Grain | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Whole Grain High Fiber

Brown Rice

Oryza sativa (unhulled) Allergen-Free
brown rice

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian, South Asian, Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Rice plant

The Forktionary Angle

"A nutritional powerhouse and versatile staple, offering sustained energy and a robust, earthy flavor."

Definition

Whole grain rice that retains its bran and germ layers, giving it a chewy texture, nutty flavor, and higher nutritional value.

Sensory Profile

TasteNutty, Earthy, Mild
TextureChewy, Firm, Separate grains
AromaEarthy, Cooked grain
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Cooking Time (Stovetop)

35-45 minutes

Fiber Content (per cup cooked)

~3.5g

Glycemic Index

Lower than white rice (medium)

Nutrition Facts

Per 185g
Calories112 kcal
Total Fat0.9 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2.6 g
Total Carbohydrate23.5 g
Dietary Fiber1.8 g
Total Sugars0.2 g
Calcium2 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium55 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting dry brown rice lightly in a pan before cooking deepens its nutty flavor and can improve its texture, making it less gummy.

Substitutions

Best Match

Quinoa

1:1

Similar texture and nutty flavor, higher protein, gluten-free, cooks faster.

Farro

1:1

Chewy texture, earthy flavor, excellent for salads and grain bowls.

Wild Rice

1:1

Longer cooking time, distinct earthy and chewy texture, high in nutrients.

Barley

1:1

Chewy and nutty, though slightly different flavor profile; excellent in soups and stews.

Buying Guide

Look for unbroken grains and a fresh, nutty aroma. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity due to its oils.

Flavor Pairings

Vegetables Legumes Tofu Chicken Fish Curries Stir-fries Nuts Seeds.

Recipes Using Brown Rice

Preparation Brown Rice 30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine

Healthy Fried Rice

This vibrant and healthy fried rice recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and protein, it's surprisingly easy to make and keeps you full for hours. Say goodbye to heavy takeout and hello to a delicious, guilt-free meal that's ready in under 30 minutes!

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Low In Something Salads Time To Make Healthy 2

A Wild Ride On The Half Shell

Experience a culinary adventure with this vibrant and flavorful wild rice salad! A perfect appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course, this recipe boasts a delightful mix of nutty wild and brown rice, a zesty vinaigrette, plump sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and creamy avocado. The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible combination of textures and tastes!

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Vegetables Cuisine Egg Free Main Ingredient

African Yam Stew

This vibrant and flavorful African Yam Stew is a complete meal in itself! Simple to make, yet bursting with healthy ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender yams, hearty chickpeas, and fragrant spices combine to create a satisfying and nutritious stew. Enjoy it as is, or serve with pita bread or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess. Get ready to savor the delicious leftovers!

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Low Cholesterol Low In Something Brown Rice Easy

Almost Instant Onion Rice

Need a ridiculously quick and flavorful side dish? This Almost Instant Onion Rice is your new best friend! Ready in under 10 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver when you're short on time but craving deliciousness. Perfectly fluffy rice with a hint of sweet onion, it's the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

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Preparation Low Calorie Dietary Appetizers

Aloha Meatballs

These Aloha Meatballs are a surprisingly light yet incredibly flavorful appetizer! Inspired by a fat-free cookbook, this recipe delivers a sweet and sour explosion of taste that will impress even the most discerning palates. No one will guess these juicy meatballs are low-fat – it's our little secret! Perfect for parties, game day, or a weeknight treat.

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Cuisine Preparation Beans Mexican

Amy's Chicken And Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Craving a flavor explosion? This Amy's Chicken & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole delivers! Perfectly spiced chicken and black beans simmer in a rich, smoky blend of coriander and cumin. Creamy enchilada sauce, cool sour cream, crisp romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes create the ultimate comfort food experience. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying – this recipe is your new weeknight go-to!

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4 Hours Or Less Southern United States Taste Mood American

Anti Seafood Jambalaya

Craving the rich flavors of New Orleans jambalaya but not a fan of seafood? This recipe delivers an authentic Cajun experience without the shellfish! Enjoy succulent chicken and savory sausage simmered in a spicy tomato broth with fluffy rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.

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Time To Make Time To Make Course Salads

Arroz Con Pollo Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Arroz Con Pollo Salad is a healthy and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner! Inspired by Women's Health and Fitness magazine, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with protein and fresh ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a refreshing twist on a classic!

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30 Minutes Or Less Course Lunch Dietary

Artichoke Fajitas

Forget the beef! These Artichoke Fajitas offer a vibrant, vegetarian twist on a beloved Mexican classic. Tender artichoke hearts, sweet bell peppers, and savory onions are sautéed to perfection, then nestled in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. A quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious weeknight meal!

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Healthy Low Cholesterol Fruit Healthy 2

Asian Brown Rice And Peanut Salad Toss

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired salad featuring nutty brown rice, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy honey-soy dressing! This recipe, adapted from the renowned 'Whole Wheat Cooking' cookbook, is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Get ready to impress with this unique and delicious salad that's surprisingly easy to make. (Note: Allow 30-40 minutes for the rice to cool.)

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Time To Make Time To Make Main Dish Asian

Asparagus Cabbage And Chicken Or Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy stir-fry is bursting with flavor! Tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus are tossed with vibrant cabbage, a touch of sweetness, and a kick of spicy heat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.

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Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains Low Cholesterol Main Dish

Bean And Rice Patties In Pita With Yogurt Tahini Dressing

Craving a healthier, flavorful twist on falafel? These hearty bean and rice patties, inspired by Moosewood's low-fat favorites, are packed with spices and nestled in warm pita bread with a creamy yogurt-tahini dressing. A fantastic vegetarian meal that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Customize the spice level to your liking – more cumin and cayenne are always welcome! Prep time excludes brown rice cooking.

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Time To Make Main Dish Mexican North American

Bean And Rice Tacos

These easy Bean and Rice Tacos are a family-friendly favorite! A quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe is packed with protein and customizable to your liking. Serve with your favorite toppings for a fiesta in every bite! Perfect for busy weeknights.

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Course Easy Stove Top Equipment

Beans And Greens Of Provence

Transport your taste buds to the sunny hills of Provence with this hearty vegetarian dish! Inspired by an Atlanta restaurant and originally featured in the newspaper, this recipe is bursting with flavor. Enjoy tender beans and vibrant greens in a rich, satisfying sauce – a delicious and memorable meal your whole family will crave. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Rice Main Dish

Brown Rice Goat Cheese Cakes

These savory Brown Rice Goat Cheese Cakes are a delightful twist on traditional patties! Inspired by EatingWell Magazine, this recipe combines nutty pecans, creamy goat cheese, and earthy brown rice for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a vegetarian entree or a unique appetizer, these cakes are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Beans Main Ingredient Free Of Something 15 Minutes Or Less

Spicy Black Eyed Peas And Rice

Whip up this flavorful Spicy Black Eyed Peas and Rice in just 15 minutes! A quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner bursting with spicy flavor. Perfect for a busy week or a casual get-together.

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Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Beans Cheese

Spinach Rice Casserole

This hearty and healthy Spinach Rice Casserole is a vegetarian delight! Packed with protein and low in fat, it's a delicious and nutritious meal the whole family will love. Fresh basil elevates the flavor to another level (chiffonade about 1/4 cup if using fresh!), but dried works too. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Dietary Time To Make

Unstuffed Bell Peppers Parmigiana

Skip the stuffing hassle and dive into this irresistible Unstuffed Bell Pepper Parmigiana! This family-friendly recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a quicker, easier format. Tender bell peppers are infused with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese – a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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