Baking Brown Rice

I have already mentioned that I big puffy heart Alton Brown of the Food Network, so when I saw him baking brown rice to perfection, I just had to try it. Mind you this was also a few years ago, when the only brown rice that I ate and actually enjoyed was from a local chinese take out restaurant. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose, so I went online for the recipe and gave it a whirl.

I could not believe how easy it was to prepare and that it came out perfect on the very first try. I had been converted. The taste and texture was so much better than any of the instant varieties I had previously tried. Score one for Mommy and big Kudos to Alton Brown!

So without further adieu, here’s the 411.

Baked Brown Rice
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice, medium or short grain
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

DirectionsPreheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the rice into an 8-inch square glass baking dish.
Bring the water, butter, and salt just to a boil in a kettle or covered saucepan.
Once the water boils, pour it over the rice, stir to combine
Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, remove cover and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately.

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I have been using this recipe for years, and over time I have modified it slightly for my family’s taste and needs.

First, I use a 10X15 baking dish and double the ingredients. This way I get extra rice to freeze for later. Gotta love the “less work for a healthy side” for a mid week meal.

Second, I use olive oil instead of butter and add garlic powder with the sea salt. I love my garlic!

Third, I add my oil, garlic powder and salt all the the bottom of the baking dish and then add the boiling water.

Fourth, I add the rice and whisk everything together.

Finally, cover with the heavy duty foil and slide into the preheated oven. Easy peasy!

One extra tip I will pass on too. DH was not originally a fan of brown rice. It tends to be pretty bland.

Here is where I got creative.

I used the original 8×8 recipe but added a pack of McCormick Slow Cookers Italian Herb Chicken Seasoning to the rice. DH is a big italian food fan, so I knew the flavor profile would appeal to him.

After baking, the rice had a wonderful flavor that DH could tolerate enjoy. I have also used taco, fajita and pesto seasonings. The list is really endless to create a flavor your family will like.

Does your family enjoy brown rice? Do you have a favorite seasoning you would like to share?

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