Rice cookers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can perfectly cook white rice with the push of a button. However, when it comes to other rice varieties like brown rice, the answer isn’t as straightforward.
What is the difference between white rice and brown rice?
White rice is the most commonly consumed type of rice. It has the outer bran and germ layers removed, leaving the starchy endosperm behind. This gives white rice a light color, fluffy texture and mild flavor.
Brown rice, on the other hand, is whole grain rice with only the tough, inedible hull removed. It retains the nutritious bran and germ layers, which give it a light brown color, chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Due to the presence of the bran and germ, brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more water than refined white rice. This can impact its cooking time and method.
Challenges of cooking brown rice in a rice cooker
Though rice cookers excel at cooking white rice, cooking brown rice can pose some challenges:
Longer cooking time
Brown rice typically takes much longer to cook than white rice due to its extra bran layers. White rice may cook in 15–20 minutes, while brown rice can take up to 40–50 minutes to reach the proper tenderness.
Most basic rice cookers are designed to cook white rice and switch to the “keep warm” setting after 20–30 minutes. This may not allow enough time for brown rice to fully cook.
More water absorption
Since brown rice retains all its bran layers, it absorbs more water as it cooks. This can result in brown rice turning out soggy or mushy in a rice cooker.
The 1:1 liquid to rice ratio used for white rice may lead to overcooked brown rice. A 1:1.25–1:1.5 ratio is often needed for brown rice to account for the extra water absorption.
Variability in cooking times
There are many different varieties of brown rice that may have different grain lengths and thicknesses. Long grain brown rice generally takes longer to cook than short grain.
This variability can make it tricky to determine the right cook times and water amounts when using pre-set rice cooker programs.
Tips for cooking brown rice in a rice cooker
While cooking brown rice in a rice cooker takes a bit more effort, it is certainly achievable with the right techniques:
Use a rice cooker with specific brown rice settings
Look for a rice cooker that offers customized brown rice settings. These allow you to program longer cook times and ideal water amounts for perfect brown rice every time.
Adjust the water ratio
Use a lower water to rice ratio for brown rice, around 1:1.25–1:1.5. This prevents excess water absorption and sogginess.
Try pot-in-pot cooking
Place a bowl of brown rice and water into the rice cooker’s steaming basket instead of directly into the cooking pot. This allows it to cook fully immersed in steam.
Pre-soak the rice
Soaking brown rice for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking allows it to partially hydrate and cuts down the cooking time.
Use manual settings
Utilize the manual cook setting on your rice cooker instead of pre-set programs. This gives you control over cook times.
Allow a natural release
Don’t open the rice cooker immediately once done cooking. Allow the rice to steam for 10–15 minutes before releasing pressure.
Check rice and adjust time as needed
Occasionally check rice toward the end of cooking. If needed, use the “keep warm” function to continue cooking without scorching.
Best practices for cooking brown rice in a rice cooker
Follow these best practices for cooking fool-proof brown rice in a rice cooker every time:
- Rinse rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear.
- Use a 1:1.25–1:1.5 water to rice ratio.
- For softer rice, soak rice for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Select brown or manual settings on your rice cooker.
- Resist opening the lid until pressure releases naturally.
- Fluff rice with a fork and allow 5–10 minutes of rest time.
Cooking time table for brown rice
Cooking time can vary based on the type and grain length of brown rice. Use this cooking time table as a guide:
| Brown Rice Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Short grain | 35–40 minutes |
| Medium grain | 40–45 minutes |
| Long grain | 45–55 minutes |
Common problems and troubleshooting
Use this troubleshooting guide if your brown rice turns out undercooked, soggy or burnt:
Undercooked rice
- Increase water ratio up to 1:1.5
- Use manual setting with longer cook time
- Soak rice prior to cooking
Soggy or mushy rice
- Decrease water ratio to 1:1.25
- Reduce cook time slightly
- Avoid opening lid before pressure release
Burnt or scorched rice
- Use lower heat or “keep warm” to finish cooking
- Increase amount of water slightly
- Stir periodically if cooking pot-in-pot
Conclusion
It is possible to cook brown rice to fluffy, tender perfection in a rice cooker. Be sure to follow brown rice settings, adjust water amounts, and allow plenty of time for cooking. With the right techniques, you can enjoy nutritious brown rice from the convenience of your rice cooker.