Best Brown Rice Meal Recipes

MASTER RECIPE: BROWN RICE

Steps:

• The Right Ratio: Trust us: Though it's printed on the package, the standard 2-to-1 ratio makes mushy rice. For long-grain brown rice, use 1 1/4 cups water to 1 cup rice. For short-grain, use 1 1/2 cups water.
• Quick Cooking Time: Bring rice, water, and salt (1/4 teaspoon per cup of rice) to a boil. Cover, and reduce to a slow, steady simmer. Many recipes call for 50 minutes, but we think 30 minutes is plenty. A wide, shallow pot with a tight-fitting lid ensures evenly cooked grains.
• Steam and Fluff: Let the cooked rice sit for 10 minutes, covered, to absorb maximum moisture; then remove the lid, and fluff the grains with a fork.

BROWN RICE...THE FAST WAY!

Steps:

• Using a strainer, rinse the rice under cold water, then drain it completely. (Here's why.)
• In a saucepan over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and stir. Continue to boil uncovered until tender, with the water bubbling rapidly, for 20 minutes. Start tasting at 18 to 20 minutes: if the rice is tender, remove the heat. If not, keep cooking 5 to 10 minutes more until the rice is tender. (All rice types and brands are slightly different, so you'll have to adjust according to the specific rice. Ours is usually done in around 18 to 25 minutes.)
• Pour the rice into a strainer, then return it to the pot. Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the salt.

PERFECT BROWN RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water for 30 seconds. Drain.
• Combine the rice, salt and 2 cups water in a wide, medium saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

BEST BROWN RICE MEAL

Steps:

• Cook brown rice according to package directions and set aside.
• Chop, onion, celery, carrot and mince garlic.
• Place olive oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and stir to combine. Continue to stir until vegetables are tender and aromatic; about 5 minutes.
• Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients.
• Continue to heat until rice is hot.
• Add the grated cheese and sunflower seeds and stir until cheese is melted and everything is well mixed.

PERFECT BASIC BROWN RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the starch off the rice in a strainer under cold water for 30 seconds.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat in a large pot that has a tight fitting lid.
• Add the rice, stir it just once, and boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Pour the rice into a strainer over the sink and drain for 10 seconds.
• Return the rice to the same pot, off the heat.
• Cover immediately and set aside for 10 minutes (this is the steaming part).
• Uncover, fluff with a fork, and season with salt.