If you have a habit of only reaching for white rice, instead of brown, it’s time to broaden your horizons! Despite its somewhat ho-hum reputation, brown rice can be easy to cook—and incredibly delicious! The first step? Start with high-quality Success® boil-in-bag brown rice. Then, learn how to make brown rice taste good through proper preparation, judicious seasoning, and by choosing recipes designed to highlight it in countless interesting ways.
Needless to say, at Success® Rice, we love all types of rice—from white and jasmine, to basmati and brown! Nutty and rich, with a toothsome texture, brown rice is our whole-grain go-to for grain bowls and salads, puddings, cookies and more. Still, we know that not everyone shares our love for the unrefined grains which, unlike white rice, have their bran and germ intact.
In addition to giving brown rice its distinctive flavor, this results in brown rice containing more protein, nutrients and vitamins than other rice varieties. During February, which is American Heart Month, we reach for this whole grain more than ever, thanks to its elevated fiber, vitamin and mineral content.
The fact that brown rice is unrefined can make it trickier to cook. It often takes longer to cook than other rice varieties, and can be hard, gummy or mushy, if not cooked properly. Happily, Success® boil-in-bag brown rice is just as easy to cook as every other Success® Rice product, with no tricky guesswork.
Ready to invite brown rice into your kitchen? Ditch the doubt, and you’ll be thrilled that you did!
The Secret to Cooking Great Brown Rice
If you avoid cooking brown rice—thinking that it’s bound to go wrong or that you won’t like the taste—it’s time to give it another try! This time, prep for success with the knowledge you need to get it right.
Preparation Techniques
- When cooking with brown rice, keep in mind that, because it has its bran and germ intact, it has a shorter shelf life and can spoil faster than white rice. Any rice with an off color or rancid smell should be discarded.
- For best results, brown rice should be rinsed before cooking. Not only does this help to clean the rice of dust or debris, it will also give your finished rice a better texture.
- Soaking is a personal choice which can help reduce cooking time. Though not essential, soaking brown rice in cold water for a minimum of six hours to overnight can cut cooking time in half.
- To cook brown rice on the stove, use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice, or 2:1.
Cooking Methods
Like other varieties of rice, brown rice can be cooked on the stove, in an Instant Pot or in a rice cooker.
- On the stove, combine brown rice and water in a saucepan. If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cover pot with a lid. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 45 minutes, if rice wasn’t soaked, and 25 minutes, if it was soaked. While rice is cooking, resist the urge to peak! Lifting the lid will let precious heat and steam escape and can lead to hard rice. Once the timer goes off, check rice to see if the water has been fully absorbed. If not, cook for 5 additional minutes.
- If using an Instant Pot, use 1 part water to 1 part rice, or a ratio of 1:1. Add brown rice and water to insert. Season to taste. Secure the lid and fasten shut. Select “Pressure Cook” for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- To cook brown rice in a rice cooker, use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice, or 2:1.
Place rice and water in the rice cooker, close the lid and press “start.” If possible, use “brown rice” setting. Otherwise, use the “cook” setting, checking the rice for doneness once the cycle is finished. If necessary, cook for a few additional minutes. Then, allow the rice to sit in the cooker for an additional 10-15 minutes, to absorb the steam left in the rice cooker.
Seasonings
Like all types of rice, brown rice is highly versatile. Beloved for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, it pairs best with hearty dishes and bold seasonings. In stews, soups and chilis, salads, pilafs and more, brown rice shines when flavored with spices, aromatics and herbs. Depending on the recipe, try turmeric, cumin, chili powder and paprika.
To flavor rice as it cooks, start by sautéing garlic, ginger, and onions. Then proceed with the recipe as detailed above. You can also use broth, coconut milk or juice, instead of water, to add flavor to your rice as it cooks.
Cooked rice can also be flavored in myriad ways! Stir in umami-rich or fresh seasonings and sauces, such as soy or tomato sauce, butter, fresh herbs and spices, such as chili flakes and citrus zest. You can also try tasty add-ins, like crisp bacon, roasted vegetables, beans, and kimchi.
