Fluffy Slow Cooker Brown Rice

Are you tired of ending up with a pot of mushy brown rice when using a slow cooker? I've been there. The frustration of hoping for perfectly fluffy grains only to be disappointed with mushy rice led me to search for the right method. After much trial and error, I've discovered a step-by-step process that consistently yields fluffy brown rice in the slow cooker. In this guide, I'll walk you through the simple steps to achieve that desired fluffy texture every time. This hands-off method is so simple to do and you wind up with a big batch of rice to use for an easy side dish or whatever you have planned. 

Sure you can cook your rice in the rice cooker, or even the Instant Pot, but what about if you don't have those? Pull out your trusty slow cooker and let's go. 

Once you have created the perfect brown rice in the slow cooker you can use it in your favorite recipe. Let me suggest you use the leftovers for one of the recipes I love- a simple chicken and veggies skillet with brown rice. 

Things to know before starting

While this is a simple recipe and method to use, let me share a few tips to get you started. These will have you making perfect rice the first time and every time. Cooking rice in the slow cooker is a game changer. 

• If you are familiar with slow cooker recipes, this one won't be much different. You add in the ingredients and set the time. This one will have a little variation though and it is a trick I learned from Kitchn for cooking brown rice. Cover the rice with parchment paper. This is genius! It slows the evaporation and keeps it from becoming mushy. 
• Next, instead of adding in tepid or room temperature water, bring the water to a boil first, then add it in. Every step we are taking here is to ensure the rice does not turn out mushy. We are looking for the perfect rice. 
• The type of rice you use matters. There are many types of brown rice and the cooking times will vary with each. I used long-grain brown rice for the photos, but I will add the cook times for different types. 
• There is no need to let the rice soak before cooking. 

How to make

Okay, let's get started. 

1. First, decide if you want to rinse the rice or not. With white rice, it is rinsed to ensure you wash away excess starch, this is not the case with brown rice. However, it is a common practice to rinse all rice to remove dust and dirt. If you do rinse, be sure to drain completely, you don't want to have too much excess moisture. 
2. Bring the water to a boil. 
3. Add the rice and salt to the slow cooker, then pour the boiling water over it. Mix gently, then quickly add the piece of parchment on top and the lid. 
4. Set the setting to high and cook for 2- 2 ½ hours. 
5. Check for doneness and turn off the slow cooker. 
6. Serve immediately or store. 

Ingredients

Rice: I am showing this with long-grain brown rice. it can also be brown basmati rice, it has a distinct nutty flavor. I like them both. 

Salt: It is essential for enhancing the flavor of the rice when cooking. 

Liquid- This can be water- which I am showing in the photos, or it can be broth. Depending on what you are doing, the broth can add a lot of flavor to the rice. 

Butter- Optional, but I love to add a pat at the end. 

How to store brown rice

Whether you are using this brown rice for meal prep or you have leftovers, let me share simple ways to store the cooked brown rice.

• Cool Down: Allow the cooked brown rice to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
• Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled brown rice to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting it.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for short-term use; it stays fresh for 4-6 days when properly refrigerated.
• Freezing: Portion the rice into smaller freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: Thoroughly reheat stored rice to eliminate bacteria. Use a microwave, stovetop, or oven for reheating.

Variations

The method shared above is a standard recipe, let me share some ideas on how to mix up the plain rice a bit. 

Different Liquids Instead of Boiling Water

• Vegetable Broth: Substitute equal amounts of vegetable broth for water to infuse a rich, savory flavor into the brown rice.
• Chicken Broth: For a deeper taste, swap out the water with chicken broth, adding a subtle chicken essence to the rice.

Flavor enhancement with olive oil or butter

• Olive Oil or Butter: After the rice is cooked, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of butter to enrich the flavor and provide a silky texture.

Creating rice pilaf with vegetables

• Vegetable Addition: Transform plain brown rice into a delectable rice pilaf by adding diced onions, red bell pepper, carrots, peas, or any preferred vegetables. Sauté these in a separate pan and mix them into the rice after it's cooked for added flavor and texture.

Adding meats and beans for flavor and protein

• Chicken Breast: Add small, 1-1.5 inch pieces of raw chicken breast into the rice before cooking. Ensure it's cut uniformly for even cooking. Slow cooker chicken and rice casserole so good!
• Cooked Ground Beef: For a heartier option, mix pre-cooked ground beef into the rice after it's cooked. Saute the ground beef separately with seasonings for added flavor.
• Beans: My favorite to add in are black beans and red beans. Just note that these need to be cooked before adding them in. They will not cook fully from raw in 2 hours.

Cooking short grain brown rice

The process will be very similar but changed a bit.

1. Preparation:
   • Rinse the short grain brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is optional and depends on personal preference.
2. Adding Rice and Liquid:
   • Place 1 cup of rice into the slow cooker.
3. Adding Water or Liquid:
   • Pour in 1.5 cups of water or preferred liquid (such as vegetable or chicken broth) into the slow cooker with the rice. Add salt if desired.
4. Mixing:
   • Gently stir the rice and liquid to ensure even distribution. Cover with parchment paper. 
5. Setting and Timing:
   • Set the slow cooker to the "high" setting for short grain brown rice.
6. Cooking Time:
   • Allow the rice to cook for approximately 2 hours. Adjust the time as needed based on your slow cooker and desired texture.
7. Resting Period:
   • After the cooking time, let the rice sit in the slow cooker for about 10-15 minutes to allow it to steam and absorb any remaining moisture.
8. Fluff and Serve:
   • Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Closing

Cooking brown rice in the slow cooker is an incredibly convenient and fuss-free cooking method. In just a couple of hours, this technique yields perfectly cooked grains that make for a fantastic side dish to complement any meal. Whether you're a busy parent or someone looking for an easier way to prepare a wholesome meal, this method of slow-cooking brown rice offers a great option. Embrace this simple yet effective cooking approach, and next time you're planning your meals, consider the slow cooker as your go-to for effortlessly achieving delicious, fluffy brown rice.

Other meal prep recipes you could try as well are my turkey and vegetable meatballs and lime cilantro grilled chicken are easy to make and so delicious.

• Side Dishes
• Crockpot
• Types of Rice