
Master the art of cooking brown rice with two foolproof methods that guarantee light, fluffy grains every time. Whether you prefer the quick boil-and-drain technique or the hands-off oven-baked version, you'll never have mushy rice again.
If you purchased your rice from bulk bins, rinse it under cold water to remove excess dust and starch. If using the baked method, reduce the total water by 1/4 cup if you choose to rinse.
For the Stovetop Method: Fill a large saucepan with about 8 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the brown rice to the boiling water. Boil uncovered for 30 minutes for medium or long-grain rice, or 12–14 minutes for Basmati brown rice. The rice should be just cooked through but slightly firmer than your desired final texture.
Drain the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh colander. Shake the colander well to remove as much excess water as possible. The residual heat in the pot should help steam off any remaining moisture.
Return the drained rice to the empty pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.
For the Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Combine the rice and boiling water in a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan or a round casserole dish.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the grains gently with a fork and serve.
For extra flavor, substitute water with vegetable or chicken broth. If you find your rice is often gummy, ensure you drain it very well and never skip the 10-minute resting period, as this allows the moisture to redistribute evenly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.




