A Complete Guide to Cooking Brown Rice

Brown rice retains its hull, germ, and bran, making it rich in fiber and key nutrients. This is what gives it both its unique brown color and nutty taste—but it also makes it a bit tricky to cook.

Want to add more brown rice to your meals? Here, you'll find all the tips you need for cooking brown rice in various ways, whether on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or using a rice cooker.

Cooking Brown Rice on the Stovetop: Cooking Times

Different types of brown rice require varying cooking times, water-to-rice ratios, and are suited for different dishes.

Short-Grain Brown Rice: 40 minutes

Known for its stickiness, short-grain brown rice is commonly used in making sushi. For this variety, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Let it simmer for 40 minutes, then let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes before serving.

Medium-Grain and Long-Grain Brown Rice: 45 minutes

Both medium and long-grain rice are versatile choices, though medium grain tends to be slightly stickier. For both types, use 2 ½ cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Let it simmer for 45 minutes, then let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes.

Brown Basmati Rice: 50 minutes

Brown Basmati is the fluffiest variety. For perfect results, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Simmer for 50 minutes, then let it rest for an extra 10 minutes.

3 Ways to Cook Brown Rice

When using the stovetop method, be sure to follow the water-to-rice ratios and cooking times listed above. If using another appliance, consult its instruction manual as cooking times and water ratios can vary between devices.

Cooking Brown Rice on the Stovetop

1. Start by rinsing your rice thoroughly under cold, running water, especially if you're using short-grain rice, which tends to be starchier. If possible, soak the rice for 30 minutes before rinsing to remove excess starch.
2. Place the rinsed rice and water or broth into a medium saucepan. For extra flavor, you can also add 1 tablespoon of butter and/or ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir to break up any rice clumps.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for the recommended time—resist the urge to lift the lid!
4. After cooking, remove from heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Cooking Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking grains like rice. This method follows the Instant Pot® Brown Rice recipe by LauraF.

1. Start by rinsing your rice under cold, running water, particularly if you're using short-grain rice, which is extra starchy. If you have time, soaking your rice for 30 minutes before rinsing can help remove more starch.
2. Place the rinsed rice and water or broth in the Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker. Check the manufacturer's guide for the correct water-to-rice ratio. Optionally, add salt and butter or oil for extra flavor.
3. Lock the lid in place, set the steam valve to sealed, and cook on high pressure following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. When the timer ends, allow the steam to release naturally according to the instructions, about 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure, unlock the lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.

Cooking Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker

Rice cookers eliminate the guesswork, making it easier to cook perfect brown rice. Here’s how to use this convenient device to get it just right.

1. Begin by rinsing your rice under cool, running water, especially if you’re using short-grain rice, which tends to be starchy. If you have time, soaking the rice for 30 minutes before rinsing can help remove excess starch.
2. Add the rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct water-to-rice ratio. You can also add ½ teaspoon of salt for additional flavor.
3. Turn on the rice cooker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some models have a specific “brown rice” setting.
4. Once the cooking cycle finishes, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Properly Storing Brown Rice

Keep leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze rice for up to three months. For more tips on how to store and reheat rice, check out our guide.