Cooking brown rice in a rice cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare the healthy whole grain. But how long does it actually take? The cooking time can vary based on several factors.
What is Brown Rice?
Brown rice is a whole grain rice with the inedible outer hull removed, but the nutrient-rich bran layer and germ still intact. This gives brown rice a light tan color and chewy texture. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice because it still has the bran and germ layers that white rice has had removed during processing.
Compared to refined white rice, brown rice is higher in fiber, vitamins and minerals. The bran contains insoluble fiber, while the germ contains healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Brown rice is a good source of manganese, selenium, magnesium, B vitamins and more.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are several key factors that affect brown rice cooking time in a rice cooker:
Type of Rice
There are many different varieties of brown rice. Short grain, medium grain, long grain, light brown, dark brown, sprouted brown rice and more. The exact type changes the cooking time.
Shorter grains like short grain brown rice absorb water faster and cook quicker. Longer grains like long grain brown rice take longer to absorb water and become tender.
Sprouted brown rice also cooks faster because the sprouting process helps break down starches.
Age of Rice
The fresher brown rice is, the quicker it will cook. As brown rice ages, it dries out and becomes harder. Old or stale rice can increase cooking time.
Water to Rice Ratio
Using the correct ratio of water to rice is important for proper cooking. Brown rice absorbs more water as it cooks. Too much water will make mushy rice. Too little water will create undercooked, crunchy rice.
The standard water to rice ratio for brown rice in a rice cooker is generally between 1.5:1 to 2:1. For every 1 cup of brown rice, add 1.5 to 2 cups water.
Soaking Time
Soaking brown rice in water before cooking can help reduce the cooking time. Soaking allows the grains to begin to absorb water and soften. 30 minutes to overnight soaking can cut cooking time by up to 50%.
Rice Cooker Settings
Rice cookers have different settings like regular, quick cook, brown rice, etc. Using the correct setting can optimize cooking time. The brown rice function on a rice cooker is specially designed for longer cooking whole grains.
Altitude
Higher altitudes require adjusting cooking time. Water boils at lower temperatures at higher elevations. For every 1000 feet above sea level, add about 5% more water and cooking time.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker?
With all those factors considered, here are some general time guidelines for cooking brown rice in a rice cooker:
| Type of Brown Rice | Cooking Time with Soaking | Cooking Time without Soaking |
|---|---|---|
| Short Grain | 15-25 minutes | 22-40 minutes |
| Medium Grain | 15-25 minutes | 25-45 minutes |
| Long Grain | 20-30 minutes | 25-50 minutes |
Here are some more details based on specific types of brown rice:
Short Grain Brown Rice
Short grain brown rice tends to have the fastest cooking time. With soaking, it can cook in as little as 15-25 minutes on the brown rice setting. Without soaking, it requires 22-40 minutes.
Medium Grain Brown Rice
Medium grain brown rice takes a similar amount of time as short grain, requiring 15-25 minutes when soaked and 25-45 minutes when unsoaked.
Long Grain Brown Rice
Due to the longer grains, long grain brown rice needs the most time to cook. With soaking it takes 20-30 minutes. And without soaking it can take between 25-50 minutes to become tender.
Sweet Brown Rice
Popular sweet or glutinous brown rice cooks faster than regular long grain brown rice. It is ready in about 35-40 minutes with soaking or 45-55 minutes without soaking.
Sprouted Brown Rice
Sprouted brown rice has been germinated, which reduces cooking time. It can be cooked in 10-15 minutes with soaking or 20-30 minutes without soaking.
Brown Basmati Rice
Aromatic brown basmati rice requires about 30-40 minutes to cook with soaking or 40-50 minutes without soaking.
Brown Jasmine Rice
Brown jasmine rice takes between 30-40 minutes with soaking and 40-55 minutes when unsoaked.
Tips for Cooking Brown Rice
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked brown rice from your rice cooker:
Rinse the Rice
Rinsing removes excess starch on the surface of the grains to prevent sticking. Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear.
Use the Correct Water Ratio
The ideal water to brown rice ratio is between 1.5:1 to 2:1. For every 1 cup rice use 1.5 to 2 cups water.
Allow Time for Soaking
Soaking brown rice for 30 minutes to overnight cuts down cooking time substantially.
Use the Brown Rice Setting
Rice cookers have specific brown rice settings designed for longer cooking times. This ensures the grains cook through completely.
Get the Timing Right
Set a timer based on the estimated cooking time for the type of rice. Check doneness toward the end of the time range.
Keep the Lid Closed
Resist opening the lid during cooking, which releases steam and heat. Opening too early can lead to improperly cooked rice.
Fluff with a Fork
Gently fluff the finished rice with a fork to separate any clumped grains and help release excess moisture.
Allow to Rest
Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes off heat. Then serve and enjoy the perfectly cooked brown rice!
How to Tell When Brown Rice is Done
Checking your brown rice toward the end of the estimated cooking time is important to prevent over or undercooking. Here are ways to tell when brown rice is fully cooked:
Look for Craters
Properly cooked rice will have small craters on the surface. Undercooked rice will still look wet and smooth.
Check the Texture
The rice should be tender but still have a slight chew. It should not be gummy, mushy or crunchy.
Taste a Grain
Bite into a grain of rice. It should be tender throughout without any crunchy center.
Grains Separate
Well cooked brown rice grains will be fluffy and separated. Uncooked grains will stick together in a gummy clump.
Listen for the Cooker
Quality rice cookers switch to warm mode or indicate when cooking is complete based on temperature and moisture sensors.
How to Store Cooked Brown Rice
Leftover brown rice should be handled properly to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage:
Allow to Cool
Let rice come to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Hot rice placed directly into the fridge can lead to excess moisture.
Store in Airtight Container
Place cooled rice into an airtight container, jar or zip top freezer bag. This prevents drying out.
Refrigerate Promptly
Refrigerate rice within 1-2 hours of cooking. Bacteria can grow quickly on rice at room temperature.
Use within 3-5 Days
Consume leftover rice within 3 days for best quality and safety. It’s okay for up to 5 days but may dry out.
Reheat Thoroughly
Heat rice to 165°F or until hot to kill any bacteria before eating. Add a bit of water to refresh.
Freeze for Long Term
For longer storage, freeze rice for 3-6 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Common Brown Rice Cooking Problems
Having trouble getting perfect results when cooking brown rice? Here are some common cooking issues and how to avoid them:
Not Enough Water
Dry, crunchy rice – Add more water and cook longer. Use 1.5 cups water per 1 cup rice.
Too Much Water
Wet, mushy rice – Use less water next time. Stick to the 1.5-2 cups water per 1 cup rice ratio.
Undercooked
Firm, stiff grains – Allow rice to cook longer, being careful not to exceed 50 minutes to avoid burning.
Overcooked
Mushy, soggy texture – Use less water and reduce cooking time for next batch. Err on the lower end of time range.
Burnt Rice
Crispy scorched bottom layer – Don’t exceed 50 minutes cooking time. Make sure heating element contacts rice, not just the pot bottom.
Insufficient Rinsing
Gummy rice grains – Thoroughly rinse rice before cooking until rinse water is clear.
Conclusion
Cooking brown rice in a rice cooker typically takes between 15-50 minutes depending on the type of rice, soaking time and other factors. Following ratio guidelines, using proper cooker settings and checking for doneness helps ensure perfectly cooked rice every time.
With some trial and error, you can learn how long each variety of brown rice takes in your cooker and use these easy methods to enjoy fluffy, tender whole grain rice anytime.