Brown Rice Recipe

1. Rinse the rice

Place the brown rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, for about 30–45 seconds until the water runs clearer. Drain well. This removes surface starch and any dust; it helps keep the cooked rice fluffy.

2. Toast (optional)

In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, warm the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the grains become slightly glossy and have a faint nutty aroma. This step is optional but improves flavor and keeps grains separate.

3. Add water and salt

Carefully add 2 1/4 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the saucepan. Stir once to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

4. Simmer gently

As soon as the water reaches a steady simmer with small bubbles, reduce the heat to low so the surface is just barely simmering. Cover with the lid and cook undisturbed for 40–45 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender but still have a slight chew. Do not lift the lid while cooking.

5. Steam off heat

Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered. Let the rice steam for 10 minutes; this finishes cooking gently and firms the texture without drying.

6. Fluff

Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. If desired, stir in chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a grind of black pepper to brighten the rice before serving. Serve warm.