The Best Way to Prepare Brown Rice for Fluffy Results

Cooking brown rice can be challenging, especially when you're aiming for that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Mastering the best way to prepare brown rice is key to transforming it from an ordinary side dish into a delicious, fluffy main-course staple.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips and techniques to achieve consistently tender, flavorful brown rice. Plus, we’ll share some easy tricks to make it more appealing—even for the pickiest eaters in your life.  

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Rinsing Your Brown Rice  

When it comes to rinsing your rice before cooking, some may say that it’s the best way to prepare brown rice. 

Rinsing your rice removes the dust, debris, and excess starch sometimes present in rice. 

This is especially important for brown Japonica rice because it is a glutinous rice variety (not to be confused with gluten!), meaning the rice has a stickier consistency.  

When left unrinsed, excess starch from the grains can cause the already sticky rice to become overly sticky or gummy during cooking.  

How to rinse your brown rice:  

1. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve. 
2. Rinse under cold water, gently stirring with your hand. 
3. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. 

By rinsing thoroughly, you’ll discover the best way to prepare brown rice that’s fluffy and less clumpy. 

Soak Brown Rice for Better Texture 

Some believe soaking brown rice is another best way to prepare brown rice for optimal texture.  

Soaking helps to soften the tough outer layer, shorten the cooking time, and produce more evenly cooked grains.  

This is a step that many people swear by as the best way to prepare brown rice, particularly if you’re seeking to improve the overall texture. 

Follows these steps on how to soak brown rice. 

How to Soak Brown Rice 

1. After rinsing, transfer the rice to a bowl or pot. 
2. Cover the rice with water—about 2 inches above the rice line. 
3. Soak brown rice for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1 to 2 hours.  
4. Drain and discard the soaking water, then proceed with cooking.

It is important to remember that this is not a required step when cooking brown rice. However, try soaking your rice and decide for yourself if you like this rice preparation method!  

Water-to-Rice Ratio for Perfect Brown Rice
 

One of the most important factors in learning the best way to prepare brown rice is understanding the water-to-rice ratio.  

Brown rice needs more water than white rice due to its fibrous outer layer, and using the correct amount ensures that the rice cooks through without becoming mushy.  

Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, knowing the right ratio is key to the best way to prepare brown rice every time. 

Stovetop Cooking: Water-to-Rice Ratio 

For stovetop cooking, the typical water-to-rice ratio for brown rice is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.  

Here's how to do it: 

1. Rinse 1 cup of your favorite brand of brown rice. If you choose to, soak your rice for 30 minutes to 2 hours.  
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. 
3. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. 
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.  
5. Let the rice simmer for 40-45 minutes, checking at the end to see if the water is fully absorbed. 
6. Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice. 
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy! 
   
   

Instant Pot: Water-to-Rice Ratio 

For Instant Pots your water to rice ratio is going to be different. In this method use a ratio of 1 cup of brown rice to 1 cup of water.  

The reason why this method requires less water than the classic stove top method is because much less water evaporates when cooking.  

Here’s how to do it:  

1. Rinse 1 cup of your favorite brand of brown rice. If you choose to, soak your rice for 30 minutes to 2 hours.  
2. Place the rinsed brown rice in the Instant Pot 
3. Add 1 cup of water. 
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam valve to seal. 
5. Cook on high pressure for 22-24 minutes. 
6. Allow for a 10-minute natural release. 
7. Turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release. 
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy! 
   
   

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Seasoning Brown Rice 

Learning how to season brown rice by adding flavor before cooking is a great way to make your dishes more exciting.  

This way, even brown rice haters will enjoy the rice!  

Here is the best way to prepare brown rice for those picky eaters. 

Use Broth Instead of Water 

One of the easiest ways to add flavor is by cooking the rice in broth rather than water.  

Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can add richness and depth to the rice.  

Replace the water in your recipe with the same amount of broth, and you’ll notice a significant flavor boost. 

Add Aromatics 

Before adding water or broth, try sauteing aromatics such as garlic, onions, shallots, or ginger in a little olive oil at the bottom of your pot or rice cooker. Once softened, add the rice and liquid to the pot.  

The aromatics will infuse the rice with a savory base, making it even more flavorful. This is a simple, yet delicious method used to make brown rice taste good. 

Herbs and Spices 

Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, or parsley into the cooking liquid.  

Spices like cumin, turmeric, or a pinch of smoked paprika pair well with brown rice and can make your rice the star of the dish! 

Coconut Milk 

For a creamy, slightly sweet flavor, try cooking brown rice with coconut milk.  

Use half water and half coconut milk in your water-to-rice ratio to create a rich, flavorful rice that’s perfect for tropical-inspired dishes. 

Try Chico Rice Brown Milled Japonica Rice

Looking to try a new type of rice? Add Chico Rice Brown Milled Japonica Rice to your grocery list.  

Grown, harvested, milled, and packaged by a dedicated father-and-son team in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley, our rice brings freshness straight from the field to your table.  

We take pride in milling our rice in small batches to maximize freshness.  

Once milled, it’s immediately packaged and shipped, so you can enjoy the highest quality brown rice with every meal. 

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Discover Your Favorite Rice Preparation Method 

Incorporating these simple yet effective techniques can elevate your brown rice from bland to delicious.  

Whether you choose to rinse, soak, or experiment with flavoring methods, mastering the best way to prepare brown rice will bring consistently fluffy, tender, and flavorful results.  

By following these tips, you’ll find the best way to prepare brown rice that suits your taste preferences and culinary needs.