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.
Table of Contents
Brown Rice vs White Rice
Brown rice and white rice come from the same grain, but the processing method differs. Brown rice is a whole grain with the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. White rice has removed bran and germ 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, 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.
Substitutions and Additions
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 of water. While in the Instant Pot, I use a ratio of 1 cup of brown rice to 1 1/4 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 essential 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 (stovetop only). 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.
Storage Tips
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
What times and method do you use for reheating?
Emma, 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.
Can you cut this recipe in half?
This rice was perfect ! I added chicken broth to the 2 1/2 cups of water and it was so delicious ! Definitely a keeper !
Can you freeze the rice in batches?
You can freeze the rice in air-tight freezer safe containers up to 3 months, Ginger.
I make this once or twice a week, substituting low-sodium vegetable broth for the chicken broth as I’m vegan. It comes out perfectly every time. Thanks so much for teaching me how to make perfect rice!
Thanks, Nancy. I’m so happy this recipe works so well for you.
Came out just right! So much easier than cooking it on the stove. Thanks!
How long to natural release the pressure?
It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the pressure to release after the 15 minute cook time but it can vary according to your machine, Noam.
Thank you for the perfect brown rice recipe! I’ve tried so many others and this was perfect from the first time. Thanks for sharing!
After now breaking 3 different rice cookers, this recipe has saved me countless times. Works perfectly EVERY.TIME. Thank you!
This recipe turned out perfectly cooked brown rice. Thank you!