How To Cook Brown Rice

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How To Cook Brown Rice: the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy & tender brown rice. The secret? Skip the stove & BAKE it!

Check out our guide on How To Make White Rice.

Cooked brown rice recipe fresh out of the oven.

How To Cook Brown Rice: Use The Oven!

  • Easy Cooking: Baking requires less attention, it’s totally hands-off after its in the oven.
  • Even Results: Baking adds even heat for consistent cooking.
  • Big Batches: Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
  • Versatile Additions: Handy to have in the fridge for adding to meals all week.
  • Saves Space: Leaves room on the stove for other dishes.

How To Cook Brown Rice: Rice, salt, oil and boiling water being added to a 9x14 pan and it all being covered to bake.

Tips On How To Cook Brown Rice

  • Opt for long-grain brown rice for best results.
  • Use the right amount of water to avoid dry or mushy rice.
  • Don’t skimp on salt; it enhances flavor.
  • Olive oil adds flavor and prevents sticking; other oils or butter can be used.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with two layers of foil to cook rice evenly.
  • Let the rice rest after cooking to absorb moisture and avoid mushiness.

Rice coming out of the oven and it resting and then being fluffed with a fork.

Ways To Change It Up:

The best side dish freshly cooked.

STORAGE

Leftovers?

  • Cool Before Storing: Ensure rice is completely cooled.
  • Airtight Storage: Transfer to sealed container or bag, remove excess air.
  • Refrigeration & Freezing: Keep in fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 6 months.
  • Check: Discard if rice shows signs of odor, sliminess, or discoloration.

Ways To Use Cooked Brown Rice

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How To Cook Brown Rice

5 from 2 votes
How To Cook Brown Rice: the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy & tender brown rice. The secret? Skip the stove & BAKE it! Recipe barley adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook.
Here's my all-time favorite 9x13-inch baking dish and what is featured in these photos.
Cooked brown rice recipe fresh out of the oven.
Print Recipe

How To Cook Brown Rice

Cooked brown rice recipe fresh out of the oven.
5 from 2 votes
How To Cook Brown Rice: the easiest way to make a big batch of perfectly fluffy & tender brown rice. The secret? Skip the stove & BAKE it! Recipe barley adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook.
Here's my all-time favorite 9x13-inch baking dish and what is featured in these photos.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword How To Cook Brown Rice
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 9 cups cooked brown rice
Chelsea Lords
Calories 245kcal
Cost $1.45

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Cooking Spray

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked long-grain brown rice (medium/short grain works ok--Note 1)
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil (Note 2)
  • 4-2/3 cups boiling water (Note 3)

Instructions

  • PREP: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray. Bring a large pot or kettle of water (holding more than 5 cups) to a boil.
  • COMBINE: In the greased baking dish, add brown rice, salt, and olive oil. Pour 4⅔ cups boiling water over top and stir to combine. Smooth into an even layer.
  • COVER AND BAKE: Cover dish tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Place in the center of the oven and bake for 60 minutes.
  • REST: Remove from oven and let rest (still covered) for 15-20 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Rice: Long-grain brown rice preferred for texture, but medium or short-grain works too. Ensure consistent color and avoid discolored or musty-smelling rice.
Note 2: Olive Oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking; other oils or butter can be used.
Note 3: Boiling Water: Boil extra water to account for evaporation. Measure 4⅔ cups remaining water after boiling to cook rice.
Rest Time: Let rice rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to absorb moisture and avoid mushiness. Rushing can result in soggy rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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How To Cook Brown Rice FAQs

1What is the ratio of water to brown rice?

We use 3 cups brown rice to 4-2/3 cups boiling water. It’s the perfect ratio when cooking rice in the oven!

2How do they make brown rice?

Brown rice is produced by removing the husk of the rice kernel with a rice huller, preserving the nutritious bran and germ layers. This process imparts a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the rice.

3How do I make my brown rice fluffy and not sticky?

For fluffy, non-sticky brown rice, use the right water-to-rice ratio, cover the dish tightly with foil, and allow the rice to steam before fluffing with a fork. Minimize stirring to prevent the grains from breaking and becoming sticky.

4How long does it take to cook brown rice?

We think it’s perfect after 1 hour in the oven!

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe for cooking brown rice in the oven is a great solution for anyone looking for an easy and foolproof method. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the recipe includes helpful tips and notes, such as using long-grain rice for a fluffier texture, and letting the rice rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to absorb remaining moisture. The use of tin foil and a baking dish also ensures that the rice cooks evenly. Overall, this is a great recipe for a big batch of perfectly cooked brown rice.

  2. How much is one serving of the cooked brown rice? Thanks for the recipe. I always have trouble cooking it on the stovetop.

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