How to Cook Black Rice (Perfectly Fluffy Every Time)
Cooking black rice may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually simple once you know the right method. This nutty, slightly chewy rice, also known as forbidden rice, takes a bit more time and water than white rice, but the results are absolutely worth it.
If you love simple sides like this, you can find more cozy potatoes, rice, salads, and easy dinner sides in my Side Dish Recipes collection.
This easy stovetop guide shows you exactly how to cook black rice, or forbidden rice, so it turns out tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked every time. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a base for hearty meals, this simple method works reliably and doesn’t require any special equipment.
What Is Black Rice
Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a whole grain rice variety with a deep black-purple color and a slightly nutty flavor. Unlike white rice, forbidden rice retains its outer bran layer, which gives it a firmer, slightly chewy texture when cooked.
If you’re already familiar with basic stovetop methods, this approach is similar to how to cook rice on the stove, but black rice simply needs a bit more time and water to cook properly.
Water Ratio for Black Rice
The water ratio for black rice is generally higher than for white rice and can vary depending on the variety and cooking method. For this stovetop method, use 1 cup of black rice to 1½ cups of water. This amount gives the forbidden rice enough moisture to cook through while keeping the grains tender, separate, and slightly chewy instead of mushy.
How Long Does Black Rice Take to Cook?
For this stovetop method, black rice takes about 30 minutes to cook over low heat after a short soak. Once the rice is cooked, let it rest covered for another 10 minutes. This resting time allows the grains to absorb any remaining moisture and helps give the rice a tender, slightly chewy texture.
How to Store Black Rice
Let the cooked black rice cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a small splash of water and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Cooked forbidden rice can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place the black rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes. This quick soak helps soften the grains slightly and allows the rice to cook more evenly.
Drain the soaking water completely, then transfer the rice to a saucepan. Add 1½ cups of fresh water, the oil, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat, cover, and cook the rice for 30 minutes without stirring. Remove from the heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes, allowing the moisture to absorb and the rice to finish cooking.
Fluff the black rice gently with a fork and serve warm. The grains should be tender with a slightly chewy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
If the rice absorbs all the water before the cooking time is up, add a small splash of hot water and continue cooking over low heat. Avoid adding too much water, as this can make the rice mushy.
How to Cook Black Rice (Perfectly Fluffy Every Time)
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the black rice under cold water, then soak it in fresh water for 10 minutes and drain well.
- Add the rice to a saucepan with 1½ cups fresh water, oil, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse the black rice well before soaking to remove surface starch and any fine residue.
- Keep the heat low once the water begins to simmer so the rice cooks evenly without scorching.
- Do not stir the rice while it cooks, as this can break the grains and make the texture stickier.
- Let the rice rest covered for 10 minutes after cooking so it can absorb the remaining moisture.
- If the rice looks dry before it is fully tender, add a small splash of hot water and continue cooking over low heat.
Tips for Perfect Black Rice
- Rinse the rice first. This helps remove excess surface starch and keeps the grains from becoming too sticky.
- Keep the heat low. Once the water starts simmering, cook the rice gently so the bottom does not scorch before the grains are tender.
- Do not stir while it cooks. Stirring can break the grains and release more starch, which can make the rice softer and stickier.
- Let it rest covered. The final 10-minute rest is important because the grains continue absorbing moisture and finish cooking off the heat.
- Fluff gently with a fork. Black rice is naturally a little chewy, so avoid pressing or stirring it too aggressively after cooking.
How to Cook Black Rice in a Rice Cooker
To cook black rice in a rice cooker, rinse the rice well and add 1 cup of black rice and 1½ cups of water to the cooker along with the oil and salt. Use the regular rice setting, or the brown rice setting if your rice cooker recommends it for whole-grain rice. Once the cycle is finished, let the rice rest covered for about 10 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork.
Can You Cook Black Rice in an Instant Pot?
Yes. To cook black rice in an Instant Pot, rinse the rice well and use 1 cup of black rice to 1¼ cups of water. Cook on high pressure for 17 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes if any moisture remains.
What to Serve with Black Rice
Black rice works especially well with roasted or grilled chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, and simple vegetable dishes. Its slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture also make it a great base for grain bowls, stir-fries, and meal-prep lunches. For more easy ideas, browse my rice recipes.
Common Questions About Black Rice
Is black rice the same as forbidden rice?
Yes, black rice is often referred to as forbidden rice. Both names describe the same variety with a deep black-purple color and nutty flavor.
Do you need to rinse black rice before cooking?
Yes. Rinsing black rice helps remove surface starch and any fine residue from the grains. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then soak it briefly if you’re following this stovetop method.
Should black rice be chewy?
Yes, properly cooked black rice should be tender but slightly chewy. It will not be as soft as white rice.
Why is black rice called forbidden rice?
Black rice earned the name “forbidden rice” because it was once reserved for royalty in ancient China. It was considered rare and highly nutritious, and common people were not allowed to grow or eat it.
Can black rice be overcooked?
Yes, black rice can become mushy if cooked with too much water or stirred too often. Cooking it gently over low heat and letting it rest helps keep the grains intact.
Just as it says. Rice comes out perfect, fluffy, and tasty every time.
Thank you, Carrie! I’m so glad it worked perfectly for you and turned out nice and fluffy. Did you serve it with anything special? I always love hearing how people use it.