master-cooks | The Trick That'll Cut Down On The Time It Takes To Cook Brown Rice

Cooking brown rice can be time-consuming due to its fibrous bran layer, but there's a simple trick to significantly reduce the cooking time. The key is to soak the brown rice before cooking. By soaking the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours, you allow the grains to absorb water, which softens the bran layer. This pre-soaking step shortens the actual cooking time because the rice has already absorbed some moisture, making it more pliable and quicker to cook through. After soaking, drain the rice and rinse it to remove any excess starch. Then, cook the rice as you normally would, using a ratio of about one part rice to two parts water, but reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. The pre-soaked grains will cook faster and more evenly, resulting in fluffy, tender brown rice without the long wait. This method not only saves time but can also enhance the texture and flavor of the rice. By incorporating this simple soaking step into your routine, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of brown rice without the usual lengthy preparation.

When this tip works, when it doesn't (and tasty ways to use it)

While this tip may not be ideal if you're in a rush, it's quite beneficial for those times when you anticipate being short on time later. For example, if you're preparing a dish that requires a bit more effort, like acorn squash stuffed with wild rice and walnuts (you can substitute wild rice with brown rice), soaking the rice in advance will significantly speed up the cooking process. This way, you can easily prepare the filling while the acorn squash is baking.

Soaking is also an excellent strategy for planning quick and easy weeknight meals. It pairs wonderfully as a side for seared chicken breasts, serves as a hearty base for burrito bowls, or can be a simple way to extend leftover soup or chili. Plus, brown rice is rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and other essential nutrients, so dedicating a few minutes to prep it a few times a week can help you maintain a nutritious and satisfying meal plan.

If your family is always on the move and you can't spare 20 minutes to watch over dinner, you can streamline the process by steaming brown rice in the microwave. It takes the same amount of time, but you won’t have to worry about it boiling over or burning. Once it's ready, you can use it to whip up fried rice, layer it in burritos, or make a sweet rice porridge with a bit of butter, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

The Trick That'll Cut Down On The Time It Takes To Cook Brown Rice

When this tip works, when it doesn't (and tasty ways to use it)

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