10+ Brown Rice Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Healthy Meals

Brown rice is a healthy, tasty option you can add to all sorts of meals. It’s got a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that makes dishes more interesting.

You can use brown rice in simple recipes or get a little creative and turn it into something more flavorful and nutritious.

Learning a few easy brown rice recipes helps you make the most of this versatile grain. Whether you’re after a quick side or a main meal, these ideas might inspire you to cook at home more often.

1) Classic Brown Rice Pilaf with Onion and Garlic

This brown rice pilaf is simple but packed with the flavors of onion and garlic. Start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil or butter.

That first step brings out a rich aroma and makes the rice taste amazing. Add the brown rice, stir to coat every grain, then pour in broth instead of water.

Let it cook gently until the rice turns tender and fluffy. You can toss in your favorite herbs or veggies if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain brown rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in brown rice to coat with oil and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and add salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

More details here: Classic Brown Rice Pilaf Recipe | Geoffrey Zakarian – Food Network.

2) Herbed Mushroom Brown Rice

Herbed mushroom brown rice is a super easy way to make brown rice taste special. Cook mushrooms and onions first—they give the dish a deep, savory kick.

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten things up. Olive oil or ghee keeps the rice from sticking and adds a little richness.

You can eat it as a side or a main. It’s satisfying and doesn’t take much effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
• 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and thyme, cook until mushrooms brown.
4. Add brown rice, stir to coat with oil and veggies.
5. Pour in broth, bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes at low heat (about 200°F or 93°C).
7. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper before serving.

Find an easy herbed mushroom brown rice recipe here.

3) Brown Fried Rice with Hidden Veggies

Brown fried rice is a sneaky way to pack in more veggies without any fuss. Toss in diced carrots, peas, and onions for color and flavor.

Use up any leftover veggies you’ve got in the fridge. Cook the rice first and let it cool so it fries up nicely.

Scramble a couple of eggs for protein. Garlic and tamari sauce add a punch of taste without drowning everything in soy.

You can eat it solo or add your favorite protein for a full meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and cooled brown rice
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, peas, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Push veggies to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
4. Add the brown rice to the pan and mix everything well.
5. Pour tamari sauce over the rice and cook, stirring, for another 3 minutes.
6. Serve hot and dig in.

4) Spicy Biryani with Brown Rice

Spicy biryani with brown rice gives you a healthier twist on a classic. Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and keeps the dish hearty.

Sauté whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon in oil to wake up their aroma. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and chili for heat.

Mix in your protein—chicken, beef, or lamb work. Layer partially cooked brown rice over the meat, then cook everything together so the flavors meld.

Finish with fresh coriander if you want a pop of color and brightness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown basmati rice
• 1 lb chicken, beef, or lamb
• 2 onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak brown rice for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and add cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.
3. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies, cook until soft.
4. Add meat and cook until browned.
5. Drain rice and layer it over the meat.
6. Add 2 cups water, salt, and cover.
7. Cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

5) Brown Rice and Peas with Stewed Chicken

Brown rice and peas is a classic side, and it goes perfectly with stewed chicken. The rice cooks with kidney beans, so you get a hearty, rich dish.

Stew the chicken slowly in a savory sauce with onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs until it’s nice and tender. It’s filling and honestly, great for a family dinner.

Pile the chicken over the rice and peas and you’ve got a balanced plate that’s simple but big on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 cup kidney beans (or peas)
• 6-8 chicken thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak the kidney beans overnight, then cook until tender.
2. Cook brown rice with the cooked beans and a pinch of salt.
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic in a pot until soft.
5. Add chicken and brown on all sides.
6. Pour in chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
7. Serve chicken over the rice and peas.

More about this dish: Brown Stew Chicken with Rice & Peas.

6) Brown Rice Kale Bowl with Za’atar and Poached Egg

The brown rice kale bowl is a quick, tasty meal. Za’atar spice adds a savory, herby kick that works well with the nutty rice.

Cook the kale until it’s tender, then top it with a poached egg—runny yolk adds creaminess without any extra sauce. Sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds or capers for crunch and a little extra flavor.

You can throw this together for lunch or dinner when you want something healthy but not boring.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 teaspoon za’atar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or fried capers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté kale until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in za’atar and season with salt and pepper.
3. Poach the egg in simmering water (about 180°F / 82°C) for 3-4 minutes.
4. Place brown rice in a bowl, top with sautéed kale, then the poached egg.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or capers before serving.

7) Brown Rice Jambalaya

Try making jambalaya with brown rice for a fresher, healthier twist. Shrimp, chicken sausage, and bell peppers come together for a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.

Brown rice has a nutty bite and takes longer to cook than white rice, but it’s worth the wait. Use about 2.5 cups of liquid for every cup of rice so it cooks up just right—nobody wants mushy jambalaya.

Simmer everything in one pot. That means less mess, which is always a win.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions.
2. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Set it aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until they soften.
4. Add cooked rice, sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 40 minutes or until shrimp is cooked and flavors meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

For more details, check this easy brown rice jambalaya recipe.

8) Brown Rice with Olive Oil and Lemon

This brown rice recipe is so fresh and simple, you might wonder why you ever ate it plain. Olive oil brings a rich, smooth finish, and lemon lifts everything with a bright pop.

It’s a great side for fish, chicken, or veggies. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in green olives or a handful of fresh herbs.

Cooking the rice in broth turns it a little creamy, almost like a lazy risotto. Then, lemon juice and zest wake it up at the end.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup green olives, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse brown rice under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium.
3. Add rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t stick.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then drop the heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, until rice is tender.
6. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and salt. Add olives if you want.
7. Fluff with a fork and dig in while it’s warm.

Try this easy recipe for a tasty twist on plain brown rice. For more ideas, check this brown rice pilaf with lemon and olives.

9) Brown Rice with Condensed French Onion Soup and Beef Broth

You can whip up a surprisingly tasty brown rice side with just condensed French onion soup and beef broth. Melt some butter in a big pan, then toast the brown rice until it’s a little golden and nutty.

Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer.

Cover the pan and let the rice cook gently until it soaks up all the liquid and turns tender. That’s it—no fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 stick butter
• 1 can condensed French onion soup
• 1 can beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add brown rice and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
3. Pour in condensed French onion soup and beef broth.
4. Stir, then bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and drop the heat to low.
6. Cook for 40-45 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid’s gone.
7. Fluff with a fork before serving.

10) Quick Brown Rice Veggie Stir-Fry

Need dinner in a hurry? This brown rice veggie stir-fry is ridiculously easy and healthy.

Start with cooked brown rice and whatever veggies you have—broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, you name it. Stir-frying keeps everything crisp and colorful.

Add garlic and a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a flavor boost. It’s a smart way to clear out the fridge.

Serve it solo or with something on the side. You’ll have a filling meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• ½ head broccoli, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup chopped red cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).

2. Toss in the garlic and give it a good stir for 30 seconds, just until you catch that amazing aroma.

3. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and cabbage.

4. Stir-fry everything for 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Mix in the cooked brown rice and pour in the soy sauce.

6. Let it all cook together for another 3 minutes.

7. Serve it up hot—dig in and enjoy!