Brown Rice Main Dish
A hearty and savory brown rice dish loaded with vegetables, garlic, and soy sauce, perfect for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2 (16 oz.) cans bean sprouts, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced and drained
- 4 to 6 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked brown rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter; add onion, cabbage, parsley, garlic, and bouillon cubes.
- Cook gently, mashing cubes with a wooden spoon to break up fine, until vegetables are tender and crisp (about 10 minutes).
- Add bean sprouts, water chestnuts, soy sauce, and cooked brown rice; mix well and reheat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or ginger to the dish. If you want more protein, feel free to toss in some cooked chicken or tofu. You can also substitute the green cabbage with bok choy for a different texture. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste; low-sodium varieties work well if you're watching your sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. For an Asian-inspired meal, serve it alongside my Easy Chicken Chow Mein for a delightful combination. Garnish with extra parsley or sliced green onions for added freshness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brown rice main dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can also add a splash of water to help maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Main Dish contains roughly 2457 calories, with 44g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (185% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and protein (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2852mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of rice for this dish?
While brown rice adds a nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute it with white rice or jasmine rice if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary; ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken bouillon cubes and using vegetable broth instead. This will provide a similar depth of flavor while keeping the recipe entirely plant-based.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the mix. You can also add sliced jalapeños or chili paste to the dish while cooking for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).