How to Cook Bulgur

Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: December 4, 2024 Approved

Bulgur is a wheat product that has been parboiled, dried, and ground to a powder. This cereal is common in Middle Eastern, southern Asian, and European cuisine. You can cook bulgur quickly with boiled water, then season or use it in recipes as desired.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Buying Bulgur Wheat

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It is often sold in the bulk section.
The latter is not parboiled and will take slightly longer to cook. Both have a chewy, nutty consistency.

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Bulgur can be used in place of couscous, quinoa, and even oats.
4
Try several types of bulgur wheat. It comes in finer and larger grains. For example, you may see free keh, faro, organic, brown, and fine-grained bulgur.
- Fine grain bulgur is also known as “Number 1.” It cooks faster than coarser grains.
- Coarse bulgur will take longer to cook, but the texture will be firm enough to use as a side, salad, or soups and stews.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Bulgur Wheat

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1
Measure 1 cup (164g) of bulgur. Pour it into a bowl. The bowl should have a tight-fitting lid, or you can use a saucepan.
- If you don’t have a lid, try to find a plate that will cover the top of the bowl.
47l) of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove. For larger batches, you will maintain a ratio of 1 part bulgur to 2 parts water.
Unlike with other grains, you do not have to cook bulgur on the stove. Consider adding 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
5
Start your kitchen timer. Allow it to sit for 7 to 20 minutes for the bulgur to absorb the water.
- Fine-grain bulgur should sit for 7 minutes.
- Medium-grain bulgur should sit for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Coarse grain bulgur should sit for 30 minutes.
Use a narrow opening between the lid and bowl or a strainer. The holes in the strainer should be very small so that the bulgur does not drain with the water.
7
Fluff the bulgur with a fork. Season with salt, pepper, herbs and spices to taste.
- To make a quick tabbouleh salad, add 2/3 cup (0.16 l) of chunky salsa, chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp. of olive oil. ^{[1]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cooking Bulgur Wheat Through Absorption

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(15 ml) olive oil or butter.
If you want to make a 1-dish meal, you can add as many vegetables as you like. Sauté them until they soften.
Cook for 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
47 l) of vegetable or chicken broth into your pan. Stir into the vegetables and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned areas. You can use water in place of broth, if you choose. ^{[2]
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Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
Place a lid over the top.
This method is best when used with medium or coarse bulgur.
Taste the result before you add seasonings, since broth may include salt and pepper.
Pour off excess liquid as needed.

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Can I use bulgur wheat in a salad?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Yes, bulgur wheat is a great salad addition. A good example is tabouli, a popular traditional Middle Eastern salad.

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Can I put raw bulgar in my soup while it's cooking?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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You can do this but remember that it absorbs twice its volume in water. This means it will soak up the soup liquid and you'll need to replace that to ensure it remains a soup and doesn't turn into a stew. Try a little the first time you do this with your soup recipe, and gradually adjust it each time you make the soup until you get the amount just right. Or, use a recipe which gives exact amounts of bulgar wheat to add.

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What is bulgar wheat?

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Bulgar or bulgur wheat is the wheat kernel with the bran portion removed. The kernel is steamed, dried and ground into different grades of coarseness to finish the product. The grain that results is golden-brown in color.

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Tips

You can cook bulgur in the microwave. Use a ratio of 1 cup (164 g) of bulgur to 1 and 3/4 cups (0.41 l) of water. Cook on high in a bowl for 2 minutes. Then, stir and let the bulgur sit in the bowl, covered with a lid, for 7 minutes.

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