Can I Cook Brown Rice with White Rice?

Are you wondering if can i cook brown rice with white rice? Despite the fact that both types of rice have distinct characteristics, it is possible to cook them together with a bit of planning and adjustment.

Yes, brown rice can be cooked with white rice. It is important to note, however, that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water than white rice. Consider adding brown rice to the pot first, and adjusting the water-to-rice ratio accordingly, to ensure that both types of rice are cooked to perfection. A rice cooker can also make it easier to cook both brown and white rice, as many models include settings for each type of rice.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between brown rice and white rice, as well as how to cook them together successfully.

Why Can I cook brown rice with white rice matter?

Cooking brown rice with white rice can be a matter of personal preference or a way to add variety to your meals.

Some people may prefer the combination of the nutty flavor and chewy texture of brown rice with the softer, more delicate texture of white rice.

Others may be interested in adding more nutrients and fiber to their meals by incorporating brown rice into their white rice dishes. 

Read Also: Can I Cook Brown Rice in Chicken Stock?

The Differences Between Brown Rice and White Rice

Before we dive into whether or not you can cook brown rice with white rice, let’s take a look at the differences between these two types of rice.

First, let’s start with white rice. White rice is made by removing the outer layers of the rice grain, which includes the bran and the germ.

This process removes most of the nutrients and fiber from the rice, which is why white rice is often considered less healthy than brown rice. However, it does have a longer shelf life and a softer, more delicate texture, which makes it a popular choice for many dishes.

On the other hand, brown rice is made by keeping the outer layers of the grain intact. This means that brown rice retains all of its nutrients and fiber, making it a healthier option compared to white rice. It has a chewy, nutty flavor and a slightly firmer texture than white rice.

The Differences Between Brown Rice and White Rice

Tips for Cooking Brown Rice with White Rice

If you’re planning on cooking brown rice with white rice, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Add the brown rice to the pot first and allow it to cook for a few minutes before adding the white rice. This will give the brown rice a head start and help to ensure that it’s fully cooked by the time the white rice is done.
  2. Adjust the water-to-rice ratio accordingly. Brown rice typically requires more water than white rice, so you’ll need to add more water to the pot when cooking the two types of rice together.
  3. Consider using a rice cooker to cook brown rice with white rice. Rice cookers are designed to cook rice perfectly every time, and many models come with different settings for different types of rice. This can make it easier to cook brown rice with white rice, as you can simply select the appropriate setting and let the rice cooker do the work for you.
  4. Mix in other grains or legumes with the rice. If you’re worried about the different cooking times of brown rice and white rice, you can mix in other grains or legumes with the rice to help balance out the cooking times. For example, you could mix in some quinoa or lentils with the rice to help it cook more evenly.

How to cook brown rice with white rice?

To cook brown rice with white rice, follow these steps:

  1. Rinse both the brown rice and white rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any excess dirt or debris from the rice.
  2. In a pot or saucepan, add the brown rice and the appropriate amount of water (typically 2-2.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice). Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the brown rice to simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed.
  4. During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time, add the white rice to the pot with the brown rice. Stir the rice gently to combine.
  5. Once both the brown rice and white rice are fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the rice hot, and enjoy!

Note: You may need to adjust the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio slightly depending on the specific types of brown and white rice you are using. A rice cooker can also be helpful in cooking brown rice with white rice, as many models come with different settings for different types of rice.

Read Also: Can I Cook Brown Rice in an Air Fryer?

Final thought

It is possible to cook brown rice with white rice, but you’ll need to take into account the differences between the two types of rice, including the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio.

By following these tips and experimenting with different cooking methods, you can successfully cook brown rice with white rice and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal.

FAQs | Cook Brown Rice with White Rice

Here are a few relevant FAQs on cooking brown rice with white rice:

Can I Mix Brown Rice And White Rice Together In The Same Pot?

Yes, you can mix brown rice and white rice together in the same pot. However, it’s important to note that brown rice has a longer cooking time and requires more water than white rice, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio accordingly.

How Do I Know When The Brown Rice And White Rice Are Done Cooking?

To check if the brown rice and white rice are fully cooked, simply use a fork to fluff the rice and look for any uncooked grains. If the rice is fully cooked, it should be tender and no longer crunchy.

Can I Use A Rice Cooker To Cook Brown Rice With White Rice?

Yes, you can use a rice cooker to cook brown rice with white rice. Many rice cookers come with different settings for different types of rice, so you can simply select the appropriate setting for the type of rice you are cooking.

Is It Better To Cook Brown Rice Or White Rice First?

It’s generally recommended to cook brown rice first when cooking brown rice with white rice. This is because brown rice has a longer cooking time and requires more water than white rice, so adding the brown rice to the pot first will give it a head start and help to ensure that it’s fully cooked by the time the white rice is done.

Can I mix other grains or legumes with brown rice and white rice?

Yes, you can mix other grains or legumes with brown rice and white rice to add more variety and nutrients to your meals.
For example, you could mix in some quinoa or lentils with the rice to help it cook more evenly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio accordingly.