This Baked Brown Rice is the easiest way to make a big batch of evenly fluffy & tender brown rice. The secret? Skip the stove & BAKE it!
Check out my other guide on How To Make White Rice.
author’s note
Finally, Brown Rice That Never Fails!
Once my baked white rice became a total no-fail recipe, brown rice was next on my list. I had always struggled with it. It was either glued to the pan, dried out, or somehow still crunchy in the middle. So I used the same oven method, crossed my fingers, and hoped it would finally give me brown rice without the babysitting and stress. And honestly? It turned out better than I ever expected.
The rice came out fluffy, tender, and evenly cooked all the way through, with zero sticking and no weird crunchy spots. From that first pan, I was hooked. This is now the only way I make brown rice. It is satisfying to how hands-off it is, how straightforward it is to make a big batch at once, and how evenly it holds up for meal prep all week. Having this ready in the fridge makes throwing together bowls, stir-fries, and quick dinners so much easier.
Baked Brown Rice Tips
- Use long-grain brown rice for best results.
- Use the right amount of water to avoid dry or mushy rice. You’ll want to measure the water after boiling, not before!
- Don’t skimp on salt; it enhances flavor.
- Olive oil adds flavor and prevents sticking; other oils or butter can be used.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with two layers of foil to cook rice evenly.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to absorb moisture and avoid mushiness.
Featured Comment
“I have tried to make brown rice for years with no success. This recipe is straightforward and my rice came out evenly thank you.”
– Linda
Ways To Change It Up:
- Add Veggies: Mix in chopped raw or roasted vegetables for a grain bowl.
- Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds like almonds, cashews, or pepitas.
- Herbs & Spices: Mix through fresh herbs after or bake with spices like cumin or turmeric.
- Sauces: Drizzle with cilantro lime sauce, tzatziki sauce, or a simple vinaigrette.
- Add Beans/Legumes: Top with cooked lentils, pinto beans, black beans, or chickpeas.
More One Pan, Hands-Off Dishes:
Dinner
Pesto Rice
Seafood
Tuna Casserole Recipe (In ONE Pan!)
Dinner
One Pan Dumpling Dinner
Side Dishes
Herb Rice In One Pan!Ways to Use Baked Brown Rice
- Stir-Fry Base: Use it for Black Pepper Chicken or Pork Stir-Fry.
- Burrito Filling: Combine with beans, corn, and cheese, or use as a base for Burrito Bowls.
- Casserole Base: reliable for Chicken Divan or this Chicken Marsala Recipe.
- Bowls: Use for the base in these Cashew Chicken Bowls or steak bowls.
- Fried Rice: Swap it for white rice in this Fried Rice recipe!
- Daal: Serve with creamy coconut lentils like in this Daal.
