There are several perks to cooking brown rice in the microwave versus using the conventional stovetop approach or rice cooker. In most circumstances, it is faster and a more laid-back method of cooking. Thereby allowing you to focus on other critical duties.
For me, the number one perk is there will be less equipment on my counter and by far less cleaning.
Hurray!
I won’t have to wash numerous plates or any extra cooking tools.
If you want, you may microwave your rice, then add your favorite ingredients all while serving it from the same dish.
Does that sound like a win-win situation or what?
If you are seeking the fastest way to perfectly cook Brown rice, then keep reading.
I’d like to tell you more about how the microwave can save you both time, energy, and a headache.
Let’s go!
Can you cook brown rice in microwave?
Yes, you can cook brown rice in the microwave. Cooking brown rice in the microwave is, in reality, a quick and simple process.
The appropriate technique to prepare brown rice in the microwave is determined by the water-to-brown-rice ratio and the portion of brown rice used.
This produces fluffy and flavorful rice that can be readily added to any dish.
One cup of brown rice should be washed, rinsed, and drained. In a microwavable dish, combine one cup of the rinsed brown rice, a half teaspoon of salt, and approximately 2 cups of water.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes, covered with a vented top. Reduce the heat to medium or 70% strength and microwave for a further 20 minutes.
I highly recommend you wait 5 minutes for the rice to rest before fluffing it with a fork.
I usually lightly pour a little sesame oil or melted butter on top before serving.
This adds so much flavor!
Brown rice has a bran layer that covers the kernels. After picking, the germ and bran portions are kept intact, resulting in greater fiber content than white rice.
Consequently, it aids in the digestive system regulation. It is also high in zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and magnesium, which are all necessary for musculoskeletal building and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Is it safe to cook brown rice in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to cook brown rice in the microwave. Additionally, it is even safer while using a microwavable container.
On the contrary, Bacillus cereus spores which can make people sick may be found in uncooked rice. When rice is cooked, some bacteria can survive. The bacteria may grow and generate poisons that will induce diarrhea and vomiting.
It is therefore critical to ensure that rice is properly cooked and stored if needed for reheating.
Experts advise cooking brown rice in a microwavable container with a ventilated microwave-safe covering.
A microwave rice cooker, on the other hand, makes cooking rice considerably quicker and easier.
How long do you microwave Brown rice?
To cook brown rice in the microwave usually takes about thirty minutes. Microwaves, on the other hand, differ in terms of configurations and intensity. For this reason, be sure to remember to check and change the energy output of the microwave since it might alter the cooking duration.
Preparing brown rice in the microwave is not the same as preparing white rice in the microwave. This is so because you must take into account the additional layers of germ and bran.
Then give adequate time to cook whilst using the right technique and water-to-brown-rice ratio.
Why is it so technical to prepare brown rice?
The reason is based on the bran layer found on brown rice but removed for white rice. This makes it more difficult to prepare and requires way more time.
This is where the microwave solves this dilemma.
In fact, the cooking duration is trimmed by 30 minutes down from 50 minutes when a microwave is used.
Upon discovery, this was truly a lifesaver!
The additional 20 minutes seems like a lifetime when all you want to do is kick your feet up after a long day of work or shopping.
Especially when those Target or Nordstorm sales are just too good to pass up!
What is the ratio of water to brown rice in the microwave?
The universal guidepost for preparing brown rice in the microwave is 2 parts water to one part rice. The resulting yield of this is around 3 cups of cooked brown rice.
For example, 1 cup of brown rice needs 2 cups of water. Hence in the microwave, 2 cups of brown rice require 4 cups of water to cook correctly.
The water-to-rice ratio is critical since it influences the quality of the rice. Excessive water causes the cooked rice to become soggy, while not enough water causes the rice to be crispy, dry, and undercooked.
But when it pertains to microwaving brown rice, the rice-to-water ratio is quite important.
When you go from white rice to brown rice, there is a distinct difference;
The measure of difference depends on the type of rice you are cooking.
Brown rice is more susceptible to change than other forms of rice, where heating rice in the microwave isn’t as different.
Brown rice tends to be more sensitive to change compared to the other types of rice where microwave cooking isn’t as different.
Tips for Cooking Brown Rice in the Microwave
Brown rice may be cooked in the microwave in a matter of minutes. The rice and water ratio remains the same whether you use a microwave rice cooker or a standard microwave-safe container.
