How to Microwave Trader Joe's Frozen Brown Rice

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

Heating up Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice in the microwave is the simplest meal prep method. Trader Joe’s brown rice is one of the quickest and easiest rice dishes that can ever prepare.

When the brown rice heats up, it is fluffy texture, nutty and earthy taste. Within a few minutes, a tasty bowl of reheated brown rice is ready to serve.

How do you microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice? Inside a frozen box of Trader Joe’s brown rice, includes three pouches of brown rice. Simply, cut ¼” opening in pouch to let it ventilate while microwaving.

Place the rice pouch in microwave with seam side up, and microwave on high for about 3 minutes, then let it sit for couple minutes to allow the steam to evenly distribute. Cut open the pouch and transfer the reheated brown rice into a bowl and serve.

Brown rice typically takes longer to cook compared to white rice, however Trader Joe’s brown rice only requires 3 minutes to be fully reheated in a microwave because it has already been cooked.

Be careful when handling because the steam might burn your fingers as it escapes from the microwavable pouch.

To prevent any danger, read further to learn how to microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice so that it tastes perfect. Answered below are frequently asked questions about the best way to microwave the brown rice to get optimal results.

Can you microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice?

Yes, you can microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice. It’s much easier and faster to microwave frozen rice because the pouches are microwavable and ready to heat, just microwave for 3 minutes to be fully reheated.

When microwaving the brown rice, it’s important to cut a small openings about a quarter inch in the pouch to vent the built-up steam pressure.

And place the brown rice in the microwave with the seam side facing upwards. Microwaving should take at most 3 minutes on high-medium mode.

Microwaving the Trader Joe’s brown rice saves time and energy. Minimal preparation required and no watching the stovetop to see if the rice is finished cooking from scratch, especially since brown rice takes much longer than white rice.

Is it safe to microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice?

Yes, it is safe to microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice. Make sure that the internal temperature of the reheated brown rice reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

When removing the Trader Joe’s brown rice from the microwave and opening the sealed pouch, it’s important to be extremely careful. Microwaved Trader Joe’s frozen rice pouch is filled with steam, and it can burn your fingers or face if not cautious.

How do you microwave Trader Joe’s brown rice?

Remove the rice pouch from the freezer, and cut a small opening in the corner to vent steam. Then, microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice on high for 3 minutes to make a fluffy and tasty rice that is ready to serve.

Put rice pouch in the microwave and ensure seam sides faces upwards.

In addition, it is recommended to microwave one pouch at a time to maximize the efficiency of microwave time.

Give the steam time to dissipate and even out throughout the pouch, then cut the microwaved pouch and empty the contents into a separate bowl to serve as a side dish.

How long do you microwave Trader Joe’s brown rice?

If you’re looking for a quick dinner, then a bag of Trader joe’s brown rice from the freezer takes only 3 minutes to reheat. Since the brown rice is already precooked, it reheats in the microwave very quickly.

The brown rice is steamed in the microwave, resulting in perfectly recooked rice with absolutely no effort. It’s always good to let the microwaved bag of Trader Joe’s rice cool down for a minute before opening to avoid the steam from burning you as it escapes.

Can you cook Trader Joe’s microwave rice on the stove?

Absolutely yes, you can cook Trader Joe’s brown rice on a stove by rehydrating it and adding boiling water until the constant temperature is reached.

Doing so will allow the microwaved brown rice to be recooked in the pan. Its flavor and texture remain the same as when heated in the microwave. That is, its nutty flavor, tender and chewy texture that is not mushy at all.

Alternatively, heat directly in the microwave or toss the contents in a sauté pan to panfry and combine with other mix-ins.

Precooked brown rice comes in a microwavable pouch with microwaving instructions, but it’s still possible to cook it in the pan provided the right steps.

How long does Trader Joe’s frozen rice last?

Trader Joe’s frozen rice can last about 1 to 3 months after the expiration date listed on a package. However, this entirely depends on the storage conditions and whether or not it has remained frozen the entire time.

Sometimes frozen brown rice can turn rancid a bit faster than a white rice because of its higher percentage of natural oil content. As long as the pouches remain sealed and are not punctured, then it should hold up quite well.

To extend the shelf life of a frozen joe’s rice once the package of rice is opened, it should be transferred to an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag and kept in the freezer until ready to heat.

Tips to microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice

To make brown rice from scratch, it does take a while compared to reheating Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice, since it is already precooked and easily heated within 3 minutes. However, the brown rice can get dried out and lose its original texture without the proper methods.

Ensure to take the following precautions when microwaving frozen brown rice from Trader Joe’s:

Ensure to cut an opening in the brown rice pouch to enhance the venting process by releasing steam.
No need to transfer the pouch to bowl to heat, the original plastic pouch is considered to be microwave-safe.
If you do want to use a glass or ceramic dish instead, add a couple tablespoons of water and cover with a wetted paper towel to trap the steam while microwaving. Stir every minute to evenly distribute heat and check that the rice is not drying out.
Only microwave one rice pouch at a time.
Place the brown rice pouch in the microwave with its seam facing up.
Microwave the frozen Trader Joe’s brown rice for 3 minutes on high heat, then give it a minute for the steam to settle.

Best way to microwave Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice

There are two ways to heat up Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice: stovetop and microwave.

The stove top require saucepan to heat up and takes about 10 to 12 minutes to heat fully. However, microwaving takes no longer than 3 minutes to heat the brown rice.

The most suitable method to microwave Trader Joe’s brown rice is by cutting a ¼” opening into the frozen brown rice pouch. Place the pouch with the seam side facing up and microwave on high fro 3 minutes.

After microwaving, allow time for steam to settle in the pouch to evenly reheat the rice. Cut the pouch completely and transfer into a serving bowl.

Microwaving Trader Joe’s Brown Rice: Conclusion

Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice is filled with fiber and minerals that can be healthier alternative to fried rice when serving with crispy orange chicken. It is also a great alternative to make a healthy meal to eat instead of always having white rice.

There are two ways to heat up frozen brown rice, by saucepan on stove or in a microwave. The latter method is much quick and easier because it does not require pot and pan to recook.

Since each package is divided into 3 small pouches of brown rice, the serving sizes are already set for you. Simply cut 1/4” long opening on the plastic pouch and place in the microwave seam side up.

Adjust the microwave to medium-high power mode and run for 3 minutes. Let the pouch sit in the microwave for couple of minutes to release the steam, then carefully remove the pouch and cut it open to serve.

Be aware when removing the microwaved brown rice, do not move close to the opening to avoid yourself getting a burn from the steam. Microwaving Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice is a quick and easy way to add a healthy side to your meal prep.

How to Microwave Trader Joe’s Frozen Brown Rice