How to Make Brown Rice
This is the only brown rice recipe you’ll ever need. It’s light, fluffy, and full of flavor—thanks to a simple mix of olive oil, lemon, and dill. Whether you're building a grain bowl, prepping for the week, or just need a healthy side, this method guarantees perfect brown rice every time. No mushy grains, no guessing—just delicious, nourishing rice that actually tastes good.
8 people
Calories: 202kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cups water
To serve:
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Cook the rice:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly. Add it to a medium pot with the water and a pinch of salt. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed.
Let it rest:
- Turn off the heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice steam for about 5 minutes to finish cooking.
Flavor and fluff:
- Add the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, dill, and salt. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains—don’t mash it!
Taste and adjust:
- You can serve it as is, or adjust the flavor to your taste. Skip the oil, use only lemon, or go simple with just salt.
Notes
You can also prepare this brown rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. See blog post for full details.
Rinsing the rice helps it cook more evenly and prevents stickiness.
I like to use a silicone lid to prevent spills while cooking.
Leftovers store beautifully! Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in airtight bags.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.7mg