Did you know that you can cook quality rice in the microwave? If you don’t believe us, you’ll just have to try it using our method!
Plenty of reasons exist to microwave your rice over using a rice cooker or the stovetop method. In some cases, it’s quicker and it’s a more hands-off way of cooking so you can focus on other important tasks.
It also means fewer appliances on your countertop and less cleanup. You won’t have to wash extra dishes and utensils. You can microwave your rice, add in your ingredients and serve it, all from the same bowl if you choose.
This efficient cooking hack works even better when you use convenient Minute® Rice! Whether you pick our Instant Rice or microwaveable rice cups, you can have a meal ready in no time from the microwave. We’ve compiled everything you’ll need to know to cook or heat your Minute Rice in the microwave perfectly every time.
What Rice Can I Microwave?
The best part about cooking rice in the microwave is that you can use any type. It all depends on what you need for your meal. If you want to make a big meal for your family or a dish for the week, Minute Instant Rice is a great choice. Choose between our traditional varieties like white rice, aromatic jasmine rice or whole grain options like brown rice.
Need something on the go or a meal for one? Our microwaveable rice cups come perfectly portioned in single-serving containers that can be reheated in just 60 seconds. Choose from classics like
- white rice
- yellow rice
- or use a blend like brown rice and quinoa.
You might also like our naturally flavored varieties such as
- Minute® Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice
- Minute® Long Grain & Wild Seasoned Rice Cups
What You’ll Need
Our rice cups are fully precooked; heat them in the BPA-free, microwave-safe cups. No water is needed.
For our Instant Rice, all you need are 3 essentials:
- Minute Instant Rice in the variety of your choice.
- A microwave-safe container.
- Water.
Container Tip: For the best results, use a microwave-safe dish. Make sure it has a lid with a vent. If not, place the lid on lightly to let the steam escape.
How To Microwave Rice
Water to Rice Ratios and Cook Times
If you have tried to make rice in the microwave but had problems, it may be because of the wrong water to rice ratio. After all, each variety absorbs water in different amounts. Make sure to follow our simple guide below for the best results!
Instant Rice Varieties:
- White/Premium/Jasmine Rice:
- Ratio: 1 cup of water per 1 cup of rice
- Cook Time: 6 minutes (to double the ingredient amounts increase to 8 minutes)
- Brown Rice:
- Ratio: 1 cup of water per 1 cup of rice
- Cook Time: 7 minutes (to double the ingredient amounts increase to 11 minutes)
- Rice & Quinoa:
- Ratio: 1 cup of water per 1 bag of rice (remove rice from the bag to cook in the microwave)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to double the ingredient amounts, increase to 15 minutes.)
Remember: Microwave ovens vary so these cooking times are approximate! If you find you still have water after this time, continue cooking in short increments of 30 seconds, until evaporated.
How to Prepare Rice
Now that you’ve got the perfect ratios and approximate cook times, let’s dig into the prep or heating process!
For Minute® Instant White/Premium/Jasmine/Brown Rice:
- Place water and rice in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover. Microwave on HIGH.
- Wait 5 minutes or until water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
NOTE: Our Rice & Quinoa comes in perfectly portioned bags, remove the rice from the bag before cooking and start with step 1.
For Minute® Rice Cups:
- Remove the film completely from the rice cup and place it in the microwave.
- Heat on HIGH for 60 or 90 seconds (depending on package size)..
- Stir and serve immediately.
CAUTION: Cup and steam will be extremely hot. DO NOT place your hand over the top of the cup when removing.
Using Microwaved Rice in Recipes
Once your rice is ready, try pairing it with a tasty recipe. Toss it with other ingredients for a warm and comforting main dish or a light side dish. You can mix it with other ingredients for a tasty meal. Use fresh items, and it will be ready in under 10 minutes.
Rice Bowls
While your rice heats to perfection in the microwave, start prepping your toppings and mix-ins. Use Minute Instant Brown Rice as the base for a fresh, flavorful bowl like our Green Goddess Rice Bowl with Burrata, or try a Mediterranean-inspired option with our Mediterranean Rice Bowl made with Minute Instant White Rice. These easy, microwave-friendly bowls are quick to assemble and endlessly customizable for any craving.
Rice Salad
Using a microwave is a great option for cooking your rice to have ready for a fresh rice salad in no time! Good for a side dish or to beat the summer heat, this Pomegranate and Arugula Rice Salad is made with aromatic Minute® Jasmine Rice. Or, save those leafy greens for a quick Arugula and Pear Multi Grain Rice Salad using Minute® Ready to Serve Multi-Grain Medley.
Rice Sides
While you prepare your other ingredients, your rice is cooking to perfection in the microwave! Use a bed of Minute® Instant Brown Rice for this Crispy Ground Pork. Or stick with traditional Minute® Instant White Rice for this 15 Minute Mediterranean Style Chicken and Rice dinner.
Microwave Meals
No matter where you are, if you’ve got a microwave available, you’ve got something hearty and delicious to satisfy your taste buds. With the ease of our Microwave Rice Cups, you can put together an entire meal using only a few ingredients!
Follow our easy No Recipe Recipes formula to create your own dish that’s perfect for everything from a dorm room meal in between classes to stopping by your grocery store salad bar to toss together an office lunch or quick dinner.
The best part is it works for any meal of the day; take a look at these sample meals you can enjoy.
There are plenty of more mealtime ideas where those came from, take a look at all kinds of tasty meals you can make in the microwave, like Fried Rice with Egg!
