Skip to content

Out of brown rice?

Brown Rice substitutes

Brown Rice is Whole grain rice with the bran and germ intact, nuttier flavor than white rice.

Use this

White Rice

Use the same amount as the brown rice you are replacing

Different tasteBest for general cooking

The best substitutes for brown rice are white rice, quinoa, or wild rice, depending on the use.

At a glance

Every brown rice substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Brown Rice substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of brown rice, use
1White RiceSame amount
2Wild RiceSame amount
3QuinoaSame amount
4FarroSame amount

Every brown rice substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Brown Rice with ratios

  1. 1. White Rice

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Refined version, cooks faster

    What changes
    Best for
    general cooking, quick meals, budget-friendly option, everyday dishes

    Less fiber and nutrients than brown rice

  2. 2. Wild Rice

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Different grain with nutty flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    pilafs, stuffing, grain salads, mixed rice dishes

    Takes longer to cook, more expensive

  3. 3. Quinoa

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Complete protein grain

    What changes
    Best for
    grain bowls, salads, side dishes, protein-rich meals

    Higher protein content, cooks faster

  4. 4. Farro

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Ancient grain with chewy texture

    What changes
    Best for
    grain bowls, salads, soups, side dishes

    Chewy texture, nutty flavor

Tips for substituting brown rice

  • Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice
  • Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water for brown rice
  • Soak brown rice for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time
  • Let brown rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking

Questions about brown rice substitutes

Is brown rice healthier than white rice?

Yes, brown rice retains the bran and germ, providing more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.

Why does brown rice take longer to cook?

The bran layer on brown rice is harder and takes longer to absorb water, requiring more cooking time.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in any recipe?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and liquid ratio, and the texture will be chewier.

Need a different ingredient?

Browse the full index, or the rest of this category.