If you are looking for how to cook black rice or forbidden rice on search engines, I think you are in the right place because this article of mine is exactly what you need to read. Besides, I will also answer some common questions when cooking black rice.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
Should Black Rice Be Soaked Before Cooking?
Cooking black rice on the stovetop and in a rice cooker, pre-soak the black rice is a must if you want your black rice to be tender and moist.
However, if you use a pressure cooker to cook black rice. You don’t need to soak the black rice before cooking and it’s also the method with the shortest cooking time.
What is the Ratio of Black Rice To Water?
The ratio of black rice to water can vary slightly depending on the cooking method. Here are the recommended ratios for cooking black rice on the stove, in a rice cooker, and in an Instant Pot:
- On stove: Ratio is 1 cup black rice to 2 cups water
- In rice cooker: Ratio is 1 cup black rice to 1.75 cups water
- In Instant pot: Ratio is 1 cup black rice to 1.5 cups water
How Much Black Rice Per Person?
Side Dish: If black rice is being served as a side dish alongside other main components, such as protein and vegetables, you will need 1/2 cup (uncooked) of black rice per person.
Main Course: If black rice is the main focus of the meal and serves as the primary carbohydrate source, you will need 1 cup (uncooked) of black rice per person.
2. How To Cook Black Rice on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 cups of water
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- A pot with a lid & a bowl or A rice cooker & a fork/spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Put the black rice in a bowl and wash it thoroughly 2-3 times by rubbing the rice with your hands. Drain the water. Add filtered water and soak the rice overnight.
Step 2: Take a medium-sized pot. Drain the soaked black rice and add it to the pot. Pour 2 cups of water. (*Add ½ teaspoon salt seasoning if desired)
Step 3: Place the pot on the stove at medium-high heat and let the water come to a boil. When the water starts to boil, close the lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook black rice for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Once done, turn off the heat and let the black rice sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then uncover the lid and fluff the rice serve. You can enjoy the soft steamed black rice with your choice of veggies, meat, or fish.
3. How To Cook Black Rice in Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup Black Rice
- 1 3/4 cups of water
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the black rice by putting it on a filter and running cold tap water for about 1 -2 minutes. Soak the washed black rice for 7-8 hours.
Step 2: Drain the water from the soaked rice, transfer 1 cup of black rice to the rice cooker, and add 1 3/4 cups of water and salt. Stir and cover with the lid.
Step 3: Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook. It will take 25-30 minutes of cooking time, after which the rice cooker will switch to warm mode automatically.
Step 4: Uncover the lid, fluff the rice with a fork/spatula, and serve.
4. How To Cook Black Rice in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 1.5 cups water
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the black rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch.
Drain the rice and transfer it to the Instant Pot inner pot. Then add 1.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt for seasoning.
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam release handle is set to the “Sealing” position.
Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function on the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure.
Set the cooking time to 22-25 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time starts counting down.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes.
After the natural release, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the steam release handle to the “Venting” position.
Once the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, it is safe to open the Instant Pot.
Fluff the black rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the cooked black rice as a side dish or as a base for various recipes.
5. Recipe Ideas & Uses For Cooked Black Rice
Grain Bowls
Vegetarian Bowl: Combine cooked black rice with roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, beets), leafy greens, avocado, chickpeas, and a tahini dressing. Add a sprinkle of seeds or nuts for extra crunch.
Asian-Inspired Bowl: Pair black rice with sautéed mushrooms, edamame, shredded carrots, cucumber, avocado, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce or a ginger-sesame dressing.
Stir-Fries
Toss cooked black rice into a stir-fry with your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp) and vegetables. Season with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of chili paste for some heat.
Black Rice Salad
Mix black rice with chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro), diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing salad. Add nuts like almonds or walnuts and dried fruits (cranberries, raisins) for a sweet and savory twist.
Black Rice Sushi
Use cooked black rice as a base for sushi rolls. It pairs well with avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon or tofu. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and drizzle with a little soy sauce.
Stuffed Vegetables
Mix cooked black rice with sautéed onions, garlic, herbs, and your choice of protein (ground turkey, beef, or mushrooms). Stuff bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes and bake until tender.
Breakfast Porridge
Turn black rice into a warm breakfast porridge. Heat it with coconut milk or almond milk, add a dash of cinnamon, and top with fresh berries, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Now, you knew how to cook black rice perfectly in 3 different ways. Hopefully, this article will help you to be confident when cooking black rice at home. Good Luck
