Perfectly Fluffy Brown Rice Every Time
Learn how to cook brown rice that's fluffy, tender, and never mushy. This foolproof method guarantees perfect results every time.
- Prep5 min
- Cook45 min
- Total50 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain that can be tricky to cook just right. With this simple technique, you'll get consistently fluffy grains that are perfect as a side dish or base for bowls.
The key is rinsing the rice well to remove excess starch, then letting it steam after cooking for the ideal texture. No stirring, no peeking – just set it and forget it.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs clear. Shake off excess water and set aside.
- In a medium pot, bring 1 3/4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt, then pour in the rinsed rice, using a rubber spatula to scrape every grain into the pot.
- Return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook undisturbed for about 35 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Take off the lid, place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel over the pot, then put the lid back on. Let it steam for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
💡 Tips
- Don't skip the rinsing step – it removes excess starch that can make the rice gummy.
- For extra flavor, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Letting the rice steam after cooking is essential for fluffy texture; don't rush it.
Inspired by a recipe from Delish