Can You Cook Brown Rice like Pasta?

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the nutritive benefits of brown rice, try this recipe. Are you curious whether if can you cook brown rice like pasta?

Yes, brown rice can be prepared like pasta! This method produces a quicker, fluffier texture and uses less energy than conventional cooking techniques. Simply rinse the rice, bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the rice for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Drain, fluff with butter or oil, and serve as the foundation for your preferred rice dish.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of this time-saving cooking technique and provide a step-by-step guide on how to use it. Prepare to discover a quicker and fluffier method for enjoying your favorite grain.

Why does cooking brown rice like pasta matter?

Cooking brown rice like pasta matters because it is a faster, more convenient method of preparing the grain. Traditional methods of cooking brown rice can take anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the variety, but cooking brown rice like pasta only takes about 20-25 minutes.

This can be especially useful for those who are short on time and need a quick and easy meal.

Additionally, cooking brown rice like pasta results in a fluffier, less sticky texture, which can be particularly desirable for recipes where the grains need to remain separate, such as in a stir-fry or salad.

Finally, cooking brown rice like pasta is a more energy-efficient way to prepare the grain, as it requires less heat to cook it in boiling water compared to cooking it on the stovetop.

Read Also: Can You Cook Brown Rice and Lentils Together in a Rice Cooker?

The Benefits of Cooking Brown Rice Like Pasta

Cooking brown rice like pasta has a number of benefits.

Firstly, it’s a lot faster than traditional methods of cooking brown rice. Depending on the variety, brown rice can take anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes to cook on the stovetop.

By comparison, cooking brown rice like pasta only takes about 20 minutes. This is because the rice is cooked in a large volume of boiling water, just like pasta, which speeds up the cooking process.

Another benefit of cooking brown rice like pasta is that it results in a fluffier, less sticky texture. This is because the excess starch is washed away during the boiling process, leaving the grains of rice separate and distinct. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to use the cooked rice in a recipe where you want the grains to remain separate, such as in a stir-fry or salad.

Finally, cooking brown rice like pasta is a more energy-efficient way to cook the grain. Because the rice is submerged in boiling water, it doesn’t require as much heat to cook it as it would if it were being cooked on the stovetop. This means you’ll be using less energy and saving on your energy bill.

How to Cook Brown Rice, Like Pasta?

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of cooking brown rice like pasta, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Measure out the desired amount of brown rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse the rice under cold running water for a minute or two to remove any excess dirt or debris.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help season the rice.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
4. Cook the rice for 20-25 minutes, or until it is tender and fully cooked. To test for doneness, take a grain of rice out of the pot and bite into it. If it’s tender all the way through, it’s done. If it’s still hard in the center, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
5. Once the rice is fully cooked, drain it in the same fine-mesh strainer you used to rinse it. Gently shake the strainer to remove any excess water.
6. Return the drained rice to the pot and place it back on the stove over low heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil to the rice, if desired, and stir to coat the grains. This will help to fluff up the rice and give it a slightly creamy texture.
7. Serve the rice hot, as is, or as a base for your favorite rice dish.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Brown Rice Like Pasta

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the best results when cooking brown rice like pasta:

• Use a large pot of water to cook the rice. This will ensure that the rice has enough room to move around and cook evenly.
• Don’t skip the rinsing step. Rinsing the rice before cooking removes any excess dirt or debris, which helps to prevent the grains from clumping together during the cooking process.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot. If you’re cooking a large quantity of rice, you may need to cook it in batches to ensure that the grains have enough space to cook evenly.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed. Depending on the variety of brown rice you’re using and your personal preference for doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just be sure to keep an eye on the rice as it cooks and test for doneness regularly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Experiment with different flavors. If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your rice, try adding a bouillon cube or some herbs and spices to the boiling water before adding the rice. You can also stir in some diced vegetables or a sauce after the rice has finished cooking to give it some extra oomph.

Read Also: Can You Cook Brown Rice and Basmati Rice Together?

Conclusion

Cooking brown rice like pasta is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this nutritious grain. Not only is it faster than traditional methods, but it also results in a fluffier, less sticky texture and is more energy-efficient.

With a little bit of water and some basic cooking skills, you can have a batch of perfectly cooked brown rice in just 20-25 minutes.

So next time you’re in a rush or just looking for a convenient way to cook brown rice, give this method a try – you might just be surprised at how delicious it turns out!

FAQs | Cook Brown Rice like Pasta

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