When it comes to side dishes I like to have a few up my sleeve that are easy to throw together for those times when we have unexpected company drop in.

In order for a dish to win a spot in my quick-fix arsenal, it needs to be made with simple ingredients that I can usually find in my pantry and be fast.

Let’s Make Mushroom Brown Rice

This quick Mushroom Brown Rice is made with only four main ingredients if you don’t count the spices. All the ingredients are things I usually have on hand. 

Do you know what is even better? It can be finished in about 30 minutes!

The brown rice can sometimes take almost an hour to cook on the stove so to save time I use instant brown rice for this recipe. 

I like to sauté my mushrooms and onions and add them to the broth.

Then bring it all to a boil and add the rice to cook in this flavorful broth. I think this method imparts the most flavor.

You might have to adjust the liquid/rice ratio so check the directions on the back of your box and adjust your amounts of rice and broth as they may vary from mine below.  

I have also made it with long-grain brown rice when I didn’t have instant and it was just as amazing. 

Again, just follow the water-to-rice ratio on the back of the rice you buy. When I need a quick-fix recipe I always use instant brown rice.

This is a very simple but tasty way to jazz up brown rice. Though it is simple I bet it will make your family or those unexpected guests pretty happy when you serve it.

This recipe is low-fat, gluten-free, and will fit nicely into an “E” meal if you follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan. You can also use a vegetable stock here to make it vegan friendly if needed.

What Is The Best Mushroom Variety To Use For This Mushroom Rice?

When it comes to mushrooms, it’s all about taste and texture. There are so many delicious mushrooms to choose from so here is an overview of a few I enjoy.

Certainly! When it comes to adding mushrooms to rice, you have several delicious options. Here are some popular choices:

1. Baby Bella Mushrooms: These mild-flavored mushrooms work well in rice dishes. They have a slightly earthy taste and a tender texture. You can thinly slice them and sauté them with garlic and onions before adding rice and broth.
2. Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitakes have a strong, savory flavor and a meaty texture. They add depth to rice dishes. If using dried shiitakes, rehydrate them in warm water before slicing and cooking.
3. Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, seafood-like flavor. They’re great for adding umami to your rice. Slice them and cook them alongside other ingredients.
4. White Button Mushrooms: These are widely available and have a mild taste. They’re a classic choice for mushroom rice. Slice them and sauté them for a simple yet flavorful addition.

I tend to go with what is on sale at my local farmers market or grocery store if I’m being honest. So sometimes I use the brown Baby Bellas like in these pictures and if the white button ones are on sale the next time then that’s what I grab.

Both of these work out wonderfully in this Mushroom Brown Rice so you can’t go wrong in my opinion!