How to make brown rice taste good???

dbeinke
dbeinke Posts: 14 Member
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
I know that brown rice is supposed to be very good for you. My problem is that I can't make it taste that good. It either never cooks properly or when it does, it's just very bland and plain. Any tips or ideas for making it taste yummy so I enjoy eating it instead of feeling like I have to force myself? Thanks for your help!
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Replies

  • spicy618
    spicy618 Posts: 2,114 Member
    I know that brown rice is supposed to be very good for you. My problem is that I can't make it taste that good. It either never cooks properly or when it does, it's just very bland and plain. Any tips or ideas for making it taste yummy so I enjoy eating it instead of feeling like I have to force myself? Thanks for your help!

    Maybe boiling it in broth instead of plain water could help. :flowerforyou:
  • Daisy80
    Daisy80 Posts: 755 Member
    What I do with rice usually is to fry the uncooked grains with a spray of oil and onions and then pour stock in it and cook it in that. Gives it some more flavour i find...
  • epa422
    epa422 Posts: 1,009
    Definitely broth and maybe low-sodium soy sauce and pepper.
  • ltlemermaid
    ltlemermaid Posts: 637 Member
    I do this with white rice as well...I sautee minced onion and garlic in a pan (use cooking spray or EVOO) after a few minutes add in the uncooked rice, sautee for a few minutes. Place in a pot and cook it in a veggie, chicken or beef broth instead of plain water. Bring to a boil and the cover and simmer until done. I get the organic natural broth cubes at the grocery store that are better for you.

    You can also cook it with a little butter and garlic salt as well to give it some flavor. ( I do this with the instant brown rice)
  • jennabella30
    jennabella30 Posts: 2
    I make brown rice the regular way, the way Uncle Ben recommends!! But then I spritz some lemon juice on it, and it's really good.
  • smuehlbauer
    smuehlbauer Posts: 1,041 Member
    I do this with white rice as well...I sautee minced onion and garlic in a pan (use cooking spray or EVOO) after a few minutes add in the uncooked rice, sautee for a few minutes. Place in a pot and cook it in a veggie, chicken or beef broth instead of plain water. Bring to a boil and the cover and simmer until done. I get the organic natural broth cubes at the grocery store that are better for you.

    You can also cook it with a little butter and garlic salt as well to give it some flavor. ( I do this with the instant brown rice)

    Ditto!
  • Kminor67
    Kminor67 Posts: 900 Member
    What brand are you using? I absolutely LOVE brown rice. I try to stick with Uncle Ben's or Riceland brands. If you're using instant brown rice, I've never had success with that.... it's HORRIBLE!

    Try preparing it with chicken or vegetable broth, or flavoring it with some low-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Try serving your main dish over it instead of having it on the side. Sauteed veggies can also add flavor... or use garlic or herbs. Mrs. Dash can work miracles as well!

    Just keep experimenting and you'll find something you love!
  • 4lafz
    4lafz Posts: 1,078 Member
    I always do it in a low sodium, fat free chicken stock or broth. Everyone I turn on to this idea LOVES brown rice now!
  • WeightingForSara
    WeightingForSara Posts: 122 Member
    I use flavored broth as well, but I love spicy food so I *kitten* lots of hot sauce and pepper sauce which helps me a TON.
  • Yellow4615
    Yellow4615 Posts: 14
    I use minute brown rice in a bag and it comes out good every time. I put fat free brown gravy over it and fat free cream of chicken over chicken, yummy!
  • dbeinke
    dbeinke Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks for the advice. I just use the Minute brown rice, so maybe that's part of my problem.
  • ♥_Ellybean_♥
    ♥_Ellybean_♥ Posts: 1,646 Member
    Obviously this is not ideal for everyone, and in moderation.. but I cook some bacon to chop up into it, and sauté the rice in a little bit of bacon grease until done, add grilled green peppers onions and then the bacon.. it taste REALLY good and is not too bad calories/carb wise
  • dbeinke
    dbeinke Posts: 14 Member
    That sounds wonderful. Thanks!
  • dbeinke
    dbeinke Posts: 14 Member
    I do this with white rice as well...I sautee minced onion and garlic in a pan (use cooking spray or EVOO) after a few minutes add in the uncooked rice, sautee for a few minutes. Place in a pot and cook it in a veggie, chicken or beef broth instead of plain water. Bring to a boil and the cover and simmer until done. I get the organic natural broth cubes at the grocery store that are better for you.

    You can also cook it with a little butter and garlic salt as well to give it some flavor. ( I do this with the instant brown rice)
  • PaulaDygert
    PaulaDygert Posts: 148 Member
    An idea a friend gave me that is awesome and reasonable calorie wise is add 1/2 cup corn black bean salsa, about 4 blue aztec chips and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese to a cup of rice. It is amazing!
  • vdub88
    vdub88 Posts: 79
    I mix it with well sasoned veggies like zuchini and onions and carrots done in olive oil. mix it together and hell throw in some chicken!
  • akabob
    akabob Posts: 9
    Replace the salt and sugar with honey when preparing. You'll see a huge difference.
  • islandnutshel
    islandnutshel Posts: 1,143 Member
    I love a rice cooker, it cooks it till perfect. To help my husband make the switch I did half & half with white and slowly reduced the white %. Cooking it in broth and with sauted garlic and onion makes it delish.
  • amelia_atlantic
    amelia_atlantic Posts: 926 Member
    I do this with white rice as well...I sautee minced onion and garlic in a pan (use cooking spray or EVOO) after a few minutes add in the uncooked rice, sautee for a few minutes. Place in a pot and cook it in a veggie, chicken or beef broth instead of plain water. Bring to a boil and the cover and simmer until done. I get the organic natural broth cubes at the grocery store that are better for you.


