Cooking brown rice in the Thermomix is easy, reliable and completely hands-off. This method uses the simmering basket to cook the rice gently for 40 minutes until tender, with no risk of boiling over or drying out.

Brown rice has a naturally nutty flavour and slightly chewy texture, making it perfect for curries, grain bowls and simple weeknight dinners.
Below you'll find my tested method for cooking brown rice in the Thermomix, along with helpful storage tips.
If you're looking to cook white rice instead, see my guide on cooking white rice in the Thermomix.
Why This Method Works
- Using the simmering basket keeps the rice separate from the cooking water while allowing gentle circulation around each grain. This ensures evenly cooked brown rice without sticking or burning on the base of the bowl.
- It's a simple set-and-forget method that produces consistent results every time.
Step-by-Step Directions
Note: The full quantities and instructions are shown in the recipe card below.

- Insert the simmering basket into the Thermomix bowl and weigh the brown rice. Remove the basket and rinse the rice under cold running water. Return the rice (in the basket) to the Thermomix bowl and add 1000g of cold water.

- Cook for 40 min/100°C/speed 4, with the measuring cup in place. Carefully remove the lid and check that the rice is tender. If needed, cook for an additional 5 min/100°C/speed 4.
Top Tip
Open the lid carefully and allow the steam to escape before checking the rice.
Rice Type
This method was tested using medium grain brown rice, which is the most readily available variety in Australia. Short grain, long grain or basmati brown rice may vary slightly in cooking time.
Storage
Allow cooked brown rice to cool quickly by spreading it out in a shallow dish or on a tray. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
For best food safety, avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods.
⭐️ Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear what you think - please leave a comment and recipe rating below! You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new Thermomix recipe.
📖 Recipe

Thermomix Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 200 g brown rice, see notes
- 1000 g cold water
Instructions
- Place the simmering basket into the Thermomix bowl and weigh in the brown rice. Remove the basket and rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear.
- Return the rinsed rice (in the basket) to the Thermomix bowl and add 1000g of cold water to the bowl.
- Cook for 40 min/100°C/speed 4, with the measuring cup in place.
- Carefully remove the lid and check that the rice is tender (the steam will be very hot!). If needed, cook for an additional 5 min/100°C/speed 4.
- Carefully remove the simmering basket using the spatula and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- This method was tested using medium grain brown rice, which is the most readily available variety in Australia. Short grain, long grain or basmati brown rice may vary slightly in cooking time.
- Brown rice roughly triples in volume during cooking - 200g uncooked will produce around 3 cups once cooked, serving approximately 3 people.
- To cook a larger quantity, you can increase the rice to 300-400g. Keep the water at 1000g and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.
- Storage: If you have leftover rice, allow it to cool quickly by spreading it out in a shallow dish or on a tray. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. For best food safety, avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods.







Zoe says
I tried 280g with the same amount of water, 36minutes, prior with overnight soaking, it worked well.
Jessica says
Hi Vicky,
I’m just wondering if it’s possible to steam Veges above the rice while it’s cooking if you take the mc out ?
Vicki says
Hi Jessica, yes you can steam veggies and meat in the varoma tray whilst the rice is cooking. The timing will depend on which veggies/meat and quantities you use. Vickix
Olivia Cameron says
Hi do use mc cup in or out?
Vicki says
MC Cap on. Thank you for pointing that out I have added it to the instructions.
Sue says
Hello, may I ask if u pre soaked your brown rice ? If yes , for how long ?
Vicki says
Hi Sue, I don't soak the rice first and just cook it as is. Kind regards, Vicki