How Long to Cook Black Rice
Black rice (forbidden rice) is an antioxidant-rich whole grain that turns deep purple when cooked. Learn exact cooking times for all methods.
How long to cook black rice?
Black rice (forbidden rice) takes 30-35 minutes on the stove, 22-25 minutes in an Instant Pot, or 35-40 minutes in a rice cooker. Use 1.75 cups water per 1 cup rice. This antioxidant-rich whole grain turns deep purple when cooked.
Black Rice Cooking Times by Method
Black rice takes longer to cook than white rice because it is a whole grain with the bran intact. The cooking time varies by method but typically ranges from 22-40 minutes.
| Method | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | 30-35 min | 1:1.75 | Simmer covered |
| Instant Pot | 22-25 min | 1:1.5 | High pressure + natural release |
| Rice Cooker | 35-40 min | 1:1.75 | Use brown rice setting |
| Pressure Cooker | 20-22 min | 1:1.5 | High pressure |
| Oven | 60-70 min | 1:2 | 350°F covered |
How to Cook Black Rice on the Stove
Cooking black rice on the stove is straightforward. Rinse 1 cup of black rice under cold water. Add to a pot with 1.75 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking. When done, the rice will be tender but slightly chewy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
How to Cook Black Rice in an Instant Pot
Add 1 cup rinsed black rice and 1.5 cups water to your Instant Pot. Lock the lid and set to high pressure for 22 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
The Instant Pot method produces perfectly cooked black rice with less hands-on time. The natural release is important for proper texture.
How to Cook Black Rice in a Rice Cooker
Use the brown rice setting on your rice cooker for black rice. Add 1 cup rice and 1.75 cups water. The cycle takes 35-40 minutes. If your rice cooker only has a white rice setting, add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Tips for Perfect Black Rice
- Rinse well - Rinse until water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch
- Soak for faster cooking - 1-2 hours of soaking reduces cook time by 5-10 minutes
- Use enough water - Black rice absorbs more water than white rice
- Expect purple color - The cooking water and rice will turn deep purple, this is normal
- Rest before serving - Let rice rest 5 minutes covered for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Black rice was called forbidden rice because in ancient China, it was so rare and nutritious that only emperors were allowed to eat it. Common people were forbidden from consuming it.
Soaking is optional but recommended. Soaking black rice for 1-2 hours reduces cooking time by 5-10 minutes and makes it easier to digest. If soaking, reduce water by 2 tablespoons.
Black rice contains anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries. When cooked, the bran releases these pigments, turning the rice and cooking water a deep purple color.
Black glutinous rice (sticky black rice) takes 35-45 minutes on the stove or 25-30 minutes in an Instant Pot. Use 2 cups water per 1 cup rice and soak for at least 1 hour before cooking.
Black rice has more antioxidants than brown rice and similar fiber content. It contains anthocyanins that brown rice lacks. Both are whole grains with excellent nutritional profiles.
Compare Rice Types
Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.