How to Bake Brown Rice in the Oven
Master the art of perfectly cooked whole grains with this foolproof recipe for baked brown rice in the oven! With just four simple ingredients—nutty brown rice, water, a touch of butter or olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt—you can achieve fluffy, tender rice every time, without the hassle of stovetop babysitting. The oven’s steady heat ensures consistent results, while the addition of butter or olive oil enhances the flavor for a deliciously rich side dish. This hands-off method is ideal for meal prep and pairs beautifully with everything from vibrant stir-fries to hearty grain bowls. With only 5 minutes of prep time and minimal effort, this recipe will become your go-to technique for making the perfect brown rice.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a medium-sized, oven-safe baking dish with a lid or have foil ready for covering the dish tightly.
Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the rinsed brown rice, water, melted butter (or olive oil), and salt. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with its lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent moisture loss.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven (it will be very hot). Keep the dish covered and let it rest untouched for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
After resting, uncover the dish and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish, or use in your favorite recipes like stir-fries, salads, or grain bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
80 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 252 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 22 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
