Microwaving Brown Rice: Quick, Easy, And Steamy Perfection

Cooking brown rice in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this healthy whole grain. The process is simple and can be done in about 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice under running water and add it to a large microwave-safe bowl. The amount of rice you use will depend on how much you want to cook, but a good rule of thumb for the water-to-rice ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part rice. This means that for every cup of rice, you'll need 2 cups of water. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow the rice to expand during cooking.

Step 2: Microwave on High

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook uncovered at 100% power for about 10 minutes. This step will vary depending on the power of your microwave, so adjust the time accordingly. The goal is to bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Microwave on Medium

After the initial high-power cooking, reduce the power to 50% and cover the bowl. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. The rice is done when it has absorbed most of the water and is tender.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve!

Microwaving brown rice is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this healthy grain. By following these simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked brown rice ready in no time!

How to cook brown rice in the microwave

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (1 lb) bag Long Grain Rice (brown rice is preferred)
• 2 teaspoons butter or margarine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Combine rice, water, and butter in a large microwave-safe container. You do not need a lid. Make sure the rice is covered with water.
• Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 10 minutes. Do not stir.
• Microwave on MEDIUM-LOW (or 50%) for another 15 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and fluff with a fork before serving.

Tips:

• You will get perfect rice every time and this is definitely the easiest way to cook rice! You’ll have rice for multiple meals in just over 20 minutes!
• This rule makes it super easy if you need to scale the amount of rice you cook, too. So if you are cooking 1 cup of brown rice you would use 2 cups of water and it would yield approximately 3 cups of rice.
• Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
• The microwave makes fluffy rice perfectly every single time. Both short and long-grain brown rice work with this faster cooking method.

How to cook brown rice in the microwave quickly

Ingredients and Equipment:

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:

• Long-grain brown rice
• Water
• Butter or margarine
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Microwave-safe bowl or dish (a bowl with a lid is preferable)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment, follow these simple steps to cook brown rice in the microwave quickly:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by measuring out your desired amount of long-grain brown rice. Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional but recommended as it helps remove excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky. To rinse the rice, place it in a microwave-safe bowl or dish and cover it with water. Swirl the rice gently and then carefully pour out the water, making sure the rice stays in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, usually about 3-4 times.

Step 2: Add Water and Butter

After rinsing the rice, add water to the bowl or dish. The general rule of thumb for cooking rice is to use twice as much water as rice. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of brown rice, use 2 cups of water. You can also add a teaspoon or two of butter or margarine to the water for extra flavor.

Step 3: Microwave on High

Place the bowl or dish in the microwave and cook on high power for about 10 minutes. Do not stir the rice during this step. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the rice to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Microwave on Medium-Low

After the initial 10 minutes, reduce the microwave power to medium-low (or 50%) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Again, the exact cooking time may vary, so check the rice occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Step 5: Season and Fluff

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the microwave and season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains and creating a light and airy texture.

Tips for Perfect Microwave Brown Rice:

• Always use a microwave-safe bowl or dish that is large enough to accommodate the expansion of the rice.
• Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and ensures the rice cooks up light and fluffy.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the rice to prevent overcooking.
• For best results, use long-grain brown rice. Short-grain brown rice may take slightly longer to cook.
• You can also cook sushi rice using this method.
• If you are cooking a large quantity of rice, you may need to adjust the water ratio and cooking time accordingly.
• For extra flavor, try adding seasonings like garlic salt, curry powder, or paprika to the water before cooking.
• You can freeze any leftover rice in containers and reheat it in the microwave when needed.

How much water do I need to cook brown rice in the microwave?

The amount of water needed to cook brown rice in the microwave depends on the amount of rice you are cooking. For example, for one cup of long-grain brown rice, you will need about 1 and 3/4 cups of water. If you are cooking two cups of long-grain brown rice, you will need about 2 and 1/2 cups of water.

Do you cover rice when cooking in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook rice in the microwave, and it's a great way to save time and space in the kitchen. The best way to cook rice in the microwave is to use a microwave-safe dish with a lid that has a vent. This will allow steam to escape, which is important to avoid a build-up of pressure. You should also use a dish that is large enough to allow the rice to expand.

When cooking rice in the microwave, it's important to use the right amount of water. Too much water will result in soggy rice, while too little will leave you with dry rice. The ratio of water to rice will depend on the type of rice you are using. For white rice, a ratio of 1:2 (rice to water) is recommended. For brown rice, you will need to add a little extra water – try 2 1/4 cups of water for every cup of brown rice.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking rice in the microwave:

• Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
• Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add the water.
• Microwave the rice for 15 minutes. If the rice has absorbed all the water, it's done. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until it's ready.
• Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

How to season brown rice

Brown rice is a tasty and nutritious side dish, but it can be a little boring on its own. Here are some tips and tricks to season brown rice and make it a delicious part of your meal.

Seasoning Brown Rice

• Garlic salt is a simple and effective way to add flavour to your rice. You can also use garlic powder if you're watching your salt intake.
• Bouillon cubes or granules added to the rice as it cooks will give it a savoury kick.
• For a Mexican-inspired rice, add salsa and cumin.
• For a fresh and zingy rice, add cilantro and lime juice or lemon juice.
• For a cheesy rice, add Parmesan cheese and milk.
• For a spicy kick, add Tabasco or Taco sauce.
• For a simple, classic flavour, add salt and pepper.
• For a hearty one-pot meal, add ground beef or sliced sausage.
• For an Asian-inspired rice, add soy sauce, garlic, and smoked paprika.
• For a buttery rice, add a generous knob of butter and season with salt and pepper.
• For a colourful rice, add black beans and chopped tomatoes.
• For a healthy fried rice, add an egg and fry.

Frequently asked questions