How to Cook Bulgur Wheat | 6 Easy Steps 2023

Bulgur wheat is a whole grain commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is made by cracking whole wheat kernels and then partially cooking them, making it a quick-cooking and convenient grain. Bulgur wheat is a nutritious and versatile ingredient in various dishes, from salads to pilafs to stuffing.

In this guide, we will go over the steps to cook bulgur wheat, including choosing the right bulgur, rinsing the grain, and cooking it on the stove or in a rice cooker. Following these steps, you can easily incorporate this nutritious grain into your meals.

Table of Contents

What Are the Types of Bulgur Wheat?

Different types of bulgur wheat are available in the market, varying in texture and cooking time. Here are the three main types of bulgur wheat:

Fine Bulgur Wheat: This type of bulgur has the smallest grain size, and it cooks quickly in around 10-15 minutes. It is commonly used in salads, tabbouleh, and other dishes where a finer texture is desired.
Medium Bulgur Wheat: This type of bulgur has a slightly larger grain size than fine bulgur, and it takes longer to cook, usually around 20-25 minutes. It is commonly used in pilafs, stuffing, and soups.
Coarse Bulgur Wheat: This type of bulgur has the largest grain size, and it takes the longest to cook, usually around 30-40 minutes. It is commonly used in dishes like kibbeh, stews, and casseroles.

The type of bulgur wheat you choose will depend on the recipe you are making and the desired texture of the dish.

Steps to Cook Bulgur Wheat

Here are the steps to cook bulgur wheat:

Step 1: Rinse the Bulgur Wheat

Before cooking, it is essential to rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or impurities. Place the bulgur wheat in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Use your hands to rub the grains gently to remove any remaining dirt.

Step 2: Soak the Bulgur Wheat (Optional)

Soaking the bulgur wheat before cooking can produce a fluffier and softer texture. To soak the bulgur wheat, place it in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover the grain by an inch or two. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes or until the bulgur wheat has softened. Drain the excess water using a fine-mesh strainer.

Step 3: Add Water or Broth

In a pot, add water or broth to cook the bulgur wheat. For every cup of bulgur wheat, add 1 1/2 cups of water or broth to the pot. Use vegetable or chicken broth to add more flavor to the dish. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Bulgur Wheat

Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed or soaked bulgur wheat to the pot. Stir well to make sure the grain is evenly distributed in the liquid.

Step 5: Reduce Heat and Simmer

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the bulgur wheat simmer for 10-15 minutes for fine bulgur, 20-25 minutes for medium bulgur, or 30-40 minutes for coarse bulgur. Avoid opening the lid during cooking as it may release the steam and affect the cooking time. The bulgur wheat is done when it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the bulgur wheat is cooked, use a fork to fluff the grain and transfer it to a serving dish. Bulgur wheat can be served as a side dish or used as a base for salads, pilafs, stuffing, or stews. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Enjoy!

Following these simple steps, you can easily cook bulgur wheat and incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Tips to Cook Bulgur Wheat

Use the right ratio of water to bulgur wheat
Rinse and soak the bulgur wheat before cooking
Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid
Let the bulgur wheat rest after cooking
Experiment with different types of bulgur wheat

These tips will help you cook bulgur wheat with a fluffy texture and delicious flavor.

You May Also Interested:

How to Serve Bulgur Wheat?

Bulgur wheat is a versatile and nutritious grain that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving bulgur wheat:

As a side dish: Bulgur wheat can be served as a simple and healthy side dish for grilled or roasted meats, fish, or vegetables. Season it with salt, pepper, and favorite herbs or spices, such as parsley, mint, or cumin.
In salads: Bulgur wheat can be used as a base for salads, such as tabbouleh, a popular Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon juice. You can add other vegetables, fruits, nuts, or seeds to create your unique salad.
In pilafs and stuffing: Bulgur wheat can be cooked with other grains, such as rice or quinoa, to create a flavorful and nutritious pilaf. It can also be used as a vegetable stuffing, such as peppers, tomatoes, poultry, or meat.
In soups and stews: Bulgur wheat can be added to soups and stews to thicken the broth and add a nutty flavor and texture. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean soups, such as lentil or tomato.
As a breakfast cereal: Bulgur wheat can be cooked with milk or water and sweetened with honey, maple syrup, or fruit to create a warm and satisfying breakfast.