How do you correctly cook brown rice?
Let me explain…
Here are a few microwave cooking tips for brown rice that will result in fluffy and flavorful rice that everybody will relish:
- When cooking brown rice in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. The presence of a microwave-safe mark on kitchenware signifies that the bowl has been assessed for heating in the appliance.
- Cover and heat for 5 minutes on high, then microwave for an additional 20 minutes on medium power.
- Steer clear of opening the microwave directly after the rice is done. Instead, make it sit for 5 minutes to soak up any excess moisture.
- Once the rice is finished cooking, season with a bit of salt and one tablespoon of canola oil or softened butter to your liking.
- In order to guarantee that all rice grains are ready and not overdone, gently fluff with a fork. Try not to break the rice grains too much.
Best way to cook brown rice in a microwave
Be sure to rinse the brown rice under running water properly.
Pour precisely 2 cups of water over 1 cup of rice then add flavor with half a teaspoon of salt. Using the microwave, cook the rice for 5 minutes on high then give it an extra 20 minutes at medium power.
Leave the rice to sit in the microwave for yet another 5 minutes with the door closed. This will permit further steaming and moisture absorption.
Brown rice prepared in the microwave makes life easier and tastes just like rice prepared on the stove or in a rice cooker.
When selecting a microwavable bowl for cooking brown rice, keep in mind that rice swells throughout cooking and needs a large container to accommodate the rice’s twofold in size.
Refrigerate leftover brown rice for up to seven days.
Let’s Recap
If you are in a rush and have inadequate cooking equipment, the microwave is the ideal option for cooking brown rice.
Brown rice may be effortlessly cooked in the microwave in a matter of minutes.
You only need the right proportion of 1 part brown rice to 2 parts water in order to get it right every time. Resulting in rice that is free of clumps and nicely puffed up.
But because the rice will likely double in quantity after cooking, be sure to use the right size bowl.
Now that you know this…put your microwave to work tonight and serve up some steamy buttery brown rice.
FAQ
How can I cook brown rice in the microwave quickly?
To cook brown rice in the microwave quickly, use a large microwave safe bowl and add one cup of long grain brown rice with two cups of water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then let it sit for five minutes before fluffing with a fork.
What is the perfect cooking time for brown rice?
The perfect cooking time for brown rice is typically around 45-50 minutes on the stovetop or 20-25 minutes in the microwave using a large microwave safe bowl.
Can you share a simple recipe for cooking brown rice?
Sure! To make perfect brown rice, rinse one cup of long grain brown rice and add it to a pot with two cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed (about 45-50 mins). Fluff with fork before serving.
What are some delicious recipes that include cooked brown rice?
There are many tasty recipes that include cooked brown rice such as stir-fries, salads, stuffed peppers or mushrooms. One popular recipe is chicken fried-rice which includes diced chicken breast sautéed with vegetables like carrots and peas mixed into cooked long-grain microwaved-brown-rice.
Is it necessary to use a specific type of bowl when microwaving Brown Rice?
Yes! It’s important to use either a large or extra-large microwave-safe bowl when microwaving Brown Rice because this will ensure even heating throughout your dish. A smaller container may cause unevenly cooked grains leading to an unsatisfactory result.
How can I cook sushi rice properly?
To cook sushi rice, rinse the grains thoroughly and add water in a 1:1.25 ratio to the pot with chicken broth for added flavor. Cook on low heat until all liquid is absorbed, then let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a rice paddle.
What’s the difference between long grain rice and brown basmati?
Long grain rice has a slender shape while brown basmati is longer and thinner. Brown basmati also has more fiber and nutrition calories than regular long grain white or brown rice.
Why does brown rice take longer to cook than white?
Brown rice takes longer to cook because of its excess starch content that needs more time to break down during cooking compared to white or long-grain varieties.
Can I use olive oil when cooking microwaveable dishes?
Yes, you can use olive oil when cooking microwaveable dishes as it adds flavor without adding too many extra calories. However, be mindful of your dish cuisine as some flavors may not pair well with olive oil.
How do I know if my half cup of rice is cooked properly in the microwave based on wattage?
When cooking half a cup of grain brown rice in the microwave, adjust your timing according to your microwave wattage – typically around 15-20 minutes on high power should suffice. Use a fork or spoon to check if it’s cooked through before serving.