Seasoned Brown Rice

If you want to know how to season brown rice yourself instead of reaching for a ready-made package or box, this seasoning for brown rice is the recipe to rely on. Not only can you customize the flavor but it also works out a lot cheaper than using instant rice mixes. 

The seasoning for brown rice is quite simple but it becomes greater than the sum of its parts when combined. It’s an easy one-pot rice that you can batch-cook and freeze. Keep some on standby for when you just want a filling weeknight dinner. 

Ingredients for Seasoned Brown Rice

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• Long grain brown rice: Yes, it takes longer to cook, but brown rice rewards you with that deep, nutty flavor.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, but use a reduced-sodium variety if possible.
• Dried basil: Basil is a delicate herb, but still leaves a lingering fragrance in the final dish.
• Ginger: Ground ginger and brown rice make such a great pairing, and it adds a little heat too.
• Cayenne pepper: This fiery red pepper, on the other hand, adds quite a lot of heat and color.

Directions    

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in one pot and simmer

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In a small saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Editor’s Tip: Fluff the rice with a fork before stirring in the other ingredients so that everything is distributed evenly

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Recipe Variations 

• Season first then boil: Some cooks prefer to fry the spices first in a little butter before adding the rice, stirring to mix, and topping up with water before boiling.  
• Add more herbs and spices: You can go to town on the flavors with paprika (also adds color), and dried thyme or oregano, with some fresh chopped parsley on top at the end.  
• Use bouillon or stock: More a more intense savory flavor, substitute chicken broth for water or add a bouillon cube to the seasoning mix

How to Store Seasoned Brown Rice 

Warm rice can accumulate nasty bacteria at room temperature quite quickly, so spread out the rice to speed up cooling and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours. You can usually refrigerate brown rice for up to five days. 

Can you freeze seasoned brown rice?

If you want to keep brown rice with seasoning in storage, make a batch and, once it’s cool, transfer it to smaller freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. You can freeze rice for up to two months. To reheat, just microwave it from frozen or reheat it on the stovetop over a low heat with a little water.

Seasoned Brown Rice Tips    

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What other types of rice could I use?

You can experiment with any long-grain rice variety in your quest for your signature seasoned brown rice recipe. Basmati and jasmine are always easy to find, but there are some exotic varieties in international grocery or health stores, such as black rice or wild rice, which also work well. 

How can you season brown rice?

If you’re looking for suggestions to season your rice after you’ve cooked it, consider sprinkling sea salt and freshly ground pepper on top, a squeeze of lemon juice, garlic powder or a dash of sriracha or hot sauce. 

How do I get perfect brown rice every time?

If you want to hit the sweet spot between a burnt bottom (too dry) and mushy rice (too wet), trust the process and use a ratio of 1 ¼ cups of water to 1 cup of rice instead of the 2:1 you see on most packages. Bring to the boil, then cover with a heavy lid and leave it alone. Even once you’ve taken the pot off the heat, let it rest covered before you finally lift the lid to reveal fluffy rice.