Bulgur wheat is a healthy and delicious grain that can be enjoyed in many ways. Experiment with different recipes and ideas to discover your favorite way to serve bulgur wheat.

How to Cook Bulgur Wheat in Microwave?

Here’s how to cook bulgur wheat in the microwave:

Rinse the bulgur wheat in cold water and drain well.
Place the bulgur wheat in a microwave-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid.
Add 2 cups of water or broth for every cup of bulgur wheat.
Stir in a pinch of salt, if desired.
Cover the dish with the lid and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur wheat is tender.
Remove the dish from the microwave and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the bulgur wheat with a fork.

Tips for cooking bulgur wheat in microwave

Microwave cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the type of bulgur wheat you’re using. Check the bulgur wheat after 5 minutes and then every minute or two until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
If you prefer a softer texture, add more liquid and microwave for a few more minutes.
You can also add herbs, spices, or aromatics to the bulgur wheat before microwaving to add flavor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ratio of water to bulgur wheat?

The ratio of water to bulgur wheat varies depending on the type of bulgur and the desired texture. Generally, the standard ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part bulgur wheat. For example, if you cook 1 cup of bulgur wheat, you need 2 cups of water.

However, some types of bulgur wheat, such as fine-grain bulgur, may require less water, while coarser bulgur may require more water. It’s best to check the package instructions or experiment with different ratios to find the right one for your preferred texture.

Is bulgur wheat gluten free?

While bulgur wheat is made from wheat berries containing gluten, preparing bulgur wheat involves removing the bran and germ, which are the parts of the wheat that contain the most gluten.

As a result, bulgur wheat contains significantly less gluten than other wheat products, and some people with mild gluten sensitivity may be able to tolerate it.

However, bulgur wheat is not completely gluten-free and is not recommended for people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. If you are unsure if you can tolerate bulgur wheat, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

How Long Does Bulgur Wheat Take to Cook?

The cooking time for bulgur wheat varies depending on the type of bulgur and the desired texture. Generally, bulgur wheat takes about 10-15 minutes to cook on the stovetop after it has been soaked in boiling water or broth.

Coarser bulgur may take longer, while fine-grain bulgur may cook in less time. Bulgur can also be cooked in a rice cooker or the microwave for faster cooking. Following the package instructions and adjusting the cooking time is important to achieve the desired texture.

Is it possible to freeze cooked bulgur wheat?

Yes, it is possible to freeze cooked bulgur. To do so, allow the bulgur to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date, so you know how long it has been frozen.

Frozen cooked bulgur can be stored in the freezer for 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the bulgur in the refrigerator overnight, or defrost it in the microwave. Reheat the bulgur on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water or broth to moisten it.

It’s important to note that freezing and reheating may change the texture of the bulgur, so it may not be as fluffy as freshly cooked bulgur.

How long does cooked bulgur last?

Cooked bulgur can last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to let the bulgur cool to room temperature before storing it and to ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and contamination.

Do you need to soak bulgur wheat before cooking?

Yes, it is recommended to soak bulgur wheat before cooking to help soften the grains and reduce the cooking time. Typically, bulgur is soaked in hot water or broth for about 20-30 minutes before being drained and used in recipes.

Some types of bulgur, such as fine-grain bulgur, may require less soaking time, while coarser bulgur may require more. Soaking is not always necessary, but it can help improve the bulgur’s texture and flavor.

Is bulgur wheat healthier than rice?

Bulgur wheat is often considered healthier than rice due to its higher fiber and protein content and lower glycemic index. Bulgur also contains more vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B, than white rice.

However, brown rice can be a healthier alternative than white rice, as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Choosing bulgur wheat and rice depends on individual dietary needs and preferences.

Can you eat bulgur without cooking?

While it is not recommended to eat raw bulgur, it is possible to eat bulgur without cooking if it has been soaked in boiling water for an extended time. Soaking the bulgur in hot water for several hours or overnight can soften the grains and make them safe to eat without cooking.

However, eating raw or undercooked grains can be harmful, leading to digestive issues or food poisoning. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to cook bulgur before eating it to ensure it is safe and enjoyable.

Wrapping up

Cooking Bulgur wheat is a straightforward process that can yield delicious and nutritious results. Soaking the bulgur beforehand and using the appropriate water-to-grain ratio are key steps to ensure that the bulgur cooks evenly and has the desired texture.

With its many health benefits and versatility in the kitchen, bulgur wheat is a great addition to any diet.