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Learn how to Microwave Brown Rice for perfectly tender rice in about 25 minutes, no rice cooker needed! This easy method is budget-friendly, hands-off, and gives you fluffy brown rice every time.
If you’ve struggled with hard or undercooked brown rice, this simple microwave shortcut makes it almost effortless.
Why You’ll Love Microwave Brown Rice!
If you’ve ever struggled with brown rice turning out too hard or taking forever to cook, this microwave method is such a game changer. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hands-off side dish that won’t break the budget.
Here’s why this method works so well:
- No special equipment needed – No rice cooker required.
- Hands-off cooking – Pop it in the microwave and work on the rest of dinner.
- Budget-friendly staple – Brown rice is inexpensive and stretches meals further.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch and use it all week.
- Consistent results – Fluffy, tender rice without babysitting the pot.
Once you try cooking brown rice in the microwave, it’s hard to go back to standing over the stove. It’s an easy, practical method that fits real life, especially on busy nights when every minute counts.
Recipe Snapshot
- Method: Microwave
- Time: About 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Busy weeknights, meal prep
- Yield: 6 cups cooked rice
- Budget Tip: Buying rice in bulk is one of the cheapest pantry staples per serving.
Ingredients for Microwave Brown Rice
- Long Grain Rice – Long-grain brown rice stays fluffy and separate when cooked. You can use white long-grain rice, but reduce the cooking time since it cooks faster.
- Water – Use a 2:1 ratio — 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. This helps the rice cook through without drying out.
- Butter – Adds flavor and helps keep the rice tender. You can substitute olive oil or leave it out if preferred.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances the flavor. Add more or less depending on how you plan to season or serve the rice.
How to Microwave Brown Rice
Step 1 – Combine rice, water, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. You DO NOT need a lid. I used a 4-liter corning ware dish. Make sure to cover the rice with water.
Step 2 – Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 10 minutes. Do NOT stir.
Step 3 – Microwave on MEDIUM-LOW (or 50%) for another 15 minutes.
Step 4 – Season with salt and pepper and fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 5 – I used a 1200 watt microwave, so you may need to adjust your cooking time slightly depending on the wattage of your microwave.
Microwave Brown Rice Water Ratio
Use a 2:1 ratio which means 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice.
- 1 cup rice with 2 cups water
- 2 cups rice with 4 cups water
This method yields fluffy rice without drying out or becoming mushy.
How to Season Brown Rice
- Season with Garlic salt and butter
- Add salsa and taco seasoning to make Spanish rice
- Stir in cilantro and lime and salt
- See How to Season Brown Rice for more ideas.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
Store leftover brown rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, divide rice into meal-sized portions and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat, sprinkle with 1–2 tablespoons of water and microwave covered until warm. Fluff before serving.
Freezing rice is a great way to stretch your grocery budget and prep meals ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as you use a large enough dish to prevent boiling over.
It may need a few extra minutes depending on microwave wattage. Let it rest before checking.
Yes. Butter adds flavor but is optional.
White rice cooks faster and requires less water. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How to Microwave Long Grain Rice
Ingredients
- 16 oz. bag of Long Grain Rice (I prefer brown rice) 1 lb bag Long Grain Rice (I prefer brown rice)
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine
- salt and pepper to taste
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Combine 16 ounces of rice, 4. cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large microwaveable safe container. You DO NOT need a lid. I used a 4 liter corning ware dish.
- Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes. Do NOT stir.
- Microwave on MEDIUM-LOW (or 50%) for another 15 minutes.
- Season with salt a pepper and fluff with a fork before serving.
- I used a 1200 watt microwave, so you may need to adjust your cooking time slightly depending on the wattage of your microwave.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Easy Rice Recipes
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Instant pot White Rice Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Rice
Easy Side Dishes
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
Once you see how easy it is to microwave brown rice, you may never go back to the stovetop method again. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for busy nights when you need a dependable side dish without extra work.
If you try this method, we’d love for you to leave a comment or star review. Your feedback helps other families and makes our recipes even better.
At 83, and with health issues, I switched to adding lots of whole grains to my meals – I have tried many a microwave recipe for brown rice but yours worked far more easily and was quicker than any of the others. I made a full bag, and packed it into cup-size containers for the freezer and I am so happy to be able to grab a cup of it when I need it – thank you, and thanks for the easy-to-understand instructions!
Your article gave me confidence to cook brown rice in the microwave And duh, I need to start freezing my rice! I buy frozen brown rice that takes 3 minutes to heat up. No more cooking rice EVERY TIME I want it. What a waste of money. I’m cooking the whole bag now. I frequently cook Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai. And I ALWAYS cook basmati or jasmine. Now I can have brown rice more often to vary taste on my palate. So now I will also soak brown rice (I always soak my white rice like forever, but that’s a good thing). a minute or two to clear the starch. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it and saving time and money now too! Woohoo!