    This sounds great! It's a healthier version of Japanese hibatchi rice! YUM!
  • boogie17
    boogie17 Posts: 103 Member
    i season my brown rice when i make it with some cayane powder, and i also, cook the rice with some green, red, orange, and yellow peppers.
  • SarahElittlebit
    SarahElittlebit Posts: 66 Member
    I like making it and then mixing it with some fresh red or yellow peppers, red onion, cucumber and cilantro. I also out a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar in it for an acid in it if tastes too bland.
  • MLgarcia3
    MLgarcia3 Posts: 503
    I add green onion and a scrambled egg and sprinkle some garlic salt and lemon pepper on it.
  • championnfl
    championnfl Posts: 324 Member
    :smile: right up my alley!! Make 1 cup every other day and put in the frig. 2 cups of water bring to a boil,add cup of brown rice, turn down burner to med, set timer for 25 mins. Comes out perfect everytime! PUT IN FRIG TILL NEEDED.
    When needed can add different spices,add cut veggies[already in frig],or just olive oil or butter.[microwave 1 min.] even use peanuts or rasins for flavor. Be creative and put in foods you like!:happy:
    Also other meals in frig,...cut up fruit, make big salad [good for about 48 hrs.]
    Always have prepared food in refrigerator so don't go to fast food or stop pick up candy,sweets,and carbs.[ALWAYS A WEAKNESS WHEN YOUR HUNGREY. That 7-11 is a killer when your starving.

    Cup of cooked brown rice....216 cal,45 carbs,5 protein,&2 fat----EXcellent fiber[keeps you full longer] Always eat with a protein![beans]

    P.S. CAN EVEN USE CAN VEGTABLES BUT I RINSE THEM BEFORE USING[SODIUM]:heart:
  • jessmomof3
    jessmomof3 Posts: 4,590 Member
    My kids love to add popcorn seasonings to their brown rice. Kernel Seasons and Land O Lakes make different flavors- sharp cheddar, white cheddar, parmesan garlic, etc. Also try cooking it in low sodium chicken or veggie broth or using low sodium soy sauce.

    Different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, anything to add whatever type of flavors that you like! Mrs. Dash makes great salt free seasonings also!
  • SweetyGirl
    SweetyGirl Posts: 40
    We love it. I buy the bagged rice in the oriental section of the grocery store. It's a medium grain rice, I think the brand is Tsuru Mai. And then just follow directions on the package to a tee. Electric steamers haven't worked well for me with the brown rice. And it doesn't bake well from a raw state.

    Adding vegetables is good. And definitely broth or bouillon cubes enhance it. We often cook it ahead and then add to casseroles, like maybe Spanish rice: Cooked rice, sauteed peppers, canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne or hot peppers to taste, and maybe leftover chicken or lean beef or pork, plus any other vegetables you think will work, such as celery, zucchini, canned black beans, etc. Then top with shredded cheese and bake at 350 until bubbly and starting to brown.

    Or serve it under a stir-fry. Good way to ease it into your diet by mixing with other familiar foods until you "get" the taste of it.:flowerforyou:
  • clahut
    clahut Posts: 211 Member
    With any kind of rice, I like adding a handful of sweetcorn and a handful of frozen peas a few minutes before the end of the cooking time. Or some lightly sauteed mushrooms and peppers stirred through. They both work for me.

    C
  • Mepheston
    Mepheston Posts: 38 Member
    I LOVE brown rice, I usually add some green onions and garlic the armoa and taste are amazing. :-)
  • healthydoseofglitter
    healthydoseofglitter Posts: 532 Member
    Not sure if anyone suggested this but I add a lil bit of salsa and fat free sour cream to mine and LOVE IT. You could also do some fat free cheddar cheese mixed up with broccoli.
  • shannonkk
    shannonkk Posts: 192 Member
    i have tried uncle bens brown rice and didnt like it because it was plain and dry and I had to add salsa and lite sour cream, then I made california brown rice and I liked it so much that I ate it plain?? I guess just try some different brands, I like a little garlic and I can't believe its not butter spray.
  • JennS19
    JennS19 Posts: 642 Member
    I do this with white rice as well...I sautee minced onion and garlic in a pan (use cooking spray or EVOO) after a few minutes add in the uncooked rice, sautee for a few minutes. Place in a pot and cook it in a veggie, chicken or beef broth instead of plain water. Bring to a boil and the cover and simmer until done. I get the organic natural broth cubes at the grocery store that are better for you.

    You can also cook it with a little butter and garlic salt as well to give it some flavor. ( I do this with the instant brown rice)

    Ditto this too, I love doing it this way
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