Brown rice is a nutritious, fiber-rich alternative to white rice, but if you’ve ever tried to cook it on the stovetop, you know it can be a bit unpredictable. The good news? Learning how to cook brown rice in a rice cooker makes the process foolproof! With the right brown rice water ratio, a few simple tricks, and the correct rice cooker settings for brown rice, you’ll get fluffy, perfectly cooked brown rice every single time.
In this guide of How to Cook Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker (Perfect Every…
, I’ll walk you through everything—from choosing the right type of brown rice to step-by-step cooking instructions. Let’s get started!
How to cook brown rice in rice cooker : Why Use a Rice Cooker for Brown Rice?
Cooking brown rice on the stove requires constant monitoring, and even then, you might end up with mushy or unevenly cooked rice. Using a rice cooker is the best way to cook brown rice because it automatically regulates temperature and steaming time.
Benefits of Cooking Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker:
✔ Consistent texture – No more mushy or undercooked rice.
✔ Hands-free cooking – No need to check or stir.
✔ Perfect moisture absorption – A rice cooker ensures even steaming.
If you’re tired of second-guessing your rice cooking skills, it’s time to learn how to cook brown rice in a rice cooker the right way!
Types of Brown Rice & Choosing the Right One
Not all brown rice is the same! The variety you choose will affect the cooking time for brown rice in a rice cooker and how much water you need.
| Type | Texture | Water Ratio (per 1 cup rice) | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-grain brown rice | Light, separate grains | 1 ¾ – 2 cups | 45–50 min |
| Short-grain brown rice | Chewy, slightly sticky | 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ cups | 50–60 min |
| Basmati brown rice | Fragrant, fluffy | 1 ¾ cups | 45 min |
| Jasmine brown rice | Aromatic, tender | 1 ½ – 1 ¾ cups | 45 min |
Pro Tip: Short-grain brown rice is slightly stickier due to its higher starch content, while long-grain brown rice stays separate and fluffy.
How to cook brown rice in rice cooker :Brown Rice Water Ratio for Rice Cooker
Getting the right water-to-rice ratio is key to achieving the perfect texture. Brown rice requires more water than white rice because of its outer bran layer, which takes longer to soften.
Best Brown Rice Water Ratios for a Rice Cooker:
- Long-grain brown rice: 1 cup rice → 1 ¾ – 2 cups water
- Short-grain brown rice: 1 cup rice → 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ cups water
- Basmati brown rice: 1 cup rice → 1 ¾ cups water
- Jasmine brown rice: 1 cup rice → 1 ½ – 1 ¾ cups water
📝 Important: Some rice cookers have their own measuring cups, which are smaller than standard cups. If unsure, use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Should You Soak Brown Rice Before Cooking?
Soaking isn’t required, but it helps improve the texture and shortens cooking time. If you want softer, fluffier brown rice, a quick soak can make a difference.
How Long to Soak Brown Rice?
✔ Quick soak – 10–15 minutes (slightly improves texture).
✔ Best soak – 30 minutes (reduces cooking time).
✔ No soak? No problem! Just rinse your rice thoroughly.
How to cook brown rice in rice cooker Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for the best rice cooker brown rice recipe every time:
1. Rinse the Rice
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water.
- This removes excess starch, preventing sticky or gummy rice.
2. Measure the Water Correctly
- Use the brown rice water ratio listed above for perfect texture.
- If your rice cooker has a “brown rice” setting, it may automatically adjust water levels.
3. Cooking the Rice
- Add rinsed brown rice and measured water to the rice cooker.
- If available, select the “brown rice” setting.
- If your cooker doesn’t have this setting, just use the regular cook setting (but expect it to take longer).
4. Let the Rice Rest After Cooking
- Once the cooking cycle is done, don’t open the lid immediately!
- Let the rice sit for 5–10 minutes with the lid closed—this helps it absorb any remaining moisture.
5. Fluff the Rice
- Use a fork or rice paddle to gently fluff the rice.
- This prevents clumping and makes the rice light and airy.
How to cook brown rice in rice cooker :How Long ?
Cooking time depends on the type of brown rice and your rice cooker model.
| Brown Rice Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Long-grain brown rice | 45–50 min |
| Short-grain brown rice | 50–60 min |
| Basmati brown rice | 45 min |
| Jasmine brown rice | 45 min |
Pro Tip: Some rice cookers have a quick cook option, but for brown rice, stick to the standard cycle for the best texture.
