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How to Microwave Brown Rice

Perfectly cooked brown rice made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing a nutritious and wholesome addition to your meals. This method ensures fluffy, tender brown rice, ideal for side dishes, stir-fries, or meal prep.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

30 mins
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How to Microwave Brown Rice

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Caution! Before cooking grains of any kind, you absolutely must lower your microwave’s power level. If you skip this step (or fail to change your PL properly*) the rice will burn and you could severely damage your Anyday Dish. For detailed instructions on how to change your power level,  read our blog post on how to do it.

The microwave makes fluffy rice perfectly every single time. Both short and long-grain brown rice work with this faster cooking method.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Caution! Before cooking grains of any kind, you absolutely must lower your microwave’s power level. If you skip this step (or fail to change your PL properly*) the rice will burn and you could severely damage your Anyday Dish. For detailed instructions on how to change your power level,  read our blog post on how to do it.

The microwave makes fluffy rice perfectly every single time. Both short and long-grain brown rice work with this faster cooking method.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1/2 cup brown rice
  • 1/2 cup brown rice
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice
  • 2 cups brown rice
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (90g) long-grain brown rice
  • ¾ cup (180ml) water, or bone broth

Preparation

  1. Place the rice in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water, swirling the rice around gently until the water becomes cloudy. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
  2. After straining, add the water and stir to combine. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 4
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 30 minutes the water is almost fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
  4. Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Suggestions

  • Spiced rice: Add curry powder, paprika, or garlic powder to the rice and water before cooking for a flavorful, seasoned rice dish.
  • Herbed rice: Toss the cooked rice with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright and tasty side.
  • Sweet & savory rice: Mix in currants, raisins, or dried cranberries before cooking for a simple yet flavorful twist.

Recipe Notes

  • Always use an Anyday Deep Dish to cook grains (the water will likely overflow in the Shallow Dishes). Do not cook more than the maximum quantities listed above.
  • If it’s taking longer than expected, increase the power level by 1. If it’s bubbling over, decrease the power level by 1.
  • Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
  • Different brands of brown rice have different amounts of bran on the rice kernels, which means they may require slightly different water ratios and cook times! (The more bran, the more water and cooking time is needed.) You may need to experiment a bit.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Brown Rice

See for yourself— microwaving brown rice is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 30 mins
Stovetop* 45-50 mins
Oven* 45-50 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 32 mins
*Includes preheat time
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Step-by-Step: Microwaving Brown Rice

Add the rice and water to the Anyday

Cover with lid (knob lifted)

Cook in the microwave and rest

Rice is ready when water is absorbed and grains are tender

All you need to know about microwaving brown rice

How long does brown rice take to cook in the microwave?

Ingredient Water Power Level Cook Time
½ cup (90g) brown rice ¾ cup (150ml) water 4 30 mins
1 cup (185g) brown rice 1⅓ cups (300ml) water 4 32 mins
1½ cups (275g) brown rice) 2 cups (450ml) water 4 35 mins
2 cups (375g) brown rice 2⅔ cups (550ml) water 5 40 mins
3 cups (560g) brown rice 4 cups(900ml) water 6 40 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

How long does brown rice take to cook in the microwave?

Brown rice takes 30-40 minutes to cook in the Anyday depending on the amount you cook. Brown rice usually takes longer than white rice because it still has its bran layer intact which makes the grain take longer to cook.

Why do I need to rinse the rice? How many times should I rinse it?

Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch, which can cause the grains to become sticky and clump together during cooking. Thoroughly rinsing the rice helps it cook up light and fluffy, with each grain staying perfectly separate. Use the Anyday Strainer to make the process quick and easy. Using an Anyday Strainer, rinse and drain the rice repeatedly until the water runs clear—this usually takes about 3 to 4 rinses. Properly rinsing the rice also improves its texture and overall quality in the finished dish.

How to tell when brown rice is cooked through?

Brown rice is fully cooked when all the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender. Similar to using a rice cooker, it's important to "fluff" the rice after cooking to separate the grains, creating a light and airy texture. The rice should be soft but not mushy, and each grain should remain distinct.

How to freeze microwaved brown rice?

Once the rice is cooked, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to Anyday's 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays. You can freeze the rice for up to 3 months. For added convenience, season the rice before freezing for a quick and easy side dish.

How to reheat frozen rice in the microwave?

Place the frozen rice pucks into an Anyday dish, sprinkle a few drops of water over them, and microwave at full power for 1-2 minutes per puck, or until fully heated through. Stir to ensure even heating and enjoy. For more information about reheating frozen food please visit our blog: How to freeze and reheat food

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