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Learn how to cook brown rice with this foolproof, easy recipe! It makes perfect brown rice every time! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and easy meal prep! Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Rice Cooker instructions included!
I love simple, easy make-ahead recipes that make my weeknight dinners even easier! Take this simple Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe. I love to make a batch of it to use in many recipes throughout the week. I know that I can quickly add this cooked brown rice to any number of dishes – from serving alongside baked chicken and vegetables, to add to my burritos, fried rice, and so much more.
What is Brown Rice?
Brown rice and white rice come from the same grain, but the difference lies in the processing method. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. White rice has had the bran and germ removed during processing, leaving only the starchy endosperm.
How to Cook Brown Rice
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
To make brown rice, you only need three simple ingredients.
- Brown rice – use any brown rice not of the quick-cooking or instant variety with this recipe.
- Water – The ratio of liquid to rice is very important. You’ll notice that the amount is the same for the stovetop and rice cooker cooking methods but different for the Instant Pot. You may also use vegetable stock or chicken stock or broth as a substitute for the water if you prefer.
- Olive oil – I love to use it when making stovetop brown rice but do not use it in the rice cooker or Instant Pot methods. You can also use butter if you prefer.
Seasonings – I do not add seasoning to my recipe as it cooks. Here’s why. I prefer to leave it unseasoned so that I can season it based on the dish that I am serving it with or include it in. Of course, if you are preparing your rice to serve immediately, seasonings such as salt and pepper are perfect for including. If you are making batches of it like I like to do, you’ll most likely prefer for it to be unseasoned as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for my easy, foolproof brown rice recipe that makes perfectly cooked brown rice every time. See the recipe below for the instructions for each cooking method.
- Measure ingredients. Measure your ingredients based on the cooking method that you’ll be using. You’ll notice that for stovetop and rice cooker brown rice, I use a ratio of 1 cup of brown rice to 2 cups water; while in the Instant Pot, I use a ratio of 1 cup of brown rice to 1 ¼ cups water.
- Rinse the rice. Add the rice to a fine mesh colander and rinse with clean water until the water runs clear. This is an essential step in making fluffy, delicious rice that does not clump together during cooking. Don’t skip this step.
- Cook the rice. Add the rinsed rice and water to a saucepan, rice cooker, or Instant Pot and stir in the olive oil. Cook according to the instructions for the cooking method used.
- Rest and fluff. Allow the rice to rest based on the cooking method used. Then fluff with a fork and serve.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Brown rice makes the perfect make-ahead recipe to help with meal prep! I love to make a large batch of it on the weekend to use in recipes.
To make ahead. Cool the cooked brown rice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To freeze. Cool the cooked rice and store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Rice Favorites!
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
I think you’ll absolutely love this staple recipe and find so many recipes and meals that you want to include it in!
Here’s my Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe. I hope you make it soon!
How to Cook Brown Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Stovetop Brown Rice Recipe
- 2 cup uncooked brown rice
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Rice Cooker Brown Rice Recipe
- 2 cup uncooked brown rice
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken stock
Instructions
Stovetop Brown Rice Recipe
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add brown rice and water to a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in the olive oil. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid, and cook until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat, leave covered, and rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Rice Cooker Brown Rice Recipe
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add brown rice and water to the rice cooker. Cook using the brown rice setting. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add brown rice to the Instant Pot or other pressure cooker. Pour in the water and stir to combine. Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and select 15 minutes on high pressure. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. Remove the lid to the Instant Pot and fluff the brown rice with a fork.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
How long does natural release take?
Lasette, the time may vary a bit between different machines and different ingredients used, etc. Your pressure cooker or instant pot manual should list the features and other info about natural release, quick release and more helpful information. I hope this helps.
Hi Robyn,
I’ve been using your instant pot brown rice method for over two years – PERFECTION!
I had to learn the hard way not to RUSH the natural release. As long as you follow Robyn’s exact timing you will be successful too. I always make extra👩🏻🍳 recipe and cool and flatten in zip lock freezer bag for quick meal prep on those unplanned days.
You deserved your own hand written recipe index card in my recipe tin box. (I believe most of the younger generation only relies on electronic saving recipes) But having said that
It is an honor to have you there. You are my first go to when looking for new improved and wonderful recipes. Thank you kindly.
Patricia, I love that you have been using this recipe successfully for years. I appreciate that you like it well enough to make a recipe index card for it. Thanks!
I forgot to mark my previous review with FIVE STARS!!
Just want to confirm, you use “Pressure” mode button on high and do you Not use the “Rice” mode button? Let me know thanks
Yes, Evie, I set the Instant Pot on high pressure and natural release. I don’t use the Rice mode. Hope you enjoy.
Love it, worked great
Thanks, Chris. So glad this recipe worked so well for you.
I was dubious if this would work give the rice to water ratio. But my rice came out SO FANTASTIC! Not too dry or wet, each grain plump with a slight chew. I highly recommend this recipe.
I’m thrilled your rice turned out for you just like it does for me every time with this recipe. Thanks, Brooke!
great rice
This recipe worked like a charm. Thank you for sharing this! Absolutely perfect!
How long will it take for the insta pot to naturally release. My 15 min timer went off and the silver valve is still up it’s been nearly 25 min now
Marissa, the time may vary a bit between different machines and different ingredients used, etc. Your pressure cooker or instant pot manual should list the features and other info about natural release, quick release and more helpful information. I hope this helps.
Any tips on reheating it? It was good on the first day, but dry and hard to eat when I microwaved it to reheat the next day.
Amanda, you can reheat the rice in the microwave. Add rice and about 1 tablespoon water per cup of rice to a microwave safe bowl and mix. Place a wet paper towel over the bowl and heat on high until rice is warm. You can also place rice and water in an oven-safe dish, cover in foil, and bake in the oven at 300ºF for about 20 minutes or until warm. Hope this helps.