Enhancing the Flavor of Brown Rice
Brown rice has a naturally nutty flavor, but you can boost the taste with these simple tricks:
Use broth instead of water – Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth adds richness.
Add aromatics – Try garlic, bay leaves, or a cinnamon stick.
Mix in flavor boosters – A little soy sauce, butter, or olive oil goes a long way!
How to cook brown rice in rice cooker : How to Store & Reheat Brown Rice
Storing Brown Rice
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–6 days.
- For longer storage, freeze brown rice in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brown Rice
In the Microwave:
✔ Add a few drops of water to rice.
✔ Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1–2 minutes.
On the Stovetop:
✔ Heat in a nonstick pan over low heat with a splash of water.
Final Thoughts about how to cook brown rice in rice cooker
Now you know exactly how to cook brown rice in a rice cooker for the best results every time! Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick side dish, these brown rice cooking tips will help you achieve perfect, fluffy brown rice without any hassle.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Use the right brown rice water ratio to avoid mushy or undercooked rice.
✔ Let the rice rest after cooking before fluffing for the best texture.
✔ Store leftovers properly and reheat with a little water to keep them soft.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! And if you try this method, let me know how your rice turns out!
Common Mistakes about how to cook brown rice in rice cooker & How to Fix Them
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, things don’t always go as planned. Don’t worry—here’s how to fix the most common brown rice cooking mistakes in a rice cooker.
Mushy Rice?
🔹 What went wrong: You added too much water.
🔹 How to fix it: Next time, reduce the water ratio slightly (try using ¼ cup less water).
Hard, Undercooked Rice?
🔹 What went wrong: Not enough water or the rice didn’t steam long enough after cooking.
🔹 How to fix it: Add ¼ cup of hot water, close the lid, and let it steam for 10 more minutes.
Rice Sticking to the Bottom?
🔹 What went wrong: Your rice cooker runs hot or wasn’t greased.
🔹 How to fix it: Try adding a few drops of oil or butter before cooking. Some rice cookers also have a nonstick inner pot, which helps prevent this issue.
Burnt Rice?
🔹 What went wrong: Your rice cooker doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature, or you left it in “warm” mode too long.
🔹 How to fix it: Remove the rice immediately after cooking and fluff it with a fork to release trapped steam.
Pro Tip how to cook brown rice in rice cooker: Always let your rice rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to allow for proper moisture absorption.
Health Benefits of Brown Rice
Not only is brown rice delicious, but it’s also one of the healthiest grains you can eat. Compared to white rice, brown rice is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Why Is Brown Rice a Healthier Choice?
✔ Rich in fiber – Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
✔ Lower glycemic index – Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
✔ Packed with nutrients – High in magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔ Good for heart health – May help lower cholesterol and support heart function.
Did You Know? Brown rice has a glycemic index (GI) of 50, while white rice is much higher at 73–89. That means brown rice provides longer-lasting energy and keeps you feeling full longer!
Best Ways to Serve Brown Rice
Brown rice is super versatile, which makes it a great base for tons of meals. Here are some easy ways to enjoy it:
With Protein: Serve it with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or steak.
In a Salad: Toss it with leafy greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing.
As a Side Dish: Pair it with curries, stews, or stir-fried vegetables.
In a Burrito Bowl: Layer it with beans, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese.
No matter how you enjoy it, cooking brown rice in a rice cooker ensures you always have a fluffy, perfectly cooked base for any meal!
Related Recipes
Want to put your brown rice to good use? Try these easy and delicious recipes!
Meatballs and Rice – A protein-packed meal that pairs beautifully with brown rice.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice – Rich, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – A cozy, one-pan dish that’s full of flavor.
For side dishes, check out:
Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms – A simple and healthy side that pairs well with rice.
Cucumber and Tomato Feta Salad – A refreshing and light salad to balance out your meal.
Final Thoughts: Mastering How to Cook Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker
By now, you’ve learned how to cook brown rice in a rice cooker step by step—from choosing the right type of rice to measuring the perfect brown rice water ratio. With these tips, you’ll never have to deal with mushy, burnt, or undercooked rice again.
Key Takeaways how to cook brown rice in rice cooker:
✔ Always rinse your brown rice to remove excess starch.
✔ Use the correct water-to-rice ratio for perfect texture.
✔ Let the rice rest after cooking to allow moisture to absorb evenly.
✔ Store leftovers properly and reheat with a little water to keep them soft.
Now it’s your turn—try this method today and see how easy it is to cook brown rice in a rice cooker!
💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out.