip is also perfect for white rice.
- Use an airtight BPA Free container to store and freeze any leftover.
- Always add salt after adding the water and before adding the rice.
- Substitution: use chicken stock or broth instead of water and omit the salt.
- For more flavor: add fresh herbs (parsley, chives, scallions, dill or basil)
Try these other rice recipes:
- Rice with Black Beans
- Rice with Smoked Herrings, Peppers and Scallions
- Aromatic Red Rice with Leeks and Herbs
- How to make the perfect Brown Rice with Vegetables
How to cook Brown Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice short, medium, or long-grain brown rice will work, and not quick-cooking variety rice (organic, optional, and rinsed)
- 1 – 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Garlic Clove chopped
- 2 cups water room temperature
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for one minute while stirring.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add salt to taste.
- Pour rinsed rice into the pot and stir. Bring to a boil and wait until the water has almost absorbed before covering the pot and lowering the heat.
- Cover and simmer for 30 – 40 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork to check if the grains are fully cooked.
- Serve alone or with your favorite entree.
Video
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
