The Perfect Brown Rice: Cook, Freeze, and Reheat for Easy Meal Prep
Brown rice is a healthy and versatile staple that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from burrito bowls to stir-fries. With a bit of prep, you can cook and freeze brown rice ahead of time, making it easy to pull together quick, wholesome meals throughout the week.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan with lid
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer
- 1 Fork (for fluffing)
- 1 Baking sheet (optional, for freezing)
- 1 Freezer bags or airtight containers (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt if desired for flavor.Once the water is boiling, stir in the rinsed brown rice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 45 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow proper steaming.
- Let it Rest: After 45 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining steam for a fluffy texture.
- Fluff the Rice: Use a fork to fluff the rice. If you're freezing it, spread the cooked rice onto a baking sheet to cool completely before dividing it into portions.
- Freezing the Rice: Once cooled, portion the rice into freezer bags or airtight containers. Press the bags flat to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label and freeze the rice for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Frozen Rice: To reheat, microwave the frozen rice for 1-2 minutes, or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water until warm.
Notes
Give this brown rice cooking and freezing method a try! Whether you're using it for quick burrito bowls, stir-fries, or as a side to your favorite dishes, I'd love to hear how it works for you. Share your feedback or any creative twists you've added to the recipe!
