How to Cook Brown Rice Recipe

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. 

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

How to Cook White Rice

Fried Rice Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice

Spanish Rice with Beef Recipe

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!

Enjoy!
Robyn xo