Best Brown Rice Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Rice in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Pre-cooked and dried; cooks in ~5 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Slightly softer texture than regular brown rice.
Looking for the best Brown Rice substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 2 reliable Brown Rice replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Instant Brown Rice — it's the closest match for most recipes. Pre-cooked and dried; cooks in ~5 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Slightly softer texture than regular brown rice.
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Get ratios for Brown Rice →All Brown Rice Substitutes (2 options)
Pre-cooked and dried; cooks in ~5 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Slightly softer texture than regular brown rice.
Use 1:1 ratio by volume. Quinoa absorbs less water than brown rice, so reduce cooking liquid slightly. Fluffier texture with slightly nuttier flavor.
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Tips for Substituting Brown Rice
For most recipes, Instant Brown Rice is the best starting point. Pre-cooked and dried; cooks in ~5 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Slightly softer texture than regular brown rice. Going plant-based? Quinoa is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Instant Brown Rice is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Quinoa fits the bill without the gluten.
Common Questions About Brown Rice Substitutes
The best substitute for Brown Rice is Instant Brown Rice. Use the same amount. Pre-cooked and dried; cooks in ~5 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Slightly softer texture than regular brown rice.
This guide lists 2 Brown Rice alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Quinoa is a great plant-based alternative to Brown Rice. Use 1:1 ratio by volume. Quinoa absorbs less water than brown rice, so reduce cooking liquid slightly. Fluffier texture with slightly nuttier flavor.
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