Uncle Ben’s rice is a pantry staple known for its quality and versatility. From Original Converted Long Grain to Ready Rice pouches, it offers quick, flavorful options. This guide will help you cook it perfectly every time.
Available in varieties like jasmine, basmati, and brown rice, Uncle Ben’s suits any meal. It’s affordable, with a 2-pound bag costing around $4–$6. The rice is enriched with vitamins and minerals for added nutrition.
With clear Uncle Ben’s rice cooking instructions, you’ll get fluffy, delicious results. This article covers stovetop, microwave, and rice cooker methods, plus tips to enhance flavor. Let’s make your next meal a success!
Why Choose Uncle Ben’s Rice?
Uncle Ben’s rice is trusted for its consistent quality. The Original Converted Long Grain Rice is parboiled to retain nutrients like thiamin and niacin. It cooks up fluffy, never sticky, for perfect dishes.
Varieties include jasmine, basmati, whole grain brown, and flavored options like Spanish or Wild Rice. A 1-cup cooked serving offers 170–200 calories and 4–5 grams of protein. It’s naturally gluten-free, ideal for many diets.
The Ready Rice pouches cook in 90 seconds, perfect for busy schedules. Traditional bags take about 20 minutes, offering flexibility. Uncle Ben’s is great for side dishes, stir-fries, or main courses.
Uncle Ben’s Rice Cooking Instructions
Cooking Uncle Ben’s rice is easy with the right method. You can use a stovetop, microwave, or rice cooker, depending on the variety. Below are the Uncle Ben’s rice cooking instructions for each approach, ensuring fluffy grains every time.
Stovetop Cooking Instructions
Original Long Grain (2 cups):
Bring 2 ¼ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of butter (optional). Stir in 1 cup of rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
Whole Grain Brown Rice (2 cups):
Combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of rice, and 1 tablespoon of butter (optional) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes. Fluff and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Microwave Cooking Instructions
Ready Rice Pouch (8.8 oz):
Massage the pouch to separate grains. Tear open 2 inches at the top and microwave on high for 90 seconds. Remove carefully and fluff with a fork before serving.
Traditional Rice (1 cup):
In a microwave-safe dish, mix 1 cup of rice with 2 ¼ cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter (optional). Cover loosely and microwave on high for 5 minutes, then medium (50%) for 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff.
Rice Cooker Instructions
Long Grain or Jasmine (2 cups):
Add 2 cups of rice and 3 cups of water to the rice cooker. Include 1 tablespoon of butter or oil if desired. Cook until the machine switches to “keep warm,” about 20–25 minutes, then fluff and serve.
Brown or Basmati Rice (2 cups):
Use 2 cups of rice and 3 ½ cups of water. Add a pinch of salt or 1 tablespoon of oil for flavor. Cook for 30–35 minutes until done, then let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Long Grain Rice | Ready Rice Pouch |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 20 minutes | Not applicable |
| Microwave | 20 minutes | 90 seconds |
| Rice Cooker | 20–25 minutes | Not applicable |
Tips for Perfect Uncle Ben’s Rice
Measure water and rice precisely to avoid mushy or undercooked grains. Use a tight-fitting lid on the stovetop to trap steam effectively. For extra flavor, cook with broth instead of water.
Rinse jasmine or basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Don’t lift the lid during stovetop cooking, as this releases steam and affects texture. Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to separate grains.
Store dry rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. Ready Rice pouches last 12–18 months unopened. Keep cooked rice in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Enhancing Your Uncle Ben’s Rice
Pair Uncle Ben’s rice with grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, or curry for a complete meal. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness. Soy sauce or garlic butter elevates flavored varieties.
For a fun twist, mix in sautéed onions, peas, or almonds after cooking. Use leftovers in fried rice or casseroles for quick meals. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and visual appeal.
Serve rice in bowls for a modern presentation at gatherings. For kids, shape rice into fun molds or add colorful veggies. Uncle Ben’s makes any dish feel special with minimal effort.
Nutritional Highlights
A 1-cup cooked serving of Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Rice has about 170 calories. It provides 4 grams of protein and 0.5 grams of fat, with no added sugars. Brown rice offers 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Ingredients include enriched rice, iron, niacin, and thiamin for Original Long Grain. Flavored varieties like Spanish Rice contain dried vegetables and spices. Check labels for sodium in seasoned options (400–600 mg per serving).
Uncle Ben’s rice is naturally gluten-free, fitting many dietary needs. It’s low in fat but high in carbs (35–40 grams per cup). Pair with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use too much water, as it leads to soggy rice. Stick to the ratios in the Uncle Ben’s rice cooking instructions. Avoid high heat after boiling to prevent burning the bottom.
Don’t stir rice during cooking, as this makes it gummy. For microwaving, ensure the dish is covered but not sealed to allow steam to escape. Check your microwave’s wattage for accurate timing.
Store rice properly to avoid moisture or pests. Don’t refrigerate Ready Rice pouches before cooking, as they’re shelf-stable. Overcooking can dry out brown or basmati rice, so monitor closely.
Uncle Ben’s Rice for Every Occasion
Uncle Ben’s rice is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. A 2-pound bag yields about 12 cups cooked, serving 6–8 people. Ready Rice pouches are ideal for quick lunches or sides.
Use jasmine rice for stir-fries or basmati for curries. Flavored options like Mexican or Wild Rice shine in burrito bowls or casseroles. They’re great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Keep a bag or pouch in your pantry for last-minute meals. The variety and ease make it a go-to. Uncle Ben’s delivers consistent, tasty results every time.
Summary
Uncle Ben’s rice is a versatile, affordable staple for any kitchen. With clear Uncle Ben’s rice cooking instructions, you can prepare it on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in a rice cooker. Each method delivers fluffy, flavorful grains.
Enhance it with broth, herbs, or veggies for a custom dish. Avoid common mistakes like using too much water or stirring during cooking. Uncle Ben’s is perfect for quick meals or large gatherings.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook Uncle Ben’s rice?
Long grain rice takes 20 minutes on the stovetop or 20–25 minutes in a rice cooker. Ready Rice pouches cook in 90 seconds in the microwave. Brown rice requires 25–35 minutes depending on the method.
Can I cook Uncle Ben’s rice without a microwave?
Yes, use the stovetop or a rice cooker. For stovetop, boil water, add rice, and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Rice cookers take 20–35 minutes, depending on the variety.
How do I make Uncle Ben’s rice fluffier?
Use the exact water-to-rice ratio in the Uncle Ben’s rice cooking instructions. Don’t lift the lid during cooking to trap steam. Fluff with a fork after cooking to separate grains.
Can I add flavors to Uncle Ben’s rice?
Yes, cook with broth or add herbs like parsley or spices like cumin. Mix in sautéed vegetables or nuts after cooking. Keep additions light to maintain texture.
Is Uncle Ben’s rice gluten-free?
Yes, Uncle Ben’s rice is naturally gluten-free. Check labels for flavored varieties, as some may have additives. It’s safe for gluten-free diets when prepared plain.