How to Cook Microwave Rice When Camping?

How to Cook Microwave Rice When Camping? Yes, you can cook microwave rice when camping using pre-cooked microwave rice pouches (like Ben’s Original/Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice or Bibigo) heated in a portable microwave on shore power/RV hookups, or alternative methods like submerging the sealed pouch in boiling water for 5–10 minutes, steaming, or pan-heating with added water. These pouches contain pre-cooked rice that only needs reheating, making them ideal for quick, low-effort camp meals.

Best Microwave Rice Options for Camping

Pre-cooked microwave rice pouches dominate camping convenience due to their shelf stability, portability, and minimal prep.

Popular brands include:

Ben’s Original Ready Rice (formerly Uncle Ben’s) — Offers varieties like jasmine, basmati, and flavored options; 90-second microwave time; widely praised for reliability.
Bibigo Cooked Rice — Korean-style sticky rice in individual containers; premium texture; heats in ~90 seconds.
Seeds of Change or Lundberg — Organic blends with quinoa/brown rice for added nutrition (up to 7g protein per pouch).

These pouches weigh ~8–10 oz each, providing 2 servings, and require no additional water during standard microwaving.

Recent taste tests (2025) rank Bibigo and premium options highest for fresh taste and non-mushy texture, while budget brands like store generics work well but may stick together.

For more on top-rated instant rice, see this review from Allrecipes on best instant rice brands.

How to Microwave Rice in a Camping Setup

Use a compact low-wattage microwave (700–900W) powered by campground electricity, a generator, or portable power station.

Steps for perfect results:

Squeeze the pouch to break up rice clumps.
Tear a small vent or follow package instructions.
Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes (adjust for wattage).
Let stand 1 minute before serving.

Power tip: A 90-second cycle uses minimal energy (~0.02–0.03 kWh), preserving battery life on off-grid setups.

Dedicated microwave rice cookers (e.g., 6-cup models from Camping World) allow cooking raw rice from scratch if you prefer non-instant varieties.

Alternative Methods Without a Microwave

Many campers skip microwaves entirely — these pouches heat effectively via other means:

Boil-in-bag — Submerge sealed pouch in boiling water for 5–10 minutes; stir occasionally if needed. Koreans and backpackers use this frequently for reliable results.
Steam method — Place pouch over boiling water in a pot with lid for steaming.
Pan-fry — Pour rice into skillet, add 2 Tbsp water, heat and stir for 2–4 minutes.

These methods save power and work on camp stoves, with users reporting fluffy results when starting with hot/boiling water.

Safety note: Ensure pouch is airtight and undamaged; avoid direct flame contact.

Quick Camping Meal Ideas with Microwave Rice

Mix with canned chicken, curry pouches, or stir-fry veggies for hearty dinners.
Pair with beans and salsa for burrito bowls.
Add eggs or spam for fried rice variations.

These combos deliver balanced meals fast, with rice providing sustained energy for outdoor activities.

FAQ

Can you heat microwave rice pouches without electricity while camping?
Yes — boil the sealed pouch in water, steam it, or pan-heat with added water for excellent results.

What are the best brands for camping microwave rice?
Ben’s Original Ready Rice, Bibigo, and Seeds of Change top lists for taste, texture, and convenience.

How long does it take to heat microwave rice in boiling water?
Typically 5–10 minutes in simmering water; start with boiling water for faster, even heating.

Is pre-cooked pouch rice safe for camping?
Yes, when heated to steaming hot (at least 165°F); store unopened pouches properly to avoid spoilage.

Do microwave rice pouches work in portable camping microwaves?
Absolutely — follow package times and use microwave-safe setups.

Final Thoughts

Microwave rice pouches transform camping meals with speed and simplicity, whether using a portable microwave for direct heating or low-power alternatives like boiling. Opt for trusted brands like Ben’s Original or Bibigo for consistent fluffy results, and pair with simple add-ins for nutritious, satisfying dishes. This approach minimizes cleanup and fuel use, letting you focus on the adventure while enjoying hot, home-like rice in the great outdoors.