10+ Brown Rice Recipes to Elevate Your Meals

Brown rice is a versatile and healthy grain that can be used in many delicious dishes. Exploring brown rice recipes can help you create meals that are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate more whole grains into your diet or find easy recipes for busy weeknights, brown rice is an excellent choice.

From stir-fries to salads, there are countless ways to enjoy this wholesome ingredient. You can easily adapt brown rice recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Get ready to discover exciting ways to cook and enjoy brown rice!

1) Perfect Brown Rice in a Pot

Cooking perfect brown rice in a pot is easy. Start by measuring your rice and water. A good ratio is 1 part brown rice to 2 parts water.

Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps the rice stay fluffy.

In a pot, combine the rice and water. Add a pinch of salt if you like.

Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during cooking.

After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water.
2. Combine rice and water in a pot with a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Simmer for 40-45 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

2) Brown Fried Rice with Hidden Veggies

Brown fried rice is a tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal. You can pack it with plenty of hidden veggies, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike.

Using brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients than white rice.

Start by cooking your brown rice. While it cools, chop up vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.

Sauté onions and garlic in a pan, then add the vegetables. Stir in the rice and some soy sauce for flavor. You can add an egg for extra protein too.

This dish is easy to personalize. Feel free to include your favorite proteins or other vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots and peas)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 egg (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat a pan and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
4. Stir in the rice and soy sauce.
5. If using, scramble the egg into the mixture until cooked.

3) Classic Brown Rice Pilaf

Classic brown rice pilaf is a tasty side dish that brings warmth to any meal. It combines brown rice with savory flavors and a simple cooking method.

For this recipe, you’ll start by sautéing onions in butter until they are soft. Then, add the brown rice and cook it until it lightly browns. This enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.

Next, pour in chicken or vegetable broth and let everything simmer. The rice absorbs the liquid and gets nice and tender. You can also add herbs or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped nuts or herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in brown rice and cook until lightly browned.
4. Pour in broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

4) Biryani with Brown Rice

Biryani is a flavorful dish that can easily be made with brown rice for a healthier twist. Using brown rice adds extra nutrients and fiber, making your meal satisfying.

Start with marinating chicken or your choice of protein with spices and yogurt. This helps enhance the flavor.

Then, cook brown rice until it’s partially done. Combine it with the protein and layer it in a pot.

Add fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for an aromatic touch. Cook everything together until the rice is tender and the flavors blend perfectly.

It’s a comforting dish that’s great for family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 pound chicken or protein of choice
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons biryani spices
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices.
2. Rinse and cook brown rice in boiling water (about 10 minutes).
3. In a pan, sauté onions until golden.
4. Layer chicken and rice in a pot, adding herbs.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes (350°F / 175°C).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Brown Rice in Chicken Broth with Garlic and Ginger

Brown rice cooked in chicken broth with garlic and ginger is comfort food at its best. The rich flavors from the broth blend perfectly with the aromatic garlic and ginger.

This dish is simple to prepare and great for any meal.

To start, you will need fresh garlic and ginger. These ingredients add warmth and depth to the dish.

Using chicken broth enhances the taste of the brown rice, making it a delicious base.

This recipe is not only hearty but also nourishing. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side to your favorite protein.

It’s a great way to add more whole grains to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the brown rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for about 45 minutes until rice is tender.
4. In the last 10 minutes, stir in garlic and ginger.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

6) Healthy Brown Rice Bowls

Brown rice bowls are a simple and nutritious meal option. You can customize them to fit your tastes and diet.

Start with cooked brown rice as your base. Then add fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for color and crunch.

A protein source, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, can make it more filling. You can drizzle a tasty sauce, like tahini or your favorite vinaigrette, for extra flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different grains, toppings, and seasonings to find your perfect bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables
• 1/2 cup protein (grilled chicken or chickpeas)
• 2 tablespoons tahini or vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Prepare your protein choice (grill or roast).
3. Chop your vegetables and add them to the bowl.
4. Top with brown rice, protein, and drizzle with sauce.
5. Mix everything together and enjoy!

7) Spicy or Herby Veggie Brown Rice

Spicy or herby veggie brown rice is a tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal. This dish combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown rice with vibrant vegetables and bold seasonings.

You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

For a spicy version, add jalapeños and paprika. If you prefer a herby taste, incorporate fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Both options are delicious and nutritious.

You’ll need brown rice, bell peppers, onions, garlic, corn, black beans, and spices or herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-2 jalapeños (optional)
• Olive oil
• Spices or fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in bell pepper, corn, and jalapeños (if using).
5. Add cooked brown rice and black beans; mix well.
6. Season with spices or herbs to taste.
7. Cook for an additional 5 minutes and serve warm.

8) Slow-Cooker Brown Rice Jambalaya

Slow-cooker brown rice jambalaya is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. It combines chicken, sausage, and vegetables with brown rice for a hearty meal.

Start by adding diced chicken, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. You can also include diced tomatoes for added flavor.

Add some chicken broth and seasonings like oregano and Creole seasoning. Mix everything well and let it cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Near the end of cooking, stir in cooked shrimp. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound diced chicken
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 pound shrimp (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken, sausage, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in tomatoes, brown rice, chicken broth, oregano, and Creole seasoning.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Easy Brown Rice and Peas

Easy brown rice and peas is a tasty dish that you can prepare quickly. It combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the creaminess of beans or peas. This meal is simple and satisfying.

To make it, you can use canned beans or frozen peas for convenience. You will want to cook the rice in coconut milk for extra flavor. Adding seasonings like garlic, thyme, or salt can enhance the taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 can black beans or kidney beans
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, and water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
4. Stir in the beans, thyme, and salt. Cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Enjoy your meal!

10) Weeknight Chicken Chop Suey with Brown Rice

This easy weeknight Chicken Chop Suey with brown rice is perfect for busy evenings. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes using one pan.

Start by cooking your brown rice according to the package directions.

While it cooks, sauté chicken, garlic, and ginger in a hot pan. Then, add colorful veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for a nutritious boost.

Pour in some chicken stock and a bit of soy sauce for flavor. Once everything is cooked through, serve it over the brown rice for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions.

2. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.

3. Add sliced chicken, garlic, and ginger. Cook until chicken is browned.

4. Add bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

5. Pour in chicken stock and soy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve on top of brown rice.

7. Enjoy!