Brown rice substitutes
Brown rice substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use White rice
Same amount as the brown rice
Refined version, cooks faster.
The best substitutes for brown rice are white rice, quinoa, or wild rice, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- general cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of brown rice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White ricegeneral cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Wild ricepilafs | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Quinoagrain bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Farrograin bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
White rice
different taste, similar texture
Refined version, cooks faster.
- Best for
- general cooking, quick meals, budget-friendly option, everyday dishes
Less fiber and nutrients than brown rice.
Wild rice
different taste and texture
Different grain with nutty flavor.
- Best for
- pilafs, stuffing, grain salads, mixed rice dishes
Takes longer to cook, more expensive.
Quinoa
different taste and texture
Complete protein grain.
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, side dishes, protein-rich meals
Higher protein content, cooks faster.
Farro
different taste and texture
Ancient grain with chewy texture.
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, soups, side dishes
Chewy texture, nutty flavor.
Questions
3 questionsIs 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.
Tips for substituting brown rice
4 tips- 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