If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s Brown Rice but don’t have the time or energy to cook it on the stove, microwaving it is a quick and easy option. Not only is it convenient, but it also retains the same great taste and texture as the stove-cooked version. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to microwave Trader Joe’s Brown Rice perfectly every time. So, grab a bag of brown rice, and let’s get started!
Quick Answer:
To microwave Trader Joe’s Brown Rice, cut 1/4″ off the package top, place the pouch cut side up in the microwave, and set to high for 3 mins. Let it sit for 1-2 mins, then tear or cut open the pouch, fluff with a fork, and enjoy!
Can You Microwave Trader Joe’s Brown Rice?
The manufacturer’s instructions state that Trader Joe’s brown rice can be safely cooked in the microwave. It takes only 3 minutes to cook one pouch of TJ’s brown rice in the microwave.
One benefit of Trader’s Joe Brown Rice is that it is easier and faster to cook than other brands.
This is because the microwave rice has been pre-cooked and just needs to be reheated before eating. Additionally, the rice comes with a microwaveable pouch, making it more convenient for busy people on the go.
Another benefit of Trader’s Joe Brown Rice is that it is a healthier option than white rice. Brown rice contains more fiber and vitamins than white rice, making it a more nutritious choice.
Finally, Trader’s Joe Brown Rice is a more affordable option than other brands of brown rice. For all these reasons, Trader’s Joe Brown Rice is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy, affordable, and easy-to-cook rice option.
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Is It Safe To Microwave Trader Joe’s Brown Rice?
Yes, it is safe to microwave brown rice. One of the most common concerns when microwaving rice is that microwave cooking might damage the nutrients in the rice.
While it is true that microwaving can cause some nutrients to be lost, brown rice actually retains more nutrients when cooked in the microwave than when cooked in other methods (1).
This is because when food cooks on the stove or in the oven, its ingredients are exposed to high temperatures for longer periods of time. As a result, nutrients are more likely to break down over time and become less bioavailable.
In contrast, microwaves cook foods very quickly and within much lower temperature ranges, which means that nutrients are less likely to dissolve or degrade as they cook.
As such, while some amount of nutrient loss will still occur with microwave cooking, it is often much less than with other forms of cooking.
How Long Do I Microwave Trader Joe’s Brown Rice?
According to Trader Joe’s instructions, it takes around three minutes to cook brown rice in the microwave.
However, this can vary depending on the power of your microwave. It’s always best to check the rice after three minutes to see if it’s cooked through.
If not, simply microwave for an additional minute or two until done. With a little trial and error, you’ll soon find the perfect cooking time for your brown rice.
How To Cook Trader Joe’s Brown Rice In The Microwave
Here are the basic steps for cooking Trader Joe’s brown rice in the microwave:
- Begin by cutting 1/4 ” off the top of the package.
- Place the pouch in the microwave with the cut side up.
- Set the microwave to high and cook for 3 minutes.
- Check the rice after 3 minutes to see if it’s done cooking.
- Let the rice sit for 1-2 minutes to let the steam escape.
- Tear or cut open the pouch and fluff up the rice with a fork.
- Enjoy your hot, delicious Trader Joe’s brown rice!
In order to properly cook Trader Joe’s brown rice, you need to cut a small opening in the pouch before microwaving.
This opening is crucial for venting, as it allows air to escape during the cooking process. Without adequate venting, the steam will build up inside the pouch and cause the rice to become overcooked and mushy.
One of the best things about this brown rice is that you don’t need to transfer it to a separate container before microwaving – just pop the whole pouch in the microwave and cook according to the instructions. The result is perfectly cooked brown rice that is delicious and healthy.
This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy meal that is still nutritious. And because the pouch is microwave-safe, there is no need to dirty another dish – just toss it in the trash when you’re done.
To get the best results when making Trader Joe’s brown rice, it is recommended that you only microwave one pouch at a time. This is because too many pouches in the microwave at once might lead to undercooked or unevenly cooked rice.
If you are cooking for a large group, it is best to cook the rice in batches. This will ensure that everyone gets perfectly cooked brown rice that is hot and delicious.
Another Way To Cook Trader Joe’s Brown Rice
Of course, you don’t have to stick to the microwave when cooking Trader Joe’s brown rice. If you prefer a stovetop method or if your microwave is broken, you can also cook it on the stove.
To cook Trader Joe’s brown rice on the stovetop, simply transfer the rice into a medium saucepan. Then, cover the pan to help retain moisture, and heat over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes.
Be sure to give your pan an occasional stir during this time so that your grains cook evenly and don’t end up sticking to the bottom of the pan. When your brown rice is fully cooked through and tender yet slightly chewy in texture, it’s ready to enjoy!
Why Is My Brown Rice Hard After Cooking?
If you use the pouch to cook your brown rice, it will retain heat and moisture much better and produce the perfect texture.
However, if you prefer a separate container for some reason, you need to make sure that you add enough water to fully cook the rice and cover it while it cooks so that it doesn’t dry out.
If you’ve ever tried to microwave Trader Joe’s brown rice in a separate container and found that it came out hard or dry, don’t despair. It is actually fairly easy to fix undercooked rice.
Simply add ½ cup of water to the cooked rice, cover the bowl with a lid, and then microwave it for another minute. This will help to fix the problem by rehydrating the rice and making it tender once again.
Conclusion
Cooking Trader Joe’s brown rice in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table. You don’t even need to dirty another dish – just cook it right in the pouch and then toss it in the trash when you’re done.
Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and remember to cut a small opening in the pouch for adequate venting. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked Trader Joe’s brown rice every time!
If you’re curious about microwaving other Trader Joe’s products, be sure to check out our other articles on the subject. We’ve got tips on microwaving Trader Joe’s quinoa and orange chicken so that you can enjoy these dishes in no time at all.
