How to Cook Perfect Brown Rice

Learn how to cook brown rice perfectly every time! With this easy stovetop method, it's always fluffy and light - just right for stir fries, bowls, and more.

Brown rice in a pot

I love days when I have a big container of cooked brown rice in the fridge. It’s a fantastic starting point for curries, stir fries, fried rice, and more, and its earthy, nutty flavor is even delicious on its own. Sometimes, I’ll toss it with a pinch of salt, top it with an egg, and call it breakfast.

Plus, it’s not only tasty; it’s good for you too! Brown rice is filled with fiber and other nutrients. When I have it on hand, tossing together a grain bowl for lunch or dinner takes minutes, so I’m less likely to reach for sweets or snacks throughout the day.

Rumor has it that cooking brown rice on the stove is tricky, but I’m here to tell you that it’s actually simple! This easy, foolproof cooking method yields perfect brown rice every time. You only need water, rice, olive oil, and a pot to try it, so say goodbye to mushy rice, and let’s get cooking!

Short and long grain brown rice

How to Cook Brown Rice

This easy method will work for any type of brown rice, as long as it’s not an instant or quick-cooking variety. These products are more processed than typical brown rice, so their cooking times will vary. Once you’re ready to cook, follow these simple steps:

  • First, rinse the rice. This step is essential for removing excess starches on the outside of the rice. If they’re not washed away, they will cause the rice to clump and become gummy as it cooks. Our goal is to make perfectly fluffy brown rice, so don’t skip this step! I like to rinse mine in a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl until the water in the bowl runs clear.
  • Then, measure the appropriate water to rice ratio. I use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Add the water and rice to a medium saucepan, and stir in a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Next, it’s time to cook! Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water.
  • Finally, turn off the heat. Let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes before removing the lid and fluffing with a fork.

How to cook brown rice

Favorite Brown Rice Recipes

Once you have the cooked rice on hand, you’ll find all sorts of ways to use it! Add it to stir fries, serve it as a side dish with curry or chana masala, or swap it for the white rice in my cilantro lime rice recipe. I also use short grain brown rice to add texture to veggie burgers and vegan meatballs. It has a stickier texture than long grain brown rice, which is key for making extra-hearty patties that hold their shape in the oven, on the stove, and on the grill.

But most often, I use it as a base for healthy grain bowls. I call for it specifically in this buddha bowl, this adzuki bean bowl, and this mango ginger rice bowl, but you can also use it as a starting point for a simple, no-recipe grain bowl. Just add one (or more) item from each of these categories to turn plain rice into a delicious dinner:

Let me know what variations you try!

Brown rice in a pot

More Basic Grain Recipes

If you loved this recipe, try making farro, quinoa, or couscous next!

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How to Cook Brown Rice

rate this recipe:
4.96 from 127 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves 4
Want to make brown rice that's cooked perfectly every time? Just follow this easy method! Then, use it in bowls, stir fries, and more.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the rinsed rice, water, and olive oil in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Notes

This rice-to-water ratio also works in a rice cooker using the brown rice setting. If you're using a rice cooker to cook your rice, skip the olive oil.

 

128 comments

4.96 from 127 votes (84 ratings without comment)

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Katie
    12.05.2024

    5 stars
    I have been f***ing up brown rice for years so i finally decided to find a recipe and stumbled across this one. My rice turned out perfect! Total game changer, thank you so much!

  2. Supriya Kutty
    12.05.2024

    5 stars
    This guide on how to cook brown rice is so helpful, The step-by-step instructions make it easy to achieve perfectly cooked rice every time. I love that it offers both stovetop and instant pot methods, catering to different preferences. A must-save for anyone looking to make healthy, flavorful rice.

  3. Katie
    11.11.2024

    5 stars
    Perfect easy recipe, thank you!

  4. tannaz from instagram.com
    11.07.2024

    Curious, what’s the point of the oil and why is it omitted for rice cooker?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.09.2024

      Hi, we find that the olive oil helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky or gummy on the stove but haven’t found it necessary in a rice cooker. Hope this helps!

  5. Nicolette e Bedford
    10.16.2024

    5 stars
    Thankyou for recipe and the tip of adding some oil! Perfect with my lentil curry.💐

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      10.18.2024

      I’m so glad your rice came out perfectly!

  6. kraker17.at
    10.13.2024

    5 stars
    Having cooked brown rice on hand is a great way to simplify meals while keeping them nutritious and versatile. Its earthy flavor works well in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to grain bowls, making it an easy and healthy base for quick meals. The added benefit of fiber and nutrients makes it a smart option for anyone looking to maintain balanced eating habits.

  7. Anita
    10.04.2024

    5 stars
    Wow, first time making this and it was so easy! I combined the rice with sautéed, sliced baby portabella mushrooms. What a great combination! Thank you!

  8. Tali Rigg
    09.28.2024

    If I double the recipe to two cups…I assume the cook time is the same?

  9. Mike Baron
    09.22.2024

    Is it possible to add salt prior to cooking? Will it have any adverse effect on the outcome? thanks

    • Ellen
      08.29.2024

      sorry typo… reduced the time by 15 mins

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      08.30.2024

      So glad the rice came out well, Ellen!

  10. Angela
    07.31.2024

    5 stars
    Are you supposed to leave it uncovered until it boils? I didn’t but after mine was boiling, I noticed the next step says to cover it. My rice turned out well, but perhaps it would be even better if I had done that. Maybe specify that for the non-cooks like me. 🙂

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      08.02.2024

      Hi Angela, glad the rice came out well! I do leave it uncovered until it boils and then reduce the heat and add the lid. Sorry for the confusion!

  11. Dorothy
    07.15.2024

    5 stars
    I needed to double this recipe for 8 servings and it turned out perfectly! This is now my go to recipe – thank you!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      07.18.2024

      Hi Dorothy, I’m glad your rice was perfect!

  12. Ralph Davidson
    07.13.2024

    I have tried many times with the 2 cups water to 1 cup rice, doesn’t work, I used low heat, barely simmering and the water is gone long before rice is cooked, I now use 3 1/2 cups water to 1 cup rice and it works way better

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Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.