How to Cook Black Rice

Isabella Cannon

| 1 min read

Black rice, which is also referred to as purple rice, gets its black-purple color from a pigment called anthocyanin, which has strong antioxidant properties. It is known for its mild, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Black rice varieties have more nutrients than normal white rice including a good source of iron and because it’s a whole grain, it has more fiber.
It also has more protein per serving, with four grams per serving. You can use black rice in almost any dish in which you would use brown rice, such as in a grain bowl, stir-fry or rice pudding. Cooking black rice is easy and like cooking most other types of rice.

How to Cook Black Rice on a Stovetop

Total Time:

50 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup black rice

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Rinse black rice with cold water using a fine mesh colander or strainer. Rinsing rice removes some of the starch that's on the outside of the grains. When you clean rice with water, the grains become more fluffy and less gummy or sticky.

  • Step 2

    Add water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Use a 2:1 ratio of cups of water to cups of black rice. While optional, adding salt to rice while cooking can enhance its flavor.

  • Step 3

    Once the water is boiling, carefully add in your rice.

  • Step 4

    Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.

  • Step 5

    Remove the pot from heat and let the rice steam for 5 to10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

How to Cook Black Rice in a Rice Cooker

Total Time:

60 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup black rice

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Rinse black rice with cold water using a fine mesh colander or strainer. Rinsing rice removes some of the starch that's on the outside of the grains. When you clean rice with water, the grains become more fluffy and less gummy or sticky.

  • Step 2

    Use a 2:1 ratio of cups of water to cups of black rice. While optional, adding salt to rice while cooking can enhance its flavor.

  • Step 3

    Close the lid, turn the rice cooker on and close the steam value.

  • Step 4

    Consult the cooker’s instructions to choose the best setting for the rice and let it cook for the specified time. Most rice cookers have a pre-set program that turns the appliance off automatically according to the setting you’ve chosen. In general, black rice should be cooked on high for about 50 minutes in a rice cooker.

  • Step 5

    When the black rice is finished cooking, turn off the rice cooker. Open the steam valve, keeping face and hands away from it, and let the rice rest in the cooker for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid on.

  • Step 6

    After the rice has rested, use a spatula to mix the rice and remove any lingering moisture to give the rice a fluffier texture.

How to Store Leftover Black Rice

When storing cooked black rice, follow these tips to ensure a safe meal:
  1. Let the rice cool
  2. Use a tightly sealed container
  3. Store in the refrigerator
  4. Use within four days or freeze for later use
Image: Getty Images
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