How to Cook Brown Rice in Microwave: The Ultimate Guide

Do you want to cook brown rice in a microwave instead of a stove? Are you curious about how to cook brown rice in microwave? 

Microwave cooking is one of the best innovations of millennials. It makes the whole process of cooking quick and hassle-free. When my stove stopped working, I tried cooking brown rice in a microwave. To my surprise, the results were pretty satisfying!

This guide is all you need if you are also looking for the best method to boil brown rice in a microwave. 

Can You Cook Brown Rice in a Microwave?

You might have seen recipes for cooking brown rice on a stove. If you are wondering if you can cook brown rice in a microwave, it is possible. 

The best thing about cooking brown rice in a microwave is that it takes 10 to 15 minutes less than the traditional stove-top method. 

The only two issues I had with boiling brown rice in a microwave were the different texture and flavor. 

Brown rice, cooked in a microwave, is chewier than stove-cooked brown rice. It is also less flavorful, so you might have to add additional ingredients. 

Brown Rice in Microwave Vs. Brown Rice on Stove

How to Cook Brown Rice in a Microwave?

I have found the best method to boil brown rice in a microwave. It is simple and quick and ensures that the cooked brown rice grains turn out soft and delicious. 

Here are the steps you need to follow: 

Step 1: Soak and Rinse Brown Rice 

You can skip soaking the brown rice when cooking it on a stovetop. However, I suggest following this step if you are using a microwave. 

In my experience, a microwave isn’t as effective as a stovetop in cooking. It may not cook the grains or turn them fully tender. Soaking rice before cooking is helpful, as this process can soften the grains beforehand. It can also remove any impurities.

All you need to do is soak one cup of brown rice for ten minutes in lukewarm water.

After soaking the rice, rinse it twice or thrice under tap water. The water should look transparent and clear, as shown in the picture below. Then, strain the rice using a sieve. 

Step 2: Add Two and a Half Cups of Water 

Once you have soaked and rinsed the brown rice grains, transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl and add two and a half cups of water for one cup of rice. 

Most recipes call for two cups for one cup of brown rice. I prefer adding two and a half cups of water while cooking in the microwave. 

I have noticed that microwaves evaporate water quickly, leaving the grains uncooked. Adding extra water can prevent this problem!

Step 3: Add Salt and Butter 

Next, add half a teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of butter or clarified butter for each cup of rice. 

Butter makes the brown rice more tender and moist. It also adds a slight buttery taste and reduces the blandness of brown rice!

You can also add any extra ingredients in this step, like any flavorful herbs or spices, to enhance the flavors. 

Step 4: Microwave for 20 Minutes

The best part about boiling brown rice in a microwave is that you don’t need to worry about complicated settings. 

You can use your microwave’s standard mode, which is used for simple reheating purposes. 

Just place the microwave-safe bowl with brown rice and water in the microwave. Don’t cover the bowl with anything. Set the timer to 20 minutes, and let the rice cook! 

Step 4: (Optional) Add Extra Water If Required

After 20 minutes, open the microwave and check the rice. 

You can add two to three extra tablespoons of water if the rice has absorbed all of it, and is still crunchy and uncooked. 

Note: It may look tempting, but avoid stirring the rice! It may mess up the cooking process and leave the grains raw. 

Step 5: Microwave for 10 Minutes 

Once you have checked the brown rice, put it in the microwave again and let it cook for ten minutes. 

Keep in mind that the cooking time can differ depending on your microwave. You might have to heat the rice for an extra five minutes if the microwave is old and less efficient. 

Step 6: Check If Brown Rice is Done 

Remove the bowl from the microwave after 10 minutes, and check if the brown rice is cooked well.

The rice grains should have a soft and chewy texture. They should also absorb all the water and look fluffy. Once done, let them sit for five minutes, and you are good to go!

You can also explore an alternative method to cook brown rice in a microwave through this YouTube video. 

What Type of Cookware to Use for Cooking Brown Rice in a Microwave?

The first and most important rule of cooking brown rice in the microwave is to use the right cookware. 

There are two things you should consider to pick the right cookware.

1. Material of Cookware

You should use glass, ceramic, or any cookware with a “microwave-safe” label for microwave cooking. 

Avoid using metal, steel, or aluminum cookware in a microwave always, as it can cause a spark or fire! 

2. Size of Cookware 

When microwaving brown rice, use a bowl that matches the quantity. 

Choose a tiny bowl for a small amount of brown rice. On the other hand, you require a large bowl for larger quantities.

The water may evaporate too soon if you use a large bowl for small quantities of rice. Because of this reason, your brown rice won’t cook properly.  

Recipe Card – Microwave Brown Rice 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Two to three people 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of uncooked brown rice
• ½ teaspoon of salt 
• 2 ½ cups of water 
• 1 teaspoon of butter or clarified butter

Method

1. Soak the brown rice for 10 minutes. 

2. Rinse and wash the soaked brown rice grains until the water looks clear. 

3. Transfer the brown rice to a microwave-safe bowl. 

4. Add two and a half cups of water, half a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of butter for one cup of brown rice. 

5. Place the bowl in the microwave uncovered, and heat it for 20 minutes on standard settings. 

6. Check the brown rice after 20 minutes. 

7. Add two to three tablespoons of water if the rice looks raw and has also absorbed all the water. 

8. Microwave the brown rice again for 10 minutes. 

9. Check if the rice is cooked. It should look fluffy and have a tender texture. 

10. Once done, remove from the microwave and serve hot!

Final Thoughts

Cooking brown rice in the microwave only requires a handful of steps. Once you follow them properly, nothing can stop you from making the best brown rice out there! The method also doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.