Brown rice recipes are all the rage these days, and for good reason. Cooking with brown rice has a whole lot of upside. Not only does it bring its nutty flavor and strong texture to dishes, but it’s also a whole grain, which makes its nutritional value higher. But what’s the best way to cook brown rice? And what kind of recipes does it work well in? Join Minute Rice® as we answer all of your questions and explore delicious, family-friendly recipes to try at home.
Benefits of Brown Rice Over White Rice
This whole grain is rich in essential nutrients, providing a wide array of health benefits. Key components include:
- Fibre: Brown rice is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps one feeling full for longer.
- Proteins: It contains higher protein content than its white counterpart, supporting muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Brown rice is packed with vital nutrients such as magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins.
Basic Cooking Techniques for Brown Rice
Mastering brown rice cooking techniques ensures perfectly fluffy, nutritious grains. Various methods can be employed to prepare brown rice efficiently, catering to different kitchen preferences and available equipment.
Rinsing and Preparing
Rinsing brown rice is a vital first step as it removes excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky during cooking. Using a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. For preparation, it’s essential to measure the rice and the cooking liquid accurately for best results.
Simmer Method
The traditional simmering method yields excellent results. This process involves several key steps:
- Boil: Combine the rinsed rice with two cups of water or broth for every cup of rice in a medium-sized pot. Add a pinch of salt if desired and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Cooking time may need adjustment depending on the preferred tenderness.
- Rest: After cooking, remove the pot from heat, and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff: Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving, enhancing its texture.
Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Alternatives
Convenience in cooking is crucial for busy families. Both the Instant Pot and slow cooker offer efficient alternatives to traditional methods.
- Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup of brown rice with 1.25 cups of water. Cook on high pressure for 22 minutes and allow for natural release afterwards.
- Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, mix rice with the appropriate amount of water and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, achieving tender results without active cooking time.
Now that you’re up to date on the best ways to cook brown rice, let’s dive into some recipes.
Quick and Easy Brown Rice Recipes
For a tasty brown rice recipe you can rustle up in 20 minutes, how about this Crispy Ground Pork and Brown Rice dish? Made with Minute Rice® Quick Cook Wholegrain Brown Rice, shallots, cucumber, garlic, and savoury ground pork, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please all the family.
Beef Up Stir Fry Dinners
Stir-fries are popular meals that many families enjoy on a regular basis. For one, they’re a great way to pack extra veggies into meals, always a bonus when you’ve got young kids. So if you’re looking to entice your little ones into eating more greens, this Beef and Broccoli Brown Rice Stir-Fry is the perfect place to start. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a savoury dish that’s sure to go down a treat.
Crowdpleasing Chicken Stir-Fry
When it comes to family dinners, you simply can’t beat the combo of chicken and rice. However, to make this dish extra hearty, how about adding some whole-grain brown rice to the mix? Here’s an easy way: our Chicken Broccoli and Pineapple Stir-Fry. This delicious veggie-loaded dish is the perfect way to enjoy chicken with brown rice. Best of all, it’s ready in 15 minutes.
How to Store and Reheat Brown Rice
Proper storage of brown rice ensures its freshness and nutritional quality. Uncooked brown rice can be kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight. It is best used within six months for optimal taste.
Cooked brown rice should be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container. It can remain fresh for about 4 to 6 days when refrigerated. For longer storage, freezing is an option; cooked rice can be frozen in airtight bags or containers for up to 6 months.
When it comes to reheating, brown rice can be warmed in the microwave or on the stove. For microwave reheating, add a splash of water to prevent dryness and cover it to maintain moisture. On the stovetop, a small amount of water or broth can be added while gently reheating over low heat.
Minute Rice® – A Family Staple
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration for brown rice recipes, it’s time Minute Rice® to provide you with ample culinary inspiration.