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How to Make Brown Rice Taste Good

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice
  • 2 cups broth chicken, vegetable, or beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, basil
  • Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon
  • 1 tsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp grated parmesan
  • Sautéed onions or mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the brown rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes, stirring often to deepen its nutty flavor.
  • Pour in the broth, salt, pepper, onion powder, and bay leaf (if using). Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover with a tight lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 40–45 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
  • Fluff gently with a fork and stir in fresh herbs, lemon zest, butter, or any add-ins you like.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while cooking — brown rice needs steam to soften properly.
If the rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup water and cook a bit longer.
Broth adds the best flavor, but bouillon + water works well too.
Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly to the pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
Works in a rice cooker using the same rice-to-broth ratio.