master-cooks | Basic Steamed Brown Rice Recipe

To prepare a basic steamed brown rice dish, begin by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping. Use a medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking. For every cup of brown rice, add two and a half cups of water to the saucepan. Optionally, a pinch of salt or a small amount of butter can be added for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with the lid, and allow it to simmer. It is important not to lift the lid while the rice is cooking, as this can release steam and affect the texture. After about 45 minutes, check the rice to see if the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender. If so, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. This basic recipe can be a versatile side dish or a base for various culinary creations, complementing a range of flavors and ingredients.

Gather the ingredients for basic steamed brown rice

To prepare this recipe, you only require two ingredients: rice and water. "For this dish, I'm using long-grain brown rice. Different types of rice have varying cooking times. Brown rice is less refined and retains an outer bran layer, which remains intact during processing. This bran layer is rich in natural oils, fiber, and nutrients, which is why it takes longer to cook," explains Hahn.

You'll also need water to cook the rice. "I prefer using filtered water for all my grains and pasta. If your tap water has a strong chlorine flavor or any unpleasant smells, filtered water can help resolve these issues, ensuring that the rice absorbs clean and pure water. However, if your tap water is clean and free of strong tastes or odors, you can forgo using filtered water," Hahn advises.

Step 1: Rinse the rice

Place the rice in a colander and rinse it with cold water for 2 minutes to eliminate any excess starch.

Step 2: Bring the water to a boil

Pour the water into a large pot and heat it until it boils.

Step 3: Add the rice

Place the rice into the pot.

Step 4: Reduce heat and cook the rice

Lower the heat to medium-high and simmer for 30 minutes without a lid.

Step 5: Drain the rice

Strain the rice and place it back in the pot.

Step 6: Steam the rice

Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve the rice

The rice is prepared and ready to be served.

How to steam other types of rice?

Cooking rice using this foolproof technique is incredibly easy, and once you give it a try, you'll want to prepare all your rice this way. "In this recipe, we're using long grain brown rice, but the same method works for short grain and medium grain brown rice," Hahn notes. Any wild rice varieties will need about an additional 10 minutes of cooking time, but you can use the same water ratio and steaming process.

The main difference arises with white rice, which lacks the bran layer, leading to a shorter cooking time. For white rice, you can use 6 cups of water and boil it for 15 minutes before transitioning to the steaming phase.

"I appreciate this straightforward stovetop steaming method because it only requires a basic pot. However, if you have a bamboo steamer, that works too. Just place the bamboo steamer over a pot filled with about 2 inches of water and spread the rice evenly in the steamer. Ensure the steamer fits snugly over the pot. Cover the bamboo steamer with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer for 45-50 minutes. After removing it from the heat, let the rice rest for about 10 minutes," Hahn explains.

What pairs well with steamed brown rice?

Steamed brown rice is incredibly adaptable and goes well with a wide range of main dishes and sides. "I love using it to create Buddha bowls. I start with a layer of rice in a shallow bowl and then add seasoned tofu, roasted veggies, avocado, beans, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds on top. Having the rice prepped makes for a quick lunch or dinner," Hahn explains.

Another fantastic option is to pair it with a classic stir-fry. Whether your stir-fry includes vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, or seafood, the nutty taste of brown rice enhances the savory and flavorful sauce. Steamed brown rice is also a perfect accompaniment to various curries, including Indian, Japanese, or Thai, as it balances the rich and spicy flavors.

You can also enjoy brown rice with grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, steak, or tofu. The nuttiness of the rice complements the charred or roasted notes of the proteins. Additionally, brown rice can be incorporated into salads for added substance and texture.

Basic Steamed Brown Rice Recipe