How to Make Rice in the Microwave

How many times have you made rice, only to find that most of it sticking to the bottom. Or worse yet, you forget the pot on the stove and before you know it you're tossing out burnt rice and picking up the phone for takeout?

That particular problem is a distant memory for me: I make my rice in the microwave. Set it up. Bing, bang! You're done.

These instructions for cooking rice in the microwave are for long-grain, parboiled rice. It's also good for any similar type rice, like basmati.

What? No brown rice?

Nope, I don't eat brown rice. Tried it. Didn't like the taste. I always say, "Fitness is a lifelong commitment, so make changes you can live with for the rest of your life."

And brown rice? It's a change I can't live with.

Long grain, parboiled rice is a good second choice if you're not a fan of brown rice. Eat white rice with plenty of vegetables and a lean protein and you're good to go. Stay away from the instant rice!

White Rice in the Microwave
Ingredients
1 cup long grain parboiled rice (or basmati rice)
2 cups water, plus a little bit extra

Instructions
Mix rice and water together in a microwavable, covered container with enough room for the rice to expand.

Place the container in the microwave.

Most microwaves allow you to set multiple cooking times:

1st cycle:
Microwave on High (100%) for 6 minutes.
2nd cycle:
Microwave at 80% for 14 minutes.

The yield will be about 3 cups of cooked rice. 1/2 cup = 1 serving of cooked rice at around 100 calories per 1/2 cup serving of rice

Quick Tip: Cooking times will vary by microwave. If the rice isn't quite cooked enough, put it back in the microwave for a few more minutes on High to finish it off. When you make rice in the microwave next time, add on a minute or two to the second cooking cycle until you find the right amount of time for your microwave.

Eating white rice hasn't hurt The Rock too much... I'll skip the Nemean Lion Blood though. :-)

My current 22 week diet for the role of HERCULES. Cardio & iron before going to set. (Lion blood is optional;) pic.twitter.com/HaklgWPJW0

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 24, 2013

What about you? Do you eat brown rice? Do you cook rice in the microwave? I have a rice cooker, but even then it doesn't come out quite right sometimes. I much prefer the microwave.

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