How to Give Flavor to Brown Rice

Serve brown rice as a healthy side for almost any dish.

Brown rice contains more minerals than white rice because the layers of bran have not been removed, which is the case for white rice. This means brown rice takes longer to cook and prepare. Cooked brown rice can have a bland flavor that many people do not enjoy. Instead of avoiding brown rice, you can infuse it with flavors to make it more enjoyable. Adding flavor to brown rice does not require a lot of extra time, and the results are well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup brown rice
• Colander
• 2 1/4 cups chicken, vegetable or beef broth
• Large cooking pot with lid
• Fork
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse the brown rice in a colander under cold water for 30 seconds. Move the rice around with your hands to rinse it completely.

2. Soak the brown rice in 1 cup of cold water for one hour. Drain the excess water from the brown rice.

3. Pour the chicken, vegetable or beef broth into a large cooking pot. Bring the broth to a boil on the stove top.

4. Add the brown rice to the cooking pot. Stir the rice and boil it for 30 minutes.

5. Strain the brown rice in a colander. Allow it to drain for 10 to 15 seconds and then pour the brown rice back into the cooking pot.

6. Place a lid on the cooking pot. Allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes.

7. Remove the lid from the pot. Fluff the brown rice with a fork. Add salt or pepper if you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Add dry seasonings to the water while you cook the rice. Seasonings such as cilantro, paprika or oregano can add flavors that will soak into the brown rice.

• Add flavor and texture to the brown rice by incorporating a variety of cooked vegetables into the rice. Add sauteed onions, cooked peas or diced peppers to the cooked rice.

• Avoid overcooking the brown rice because the rice will develop an unpleasant texture.

References

• Chef Michael Smith: Brown Rice and Lentils
• Saveur: Perfect Brown Rice
• The Kitchn: Help Me Enjoy Brown Rice