12 Recipes to Prepare With Your Tasty Brown Rice
Like any type of rice, if not cooked and seasoned properly, brown rice can be mushy, tasteless and, dare we say it, even a little boring. Start with a quality product and cook it to perfection, though, and it’ll soon be starring in every sweet and savory dish you create!
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl
A giant step above your average rice bowl, this zippy dish is loaded with tender chicken, roasted vegetables, beans, corn and hearty Success® boil-in-bag brown rice.
Thanks to its sweet and spicy honey chipotle glaze, this dish gives seriously delicious Tex-Mex vibes. The total cook time is mostly hands off, as the vegetables caramelize in a hot oven, so don’t let it dissuade you from making this weeknight-friendly winner.
Mexican Grilled Shrimp and Rice Bowl
Tired of your traditional taco night? Give these fresh and fiery Success® boil-in-bag brown rice bowls a try! A meal for four that can be on the table in 25 minutes, this dish finds warm rice topped with seasoned black beans, tangy slaw and juicy, sweet grilled shrimp. Pass around lime, hot sauce and avocado, and everyone can garnish their bowl the way they like best.
Ginger Coconut Chicken & Brown Rice Soup
Soup that tastes like it simmered all day, this creamy, comforting creation can actually be ready in just 40 minutes. Here, ginger, lime, and soy sauce enrich a base of coconut milk and chicken broth, while morsels of chicken, vegetables and tender brown rice turn this dish into a proper meal.
Ground Turkey Black Bean Chili with Brown Rice
Naturally filling and rib-sticking, brown rice is an ideal addition to hearty stew and chili recipes. In this turkey-based version, beans, veggies, herbs and spices simmer into a gloriously satisfying comfort food best served alongside freshly made Success® boil-in-bag brown rice.
Fried Rice with Turkey and Pine Nuts
Turn everything you know about fried rice on its head with this contemporary take! Made with cooked turkey and spiked with toasted pine nuts, this dish is as easy to whip up as the original with a fresh flavor profile. A base of brown rice and plenty of sautéed vegetables make every serving a complete meal.
Baked Vegetarian Taquitos
A great addition to game night or movie night, these zesty, crowd-pleasing taquitos always delight. Made with whole-grain Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, greens, beans, corn and pumpkin purée, they’re wholly satisfying despite their lack of meat. Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole may not be essential but are the type of tasty dips that turn a meal into a fiesta!
Quick and Easy Arroz a la Tumbado with Shrimp
Leave brown rice’s homey rep behind with this sophisticated shrimp and Success® boil-in-bag brown rice Mexican treat. A 5-step recipe that comes together in 30 minutes, this savory dinner will transport you to Veracruz with every bite.
Vegan Enchiladas
Meatless Mondays just might extend to Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well, thanks to this tempting, plant-based dish! Enchiladas made without a scrap of meat, these boast a savory filling made of black beans, peppers, corn, spinach and Success® boil-in-bag brown rice. Topped with fiery enchilada sauce and a gooey garnish of melted vegan cheese, these are comfort food without the guilt.
Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato Soup
When soup night starts to feel a little dull, surprise the family with this rich and zesty recipe! With its base of sweet potatoes, chicken broth and coconut milk flavored with ginger, garlic and red curry paste, this soup packs a bold punch of flavor into every drop. Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, and a host of tasty garnishes ensure the dish is hearty enough for even the biggest of appetites.
Brown Rice Energy Balls
Beyond its value in the savory kitchen, Success® boil-in-bag brown rice has plenty to offer in the dessert department, as well! In these make-ahead morsels, it adds nuttiness and heft, alongside nut butter, dried fruit and chocolate chips. Switch up the fillings for a new experience with every batch.
Pumpkin Mousse Pie with Rice Crust
Mixed with toasted pecans, brown sugar, butter and egg, Success® boil-in-bag brown rice becomes an irresistible pie crust you may want to eat as is! Resist the urge, and your reward will be to enjoy it as it was meant to be—topped with warmly spiced, fluffy pumpkin mousse.
Creamy Brown Rice Pudding
Make your favorite dessert a whole-grain option by subbing white rice for brown. Creamy and velvety with notes of maple and cinnamon, this old-fashioned brown rice pudding is just like grandma’s—and can be yours in just 35 minutes.
