Discover the secret to perfectly fluffy and flavorful bulgur in this guide for How To Cook Bulgur Wheat! Say goodbye to bland and mushy side dishes, and hello to delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to this versatile grain, our easy-to-follow recipe is the perfect starting point. Not only is bulgur quick and simple to make but it’s also packed with health benefits– making it a great addition to any meal.
What Is Bulgur Wheat?
Bulgur wheat is a whole grain that’s made from steamed and then dried durum wheat. It’s commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, and has a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, stews, and as a side dish, and is a good source of fiber, protein, and various nutrients.
Add Bulgur To Your Pantry!
Are you tired of the same old, boring side dishes or grain options in your meals? Look no further than bulgur! This versatile grain packs a punch in both taste and nutrition, making it a great addition to your next meal. Bulgur has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. In fact, one of the best things about bulgur is its versatility.
It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to grain bowls, and even in breakfast bowls! In salads, bulgur wheat adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor to your greens. In grain bowls, it’s a delicious base for veggies, proteins, and sauces. And in breakfast bowls, it can be paired with yogurt, fruit, and nuts for a satisfying start to your day. Or, try a savory breakfast bowl!
Quick Tip
Try some of our favorite salads using bulgur: this cucumber and apricot Bulgur Salad, a Middle Eastern favorite: Tabouli (Tabbouleh), or a personal favorite: Blueberry Corn Salad
There Are Different Coarseness Levels
Bulgur is classified into four types based on grain texture, with finer grains cooking faster. The coarseness of bulgur wheat refers to the size of the wheat kernels after they have been parboiled and dried.
- Fine bulgur: Ideal for salads like tabbouleh and other dishes.
- Medium bulgur: Great for cereals, veggie burgers, dolmas, and porridge.
- Coarse bulgur: Ideal for pilaf and stuffing vegetables.
- Very coarse bulgur: Ideal for pilaf, soups and stews, veggie burgers, and Syrian kibbeh
This recipe for How To Cook Bulgur Wheat uses fine bulgur. The other varieties won’t cook correctly with the method described in this post.
Is bulgur healthier than rice?
- Rich in fiber: Bulgur is a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full for longer.
- Low glycemic index: With a low glycemic index, bulgur helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
- High in nutrients: Bulgur is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and B9.
- Promotes weight management: As a low-calorie and high-fiber food, bulgur can be beneficial for weight management
- Reduces inflammation: Bulgur contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation.
- Heart-healthy: Bulgur is rich in potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Storage
Storing and Reheating Bulgur Wheat
- Storing: Store cooked bulgur wheat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat bulgur wheat in the microwave by transferring it to a microwave-safe dish and heating it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
If the bulgur has become dry after refrigeration, adding a splash of liquid before reheating will help to rehydrate it and restore its texture.
How To Use Cooked Bulgur Wheat
Cooked bulgur wheat can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Salads: Add cooked bulgur to your favorite salad for a nutty, chewy texture and added nutrition.
- Grain bowls: Use bulgur as the base of your grain bowl, topped with veggies, protein, and sauce of your choice.
- Burgers: Use cooked bulgur as a binder in veggie burgers or meatballs.
- Breakfast bowls: Add cooked bulgur to yogurt, fruit, and nuts for a hearty breakfast option.
- Soups and stews: Add cooked bulgur to soups and stews for added texture and nutrition.
- Sides: Serve cooked bulgur as a side dish with your favorite protein and vegetables.
How To Cook Bulgur Wheat FAQs
Where do you find bulgur wheat in the grocery store?
You can find bulgur wheat in most health food stores, in the bulk foods, baking, or cereal aisles. If it’s tricky to find in mainstream grocery stores, try ordering it online. Look for it where whole grains are sold; it’s sometimes called cracked wheat.
Should bulgur be soaked before cooking?
Is bulgur wheat gluten-free?
Bulgur wheat is wheat, so it is not gluten-free.
Use Bulgur Wheat In One Of These Recipes:
- Rice and Beans replace the rice with bulgur
- Caprese Quinoa Salad replace the quinoa with bulgur
- Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs serve over bulgur (instead of rice)
- Cashew Chicken serve over bulgur (instead of rice)
- Quick Vegan Curry serve over bulgur
How To Cook Bulgur Wheat
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fine bulgur wheat (Note 1)
- 1¼ cups boiling water
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, add the bulgur to a wide, shallow bowl. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Measure out 1-1/4 cups boiling water and pour over the bulgur and salt. Stir, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 15-25 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed into the grains. Remove the plastic wrap and fluff with a fork. Enjoy as a delicious side dish, in a salad, in a grain bowl, or in a breakfast bowl!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
