Are you tired of your brown rice turning out mushy or burnt? If so, then this blog post is for you! In this post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to cook brown rice on stovetop. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. Do You Have To Soak Brown Rice Before Cooking?
Yes, you will need to soak brown rice before cooking if using stovetop & microwave cooking method. Soaking brown rice helps to improve its digestibility and reduce cooking time.
To soak brown rice, add brown rice to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (1 cup rice + 2 cups water). Soak uncovered at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight.
However, if you choose to use a Instant pot and rice cooker to cook brown rice, you don’t need to soak them
1.2. What is the Ratio of Water To Brown Rice?
For Soaked Brown Rice cooking on Stovetop & in Microwave. Ratio: 1 cup soaked brown rice to 1.5 cups water
For Unsoaked Brown Rice in Instant Pot. Ratio: 1 cup unsoaked brown rice to 1.25 cups water
For Unsoaked Brown Rice in Rice Cooker. Ratio: 1 cup unsoaked brown rice to 2 cups water
1.3. What is the Best Way To Cook Brown Rice?
There are many ways to cook brown rice such as cooking on stovetop, in a rice cooker, in an instant pot or in microwave. However, in my opinion, cooking brown rice with an instant pot and an electric rice cooker are the two best ways. Because you won’t need to soak brown rice before cooking but still have delicious and soft brown rice.
2. How To Cook Brown Rice on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brown rice ( soaked )
- 1 1/2 cups of water.
Instructions
Step 1: Add water and soaked brown rice to a medium saucepan, the ratio is 1 cup of brown rice and 1 1/2 cups of water. To make the rice flavorsome, you may season it with salt and spices. You can also add oil/butter and substitute the water with chicken/vegetable broth.
Step 2: Put the pot on the stove uncovered, turn the heat to high, and bring it to a boil.
Step 3: Once your water is boiling, turn the heat to a simmer and cover it with a lid. If your lid has a hole or steam valve, cover it with a little cloth. Let the rice cook at a simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: After about 30 minutes of cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes to absorb all the excess water. Then open the lid and fluff the rice before serving or make some recipes using brown rice.
3. What To Serve With Brown Rice?
Brown rice is a versatile grain that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with brown rice:
Brown rice pairs well with roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Add some vegetables on the side, such as roasted asparagus or roasted zucchini.
Brown rice can be served alongside stir-fried vegetables and protein, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu. Add some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for flavor.
Brown rice can be served alongside beans and legumes, such as black beans, lentils, or chickpeas. Add some roasted vegetables, such as sweet potato or butternut squash, for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Brown rice can be used as a base for salads, such as a Mediterranean or Asian-inspired salad. Top the salad with your choice of protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, and some vegetables.
Brown rice can be served alongside soups and stews, such as vegetable soup or beef stew. Add some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Now that you know how to cook brown rice on stovetop properly? If you are still not confident. Okay, read one more time the instructs I shared above before really cooking brown rice for my family.
