A steady supply of brown rice is at the center of meal plans for people like bodybuilders, fitness competitors, or people trying to lose weight in a healthy way. It 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 to expertly introduce this grain into your meal plans for a dish that is both tasty and healthy.
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 exceptional amounts of 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 higher in calories, protein, carbs and fiber.
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.
Ingredients & Tools
This recipe makes 2 servings of brown rice. You can scale up the servings using the slider on the recipe card.
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped
- ½ cup dried mushrooms, soaked (this can be a mixture of porcini, maitake, shiitake, portobello, chanterelle, etc.)
- salt, to taste
Step #1. Clean the Rice
Rinse the rice in a sieve under cool water.
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.
Step #3. Cover & Cook
Let it cook and steam for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step #4. Fry the Vegetables
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green onion and dried mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Reserve.
Step #5. Fluff the Rice
Once the rice is ready, fluff the grains using a fork.
Step #6. Combine Ingredients
Combine the rice with the scallions and mushrooms. Season with salt to taste.
Step #7. Serve
Serve!
Storage
- You can store your cooked rice covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze it 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.
Did this easy recipe change your mind about including brown rice in your meal plan? Let me know what you thought in the comments and please share the recipe!
How to Cook Brown Rice on the Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup green onions - chopped
- 1/2 cup dried mushrooms - soaked (can be a mixture)
- salt - to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a sieve under cool water.
- 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.
- Let it cook and steam for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green onion and dried mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Reserve.
- Once the rice is ready, fluff the grains using a fork.
- Combine the rice with the scallions and mushrooms. Season if desired.
- Serve.
Equipment
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.
- Freeze it 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
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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