Making Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice has quickly become one of my go-to kitchen hacks. I love how simple it is just brown rice, water, and a pinch of salt tossed into the rice cooker. I set it and forget it, and about 40 minutes later, I have perfectly cooked brown rice that’s soft and fluffy every time. No more guessing or worrying about it sticking to the pot. It’s the perfect side dish for everything from stir-fries to salads, and I love how nutritious it is without much effort. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick, healthy option, this rice cooker method always comes through.
Preparing the Ingredients
For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or special tools. Just grab your brown rice and water, and you’re halfway there! Rinse the brown rice first to remove any excess starch, which will help the rice cook up perfectly. Then, pour it into the rice cooker and add the water. You can use the general rule of 1 part rice to 2 parts water, but feel free to adjust depending on your preference for firmer or softer rice. Set your rice cooker to cook, and let it do its magic!
Cooking the Rice
The best part about “Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice” is how hands-off the cooking process is. Once you’ve added the water, all you have to do is press a button and wait. In about 40 minutes, the rice cooker will beep, signaling that your brown rice is ready. This is the perfect time to get other parts of your meal prepared or just take a moment to relax while the rice cooker does the hard work. There’s no need for stirring or checking the rice—just let the cooker do what it does best!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your rice is ready, you can fluff it up with a fork to separate the grains, and you’re all set! “Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice” is perfect as a base for stir-fries, curries, or even as a simple side dish with grilled vegetables. You can also keep it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for later meals. This recipe is so versatile and easy that it’ll become a staple in your kitchen in no time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep day, this brown rice will always have your back!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice
- Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky or clumpy.
- Rice Cooker Water Ratio: For perfect brown rice, always stick to the 1:2.5 ratio of rice to water. If you prefer softer rice, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of water.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Once the rice cooker is cooking, resist the urge to open the lid! Opening it disrupts the steam, which is crucial for evenly cooked rice.
- Resting Time is Key: After the cooking cycle ends, don’t skip the resting time! Let the rice sit with the lid on for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to firm up and makes it fluffier when you fluff it with a spatula.
- Fluffing the Rice: Gently fluff the rice with a silicone spatula or fork to separate the grains and enhance the texture. Avoid stirring aggressively, as it could cause the rice to become mushy.
- Custom Flavoring: For a more flavorful rice, consider adding a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick to the water while cooking. You can also infuse the rice with a splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of olive oil once it’s finished cooking.
- Consistency Checks: If you find that your rice isn’t cooked to your liking (either too firm or too soft), adjust the water-to-rice ratio or the cooking time the next time you make it. Every rice cooker varies slightly, so a little experimentation might be needed.
Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice
Discover the secret to perfectly plump and delightfully chewy brown rice with this effortless rice cooker method! Ideal for busy weekdays, this foolproof recipe ensures evenly cooked grains every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll love the simplicity and delicious results. Elevate your meals with nutritious, whole-grain brown rice that’s ready in under an hour. Say goodbye to unevenly cooked rice and hello to a hassle-free cooking experience. Perfect as a side dish or a base for your favorite dishes, this method will quickly become your go-to for healthy, satisfying meals!
4
servings2
minutes45
minutes215
kcal5
minutes52
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
brown rice
- Cooking Liquid
2.5 cups filtered water
- Preparation Essentials
Tap water for washing
- Alternative Ingredients:
Rice Substitute: Quinoa can replace brown rice for a similar texture and nutritional profile.
Water Alternative: Coconut water can be used instead of filtered water for a subtle flavor twist.
Flavor Enhancer: Add a bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme to the cooking liquid for added aroma.
Directions
- Washing the Rice – Begin by measuring the rice and placing it into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water, gently agitating the grains with your hands to remove any impurities. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, ensuring all excess starch is washed away, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Preparing the Cooker – Transfer the cleaned rice into the rice cooker pot. Pour in the filtered water, ensuring that the rice is evenly submerged and no grains are clinging to the sides. Use a measuring cup to swirl the water, maintaining an even surface for optimal cooking. This should take approximately 2 minutes.
- Cooking the Rice – Close the rice cooker lid securely and select the setting for faster results, typically completing the cooking process in about 45 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to preserve the steam and ensure even cooking. This step is entirely hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
- Finalizing the Rice – Once the rice cooker signals completion, let the rice sit undisturbed with the lid closed for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to firm up and results in a perfect texture. After resting, gently fluff the rice with a silicone spatula before serving. Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor.
Equipment
- rice cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
- colander
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 215kcal
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Potassium: 55mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
FAQ- Easy Rice Cooker Brown Rice
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for brown rice, you can use other whole grains like quinoa or wild rice, but the water-to-grain ratio and cooking times may vary. Be sure to check your rice cooker’s manual for specific adjustments.
Can I make this recipe with short-grain brown rice?
Yes, you can use short-grain brown rice, but you might need to slightly adjust the water amount. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier, so it may require a little less water than the 2.5 cups specified for long-grain brown rice.
Can I cook brown rice in a regular pot instead of a rice cooker?
Absolutely! To cook brown rice on the stovetop, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil for every cup of rice. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and microwave or heat on the stovetop. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
What if I don’t have filtered water? Can I use tap water?
While filtered water is preferred to ensure the best taste, tap water can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to rinse the rice well to remove any impurities before cooking.
