Bulgur Wheat Recipe (Oven-Baked)

Add something new to your diet with an oven-baked Bulgur Wheat recipe!

What is bulgur wheat? It’s an edible grain that’s dried, cracked, and sometimes parboiled. Compared to other grains, it is easy and quick to cook. You might even be surprised at how many recipes you can make with it.

It is usually cooked in Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. My family loves it because it is chewy and nutty when cooked. I’m sure you and your family will also love it, too.

It’s easy to make, perfectly seasoned, and ultimately satisfying with any dish. You will learn how simple it is to cook the best bulgur wheat in the oven, and it will only take you about thirty minutes!

How to Cook Bulgur Wheat

The secret to enjoying bulgur wheat is how well you season and cook it. Once you know how to cook it properly, it might be one of your favorite grains yet. It will certainly take your go-to meals to the next level!

You’ll see what makes these grains special!

Ingredients

Don’t forget to list down these ingredients for your next grocery run.

Bulgur wheat

Did you know people have been cooking and eating bulgur wheat for over 4,000 years?

It’s widely enjoyed because of how nutty and rich it is. Once cooked, it will have a fluffy, chewy, and soft texture that you will surely love. It is also one dish that will give your meals a wonderful twist.

These grains also come in different varieties. It can be fine, medium, coarse, or extra course. I usually have fine and coarse variants in my kitchen for the right texture. You can use any of these options, depending on your taste.

I love pairing it with chicken because of how delicious they taste together. You can also mix it with beef, turkey, veggies, and more. Do you have any special recipes with bulgur wheat?

Chicken liquid stock

Wondering about the secret ingredient to the best bulgur wheat? It’s chicken liquid stock. You won’t believe how rich and flavorful it will make the grains. I usually make chicken liquid stock at home for the full flavors of the chicken.

You can also use chicken stock cubes from the grocery store as alternatives. Aside from using it for this dish, I also use chicken stock cubes for Chicken Curry, Chicken Gizzard Stew, Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, and Couscous!

Sea salt

If you want to enhance the flavors, then season the grains with a bit of sea salt. A little goes a long way, so keep it proportionate to the amount of wheat you are cooking. 

Water

Of course, cooking this wouldn’t be possible without water. Use it to rinse the grains before cooking it. This basic ingredient is also the key to cooking soft and fluffy rice. 

Can you believe that the best bulgur wheat only requires these simple ingredients? This dish is easy and effortless, but the finished product is divine, delectable, and heavenly in all aspects! 

Directions

How can you cook bulgur wheat to make the most out of it?

1. Rinse the bulgur wheat in a bowl until the water becomes clear.
2. Mix boiled water, chicken liquid stock, and sea salt in a glass dish.
3. Add the washed bulgur and fully submerge it into the wet mixture. 
4. Then, preheat the oven to 200°C for several minutes.
5. Cover the dish and cook in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until soft and fluffy.
6. Once content with the texture, remove it from the oven and let it cool. 

Enjoy it with your preferred side dish, stew, or sauce! 

It’s almost like cooking ordinary rice, but this version is extra flavorful, healthy, versatile, and affordable! Read on to learn more about improving, storing, and serving bulgur wheat!

Tips

Buying bulgur wheat

• The different variants of bulgur wheat are readily available in supermarkets, and the packages usually come with instructions.
• Check if the packaging is clean and tightly sealed.
• The container should not have holes or insects.

Storing bulgur wheat

• Unopened bulgur wheat can last indefinitely at room temperature.
• Once opened, store the wheat groats in containers.
• Place them in areas where they will not be exposed to heat or moisture. This can last up to two years. 

Making chicken liquid stock

Making chicken liquid stock at home is advisable because you will have great control over the flavors and seasonings. Check out this easy video guide on how I prepare chicken liquid stock at home:

To store, pour the warm liquid stock on ice cube molds. Wait until they are frozen solid and transfer them into freezer bags for six months. 

Bulgur Wheat Variations

Why not make the Bulgur Wheat extra special in your own ways?

You can make a vegan and vegetarian version of bulgur wheat by replacing the chicken liquid stock with vegetable stock. It is not gluten-free, but you can use quinoa instead.

Use its variants depending on how they are best cooked. For instance, the fine version has the smallest grains, so it cooks faster. It is also commonly cooked over a stovetop.

Meanwhile, the medium option is best for porridge, stews, and soups. The course variant takes the longest to cook, but it is the best one to use if you want a rice alternative. 

Aside from this classic bulgur wheat recipe, you can also mix in tahini paste, cherry tomatoes, mint, parsley, spring onions, minced beef, paprika, cumin, chickpeas, and more.

Recommended Tools

• Oven: Cook the bulgur wheat in the oven. 
• Casserole dish: Pour the ingredients into a casserole dish.
• Spatula: Mix the components together with a spatula. 
• Glass bowl: Wash the bulgur using a glass bowl. 

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How to Serve Bulgur Wheat

Can’t wait to taste the Bulgur Wheat?

You can serve it the same way you serve regular rice. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner because it goes with almost any dish. I love it with beef, chicken, fish, turkey, and even vegetables.

Here are some of my best suggestions:

• Okra Soup
• Roast Chicken
• Fried Eggs
• Fried Chicken Gizzards
• Egusi Soup
• Crispy Chicken Wings
• Chicken Curry
• Assorted Meat Stew

To make it extra delicious, you can also try my Chicken Fried Bulgur for an all-in-one meal! It has chicken, vegetables, bulgur, and seasonings! 

GoodTo suggests eating about 225 grams of bulgur wheat daily, especially if you want to avoid long-term heart problems.

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Eat the bulgur wheat within four hours for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bulgur wheat healthy? 

Yes, it is definitely nutritious! Wheat groats are one of the best ingredients for low-fat diets. It aids in weight loss because it can make you feel full for a longer period of time.

Moreover, this dish helps with blood sugar levels, metabolism, and heart health!  

Is bulgur wheat better for you than rice?

Bulgur wheat is generally healthier than rice due to its high fiber and protein content. It also contains more essential nutrients compared to rice. It also has fewer calories for weight loss. 

However, if your diet does not permit the intake of wheat groats, white rice, or other grains is perfectly fine. 

What is bulgur wheat rice?

Bulgur is made from partially crushed and parboiled grains. It has been cultivated and enjoyed as food as early as 4,000 years ago. Moreover, it can be from different kinds of grains or wheat species.

Is bulgur good for diabetics?

Yes, bulgur is fantastic for diabetics. It will not cause spikes in blood sugar, yet it will still give diabetics a delicious meal. This dish is certainly the perfect alternative for diabetics.