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!
There are plenty of reasons 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 makes for fewer appliances on your countertop and less clean up, so you don’t have to wash your dishes on top of extra kitchen 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! No matter if you choose our Instant Rice or Ready to Serve Rice varieties, you’ve got a meal in no time and straight from the microwave. We’ve put together everything you’ll need to know to cook or heat up your Minute® Rice in the microwave perfectly every time.
What Rice Can I Microwave?
The great part about cooking rice in the microwave is that any variety can be used, it all depends on your meal needs and preferences. If you want to prepare a large meal for your family or a dish to divide up for the week, Minute® Instant Rice is a great go-to option. 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 Ready to Serve Rice comes perfectly portioned in single-serving cups that can be reheated in just 60 or 90 seconds, depending on variety. Choose from classics like white rice and 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 or Minute® Garlic and Olive Oil Jasmine Rice.
What You’ll Need
Since it’s fully precooked, you can heat up our Ready to Serve Rice in the BPA free, microwave-safe cup, with no water needed.
For our Instant Rice, all you need are 3 essentials:
- Minute® Instant Rice variety of choice.
- A microwave-safe container.
- Water.
Container Tip: For best results, use a microwave safe dish that is meant for rice including a lid with a vent or, if it doesn’t come with venting holes, simply place your lid on lightly allowing the steam to escape.
How To Microwave Rice
Water to Rice Ratios and Cook Times
If you’ve tried to make rice in the microwave before but had some issues, it might have been due to using the wrong ratio of water to rice. After all, each variety absorbs water in different amounts. Make sure to follow our simple guide below for 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 Cook
Now that you’ve got the perfect ratios and approximate cook times, let’s dig into the simple cooking 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® Ready to Serve Rice:
- 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.
How to Use Microwaved Rice
Once your rice is cooked or heated to perfection in the microwave, you’ll need a delicious recipe idea to enjoy it. Toss it with other ingredients for a warm and comforting main dish or a light side dish. You can even cook it together with other add-ins for a quality meal using fresh ingredients, ready in under 10 minutes.
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 Ready to Serve Rice and Quinoa, 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.
And, the best part? It works for any meal of the day. Take a look at these sample meals you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast: Easy Cheesy Rice Omelet
Lunch: Chicken and Yellow Rice Burrito
Dinner: Brown and Wild Rice with Sausage
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!
When it comes to convenience and quality, Minute® Rice has all the solutions you need! Find more help and information in our Quick Tips section for anyone, both beginner and foodie alike. Also make sure to try out our other recipes for skillets, oven bakes and Instant Pots like an Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe. Also, try our: cheesy chicken and rice.
