Enhance the nutty flavor of brown rice by toasting it briefly whether you are preparing it as a salad, casserole or stir-fry. Unlike white rice that is stripped off its outer bran layer, brown rice retains the bran and germ, which makes it more nutritious but increases the cooking time. Toasting your brown rice will speed up the cooking time, intensify its taste and give it a fluffy texture. You can dry-toast your brown rice in the oven or on the skillet, and oil-toast it on its own or with other ingredients if you like.
Dry Roast
Step 1
Place the brown rice in a bowl. Pour running water in it. Swirl the rice with your hands to clean it. Drain the cloudy water. Repeat until the water is clear. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Place a skillet on medium heat. Add the washed brown rice.
Step 3
Cook for around six minutes or until you get a nutty aroma. Stir continuously with a spatula. Turn off the heat. Use the toasted brown rice as desired in your recipe.
Oil Roast
Step 1
Heat a little vegetable oil in the skillet for three minutes or until it smokes.
Step 2
Add finely chopped garlic, onion, thyme and celery if you like or seasonings of your choice. Fry for three minutes or until lightly brown.
Step 3
Mix in the washed and drained brown rice. Use the spatula to stir the rice and evenly coat the grains with the seasonings. Toast for six minutes until the rice gives off a nutty fragrance.
Oven Toast
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the washed brown rice in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 2
Place the baking sheet in the oven. Toast for around 12 minutes or until you get a nutty aroma.
Step 3
Turn off the oven. Remove the toasted brown rice out. Add it to your recipe. You can also store the toasted brown rice for use later by placing it in an airtight container.