Cooking Brown Rice in a Microwave: Tips & Tricks

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various experiences and opinions regarding cooking brown rice in a microwave, particularly using the micro cooker versus a rice cooker. Participants share tips, personal anecdotes, and preferences related to the cooking process and outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using broth instead of water to enhance the flavor of brown rice cooked in the microwave.
  • Another participant shares their experience of a customer struggling with cooking brown rice in the micro cooker, suggesting that it may not be suitable for that purpose.
  • Several users note that the rice cooker is preferred for brown rice due to better steam retention and cooking results.
  • One participant recounts a past mishap with their rice cooker, highlighting the need to adjust cooking times and water amounts for brown rice compared to white rice.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding individual microwave differences when cooking rice.
  • Some participants express satisfaction with the rice cooker, while others prefer traditional stovetop methods for cooking brown rice.
  • One user mentions that brown rice tends to have a firmer texture compared to white rice, which may require different cooking techniques.
  • Another participant discusses their preference for using different broths and seasonings to flavor rice, particularly when cooking on the stove.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of the micro cooker for brown rice, with some participants advocating for the rice cooker while others share successful experiences with the micro cooker for different types of rice.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and preferences, with some mentioning specific brands of rice and cooking methods that work for them. The discussion reflects a variety of cooking environments, including high altitude considerations.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and community members looking for insights into cooking brown rice and the use of different cooking tools.

KRISTI'SCOOKING
KRISTI'SCOOKING
Messages
163
Does anyone have any tips for cooking brown rice in the small micro cooker? Kristi
 
Just follow the microwave directions on the package. I use broth (beef, chicken, vegetable) instead of water to add flavor.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
she - my customer- said she had to keep adding more and more water and that it never quite got done. i cheat and use the 10 min. rice in a bag so I dont have this problem and wasnt sure what to tell her. Kristi
 
She shouldn't be making rice in the microcooker. She needs the rice cooker. Too much liquid escapes in the microcooker to cook it properly.
 
Brown rice is a little tricky to cook. I actually melted my first rice cooker b/c I increased the cook time--my son refers it to "the time mommy made a mistake in the kitchen and the house smelled awful". Luckily I didn't catch the place on fire! Anyhow, if you use the rice cooker, you do need to adjust the cooking time and increase the water as compared to white rice. I'm also at high altitude (6000 ft) so that makes it a little dicier for me.
 
Gee, I need to start reading things closer. Yeah, there's a big difference between the micro-cookers and the rice cooker. (I just saw the word "microwave.") Usually the microwave directions on my rice includes extra liquid. It's also important to remember that each microwave oven is different. The time it takes in mine will be different than yours.
 
Actually, white rice cooks beautifully in the micro cooker. Brown rice has a totally different texture than white rice when cooked though and may need to be cooked different. But if there are microwave directions on the package, she should try them and adjust from there.
 
DebbieJ said:
She shouldn't be making rice in the microcooker. She needs the rice cooker. Too much liquid escapes in the microcooker to cook it properly.
Click to expand...
This was my first thought too!
I don't like making brown rice in my rice cooker because I have to pay so much attention to it! I stir more often to check the water content and it just is too time consuming! I don't want to be a slave to the kitchen, that's why I love PC! I usually still cook it in cookware on the stove, because it tuns out better for me in there and I can see right through the lid to see what's going on! I also use different broths to add flavor and I like to add some of our seasoning to it before I start cooking it, I like the Italian in it the most, but the asian rocks too for my asian meals!

But I definetley would try the rice cooker before the micro cooker when it comes to brown rice! Shoot I never used my micro cookers for any rice. I've always used the stove, until they brought out the rice cooker. Now any other type of rice other than brown goes in there!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
I use my micro cooker for white rice too. It comes out fine. I have the rice cooker but I am not real fond of it. The clear plastic part of the lid always falls out and the ring too. So I do not endorse them at my shows. Do they all do that or is mine a reject? Kristi
 
I think they probably all do that a little, and maybe it's something that's worth bringing up to product developement. I am thoroughly impressed with the result and I can even salvage destroyed rice in the rice cooker! I don't have a lot of problems with the clear lid and my ring only comes out when I wash it in the dishwasher! Othere than that I don't have problems with it!
My best friend loves it and it's one of her very favorites! And she has about 3/4 of our products! She supports her best friend!:D I think it's because she use to ALWAYS burn rice! And now she doesn't, she's the one that told me about adding water to rice that iis destroyed and bringing it slowly back to life!
 
the clear plastic piece is supposed to stay on the base after you've cooked the rice. You take the lid off, then use a fork or knife or something inserted into the center hole to pull back the clear lid.
 
I do my best to tell people this when they order one. That way they don't call me and tell me it's defective.
 
I love brown rice. If you have a Fred Meyer, I use their brand name rice. I put 2 1/4 cups water for 1 cup of rice. I cook it for 20 minutes on HIGH. Done perfectly. In the Rice Cooker.

You just have to get to know your microwave and rice. I use to use another brand and the rice never felt done. Brown Rice will always have a bite to it like Al Dente, but should never feel not cooked.
 
dwyerkim said:
You take the lid off, then use a fork or knife or something inserted into the center hole to pull back the clear lid.
Click to expand...

The Bamboo Tongs work beautifully for this.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Thank you for all the tips, ladies! I know i can always find the answers here!
Kristi
 
Brown rice generally needs more time to cook than standard white rice. As a result, its best to add a little more water (or broth). Also, I prefer using the rice cooker over the microcookers. The rice cooker allows the steam to really cook the rice, whereas the microcooker doesn't use the steam to cook, but rather allows it to escape.
 
Joelen - that has to be one of the best blogs I have ever visited! I'm hungry now after looking thru your pictures and food descriptions!
 
I love the Rice Cooker! Living in Hawaii rice is a staple.
The cooker makes wihte rice nice and sticky, the way we love it.

I am just now trying the brown rice and am anxious to try tpchefrebecca's suggestions.
 
Joelen said:
Brown rice generally needs more time to cook than standard white rice. As a result, its best to add a little more water (or broth). Also, I prefer using the rice cooker over the microcookers. The rice cooker allows the steam to really cook the rice, whereas the microcooker doesn't use the steam to cook, but rather allows it to escape.
Click to expand...

I have cooked all sorts of rice...quick, easy (and cheap) addition to any meal! I do add a little more liquid as I like my rice moist not sticky or dry. I've never used the microcooker for rice though. Does your customer continue to check and stir her rice while cooking? That could be a reason for the end result not turning out well - every time you open the lid, steam (liquid) is released. I learned the hard way to keep it covered.

On a side note, I have fallen in love with Jasmine Rice and use a coconut milk and water combo to cook it - very tasty!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook brown rice in the microwave?

Cooking brown rice in the microwave typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the amount of rice you are cooking.

What is the water-to-rice ratio for cooking brown rice in the microwave?

The recommended water-to-rice ratio for brown rice is usually 2.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice. This helps ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs enough moisture.

Should I cover the bowl when cooking brown rice in the microwave?

Yes, it is important to cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to trap steam, which helps cook the rice evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Can I add seasonings or other ingredients while cooking brown rice in the microwave?

Absolutely! You can add seasonings, herbs, or even vegetables to the water before cooking to infuse flavor into the rice. Just be mindful of the additional moisture these ingredients may add.

What should I do if the brown rice is still hard after cooking?

If the brown rice is still hard after the cooking time, you can add a little more water (about 1/4 cup), cover it again, and microwave for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness and repeat if necessary.

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