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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Vegetarian Recipes

    Updated: Feb 27, 2025 · Published: Sep 24, 2018 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Cook Brown Rice on the Stove

    Jump to Recipe
    Brown rice with text overlay that says 'how to cook brown rice on the stove'.

    Brown rice is an inexpensive grain that can become the hearty base for a variety of gourmet meals. Use this step by step guide on how to cook brown rice on the stove to expertly introduce this grain into your meal plans for a dish that is both tasty and healthy.

    Cooked brown rice in wooden bowl.

    I love incorporating grains into my meals including cooked pearl and hulled barley, quinoa and of course, brown rice. They can add texture, flavor, and diversity to your meal, plus they're filling without being overly heavy.

    Jump to:
    • What is the Difference Between Brown and White Rice?
    • Ingredients
    • Steps for Cooking Brown Rice on the Stove
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Brown Rice Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Rice Filled Recipes You Will Love
    • 📋Recipe

    What is the Difference Between Brown and White Rice?

    Despite all of the opinions about which rice is healthier, people should know that brown rice IS white rice. The only difference is that brown rice still has its husks, bran and germ. This makes it much more beneficial if you are wanting to add fiber to your diet.

    Brown rice tends to have a nuttier flavor than white rice. It is filling, and will add nutrition to your recipes that white rice cannot. Because of this loss in nutrition when removing these components, white rice tends to be fortified with these nutrients (meaning they're added back to the rice). Brown rice is also lower in calories and carbs.

    ⭐I also made a recipe tutorial for how to cook asparagus on the stove if you're interested!

    Ingredients

    This recipe makes 2 servings of brown rice. You can scale up the servings using the slider on the recipe card.

    Dry brown rice in clear bowl with a spoon.
    Mushrooms in clear bowl.
    • brown rice - I like to use long grain brown rice for its light and fluffy texture. The grains remain separated when cooked.
    • olive oil - To fry the mushrooms. It will also help improve the flavor and texture of the rice. You can substitute with another oil if desired.
    • green onions - For a flavor boost (optional).
    • dried mushrooms - This can be a mixture of porcini, maitake, shiitake, portobello, chanterelle, etc.

    *Check recipe card for full ingredient list with amounts.

    Steps for Cooking Brown Rice on the Stove

    Brown rice in sieve with water running over it.

    Step #1. Clean the rice. Rinse the rice in a sieve under cool water.

    Pot on stove with hot water and brown rice.

    Step #2. Bring water to a boil. Place the rice in a deep pot. Boil the water and add it to the pot along with a pinch of salt. Bring back to a boil. Lower heat to low and cover with the lid.

    Pot on stove with lid.

    Step #3. Cook. Let it cook and steam for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes.

    Mushrooms and green onions in frying pan.

    Step #4. Fry the mushrooms. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green onion and dried mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Reserve.

    Brown rice in pot with fork.

    Step #5. Fluff the rice. Once the rice is ready, fluff the grains using a fork.

    Brown rice with mushrooms in clear bowl.

    Step #6. Combine ingredients. Combine the rice with the scallions and mushrooms. Season with salt to taste. Serve!

    Serving Suggestions

    This brown rice dish makes an excellent side dish to protein-based meals like Cajun blackened chicken, bison steak or even fried tofu.

    Prefer to eat it all on its own? No problem. This brown rice with the mushrooms and vegetables is a great vegetarian or vegan dinner or lunch option.

    Storage

    • Refrigerate. You can store your cooked rice covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freeze. Freeze it for up to 6 months.
    • Reheat. To reheat on the stove, add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth per cup of cooked rice. Cook and stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated through. It can also be microwaved.

    Brown Rice Recipe FAQs

    How long does it take to cook brown rice?

    Brown rice can be cooked on the stove relatively quickly. In this recipe, it only requires 20 minutes plus 10 minutes of resting time.

    What is the ratio of water to brown rice?

    To cook brown rice on the stove, just use a 2 to 1 ratio of water to rice. So, for 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water or broth. You can also check the package for the best ratio.

    What happens if you don't rinse brown rice?

    If you skip rinsing brown rice before cooking, it might turn out a bit stickier. Rinsing gets rid of extra starch on the grains, making the cooked rice fluffier. It also helps remove any debris and can give the rice a milder taste. But, rinsing is optional, and some folks might skip it for simplicity.

    Brown rice in brown bowl with mushrooms.

    ❤️ More Rice Filled Recipes You Will Love

    • Kimchi bacon fried rice on a plate on brown background.
      Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice
    • Kimchi rice bowl with chicken breast.
      Kimchi Rice Bowl
    • Risotto in bowl with asparagus and lemon zest.
      Electric Skillet Asparagus Risotto
    • Kimchi shrimp stir fry in bowl on wooden background.
      Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry

    Did this easy recipe change your mind about including brown rice 🍚 in your meal plan? If you tried this recipe tutorial for How to Cook Brown Rice on the Stove or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Brown rice in bowl with mushrooms.

    How to Cook Brown Rice on the Stove

    Joss Dyckson
    Use this step by step guide on how to cook brown rice to expertly add this grain to your meal plans! Brown rice can be cooked on the stove relatively quickly and easily.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 22 minutes mins
    Total Time 32 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 431 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup brown rice
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup green onions - chopped
    • ½ cup dried mushrooms - soaked (can be a mixture of mushrooms)
    • salt - to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the rice in a sieve under cool water.
      1 cup brown rice
      Brown rice in sieve with water running over it.
    • Place the rice in a deep pot. Boil the water and add it to the pot along with a pinch of salt. Bring back to a boil. Lower heat to low and cover with the lid.
      2 cups water
      Pot on stove with hot water and brown rice.
    • Let it cook and steam for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes.
      Pot on stove with lid.
    • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green onion and dried mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Reserve.
      1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup green onions, ½ cup dried mushrooms
      Mushrooms and green onions in frying pan.
    • Once the rice is ready, fluff the grains using a fork. Combine the rice with the scallions and mushrooms.
      Brown rice in pot with fork.
    • Season if desired and serve.
      Brown rice with mushrooms in clear bowl.

    Equipment

    • Deep pot
    • Skillet
    • Fine mesh sieve

    Notes

    • Dried mushrooms can include a mixture of porcini, maitake, shiitake,  portobello, chanterelle, etc.
    • You can store your cooked rice covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • You can also freeze leftovers for up to 6 months.
    • To reheat on the stove, add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth per cup of cooked rice. Cook and stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated through. It can also be microwaved.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 19mgPotassium: 397mgFiber: 4gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

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