Complete Guide to Black Rice

Unlock the secrets of this nutritious ancient grain with our comprehensive cooking guide, recipes, and tips.

How to Cook Black Rice

Black rice requires more water and a longer cooking time than white rice due to its hearty bran layer. Here are the best methods to prepare it perfectly every time.

Stovetop Method

  1. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse 1 cup of black rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Pre-soak (optional but recommended): Soak for 30-60 minutes to reduce cooking time.
  3. Cook: Combine 1 cup of black rice with 2.5-3 cups of water or broth in a pot.
  4. Bring to boil: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
  5. Rest: Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  6. Fluff: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving.

Rice Cooker Method

  1. Rinse 1 cup of black rice thoroughly.
  2. Add to rice cooker with 2-2.5 cups of water.
  3. Select the brown rice setting if available, or set for a longer cooking cycle.
  4. Let rest for 10 minutes after cooking completes.

Delicious Black Rice Recipes

Main Dishes

Black Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Truffle Oil

Ingredients
  • 1 cup black rice
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (heated)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon truffle oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are golden.
  3. Add black rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
  4. Pour in wine and stir until absorbed.
  5. Add hot broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until liquid is absorbed before adding more.
  6. Continue until rice is tender but still has slight resistance (about 35-40 minutes).
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper.
  8. Drizzle with truffle oil before serving and garnish with fresh thyme.

Thai-Inspired Black Rice Bowl with Coconut Curry

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked black rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snow peas, carrots)
  • 1 cup protein of choice (tofu, chicken, shrimp)
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro and Thai basil for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut milk until it begins to separate.
  2. Add curry paste and stir until fragrant.
  3. Add remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to simmer.
  4. Add vegetables and protein, cook until tender.
  5. Serve curry over a bed of black rice.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice.

Side Dishes

Purple Rice (Mixed Black and White Rice)

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup black rice, soaked overnight
  • 1.5 cups white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. After soaking black rice overnight, drain and rinse.
  2. Rinse white rice until water runs clear.
  3. Combine both rices in a pot with water and salt.
  4. Cook according to white rice instructions (the pre-soaked black rice will cook in the same time).
  5. The result will be a beautiful purple-tinged rice with a nutty flavor.

Desserts

Black Rice Pudding with Coconut and Mango

Ingredients
  • 1 cup black rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh mango slices
  • Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
  1. Rinse black rice thoroughly.
  2. Combine rice, coconut milk, 1.5 cups water, sugar, and salt in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
  5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with fresh mango slices and toasted coconut flakes.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Information

Black rice, also known as "forbidden rice" or "emperor's rice," was once reserved exclusively for the Chinese emperor and nobles. Today, it's celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile:

  • Rich in Antioxidants: The deep black-purple color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants also found in blueberries and blackberries.
  • High in Fiber: Contains more fiber than brown rice, supporting digestive health and providing longer-lasting fullness.
  • Protein Source: Contains 8-10g of protein per cup when cooked, making it a good plant-based protein source.
  • Essential Minerals: Rich in iron, which supports blood health, and zinc for immune function.
  • Low Glycemic Index: Causes less dramatic blood sugar spikes compared to white rice.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Black Rice

Pre-soak for best results

Soaking black rice for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) reduces cooking time and helps achieve a better texture.

Toast before cooking

For a nuttier flavor, toast dry black rice in a pan for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid.

Make purple rice

For a visually striking purple rice, mix pre-soaked black rice with white rice in a 1:3 ratio and cook as usual.

Batch cooking

Black rice keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and freezes beautifully. Cook a large batch and portion it for quick meals throughout the week.

Natural food coloring

Use the purple cooking water from black rice as a natural food dye for other dishes or baked goods.

Perfect pairing

Black rice pairs excellently with coconut, mango, seafood, mushrooms, and bold spices.

Storage & Shelf Life

Uncooked Black Rice

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year (or longer in the freezer).

Cooked Black Rice

Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Freezing Cooked Rice

Portion cooled rice into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave.