The BEST way to make Black Rice is in the pressure cooker! Instant Pot Black Rice, AKA Forbidden Rice, is my new obsession and makes the best grain bowls. I can't wait to tell you all about it! Â
I've been obsessed with grain bowls lately. You may know them as “power bowls,” and hopefully you've experienced the heavenly joy of eating your way through one.
My obsession started at Zuppa's restaurant. Then, when I couldn't make the house payment because I spent it on their Power Bowls, I learned to make my own at home.
All you need is an awesome grain, a protein, lots of veggies, and a sauce (like Creamy Jalapeno Sauce or Pickle Sauce) and you've got yourself a killer grain bowl for a fraction of the price that you pay someone else to make you one for.
This is where Black Rice comes in.
It's not as common as Wild Rice, Brown Rice, or White Rice, which makes it even more appealing and exciting.
Black rice, also called Purple Rice or Forbidden Rice (how cool is that name!), is a whole-grain rice with a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor. It tends to be less wet and sticky than other types of rice, making it perfect for grain bowls, salads, or soups.
I wasn't a fan when I tried to make it on the stovetop years ago, but this pressure-cooked version is INCREDIBLE!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE INSTANT POT BLACK RICE
- HANDS OFF:Â As compared to stove top rice that you have to watch over, this Instant Pot version allows you to set it, then focus on the other ingredients going into your fancy dinner bowl.
- HEALTHY:Â Black rice is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients, making it a great addition to salads and bowls!
- FUN:Â Black rice is new and interesting and adds a little PIZAZZ to your foodie life.
HOW TO MAKE BLACK RICE IN THE PRESSURE COOKER
- Add rice, water, and salt to the pot; cook
- Fluff with a fork and serve
SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR DETAILED COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- ADD FLAVOR:Â For an extra boost of flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth.
- FORK FLUFF ONLY:Â The “fork fluff” fluffs and separates the grains instead of mushing them together.
- FULL NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE: You'll be tempted to release the pressure early, but DON'T! That natural release is an important part of the cooking process and your rice is going to be chewy if you skip it.
HOW TO STORE, REHEAT, AND FREEZEÂ
- STORE:Â Cool leftovers and store in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- REHEAT:Â Add a splash of water and gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- FREEZE: Scoop leftovers into a freezer-safe ziptop container and freeze flat (this will make it quicker to thaw). When ready to eat, place it in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour, then reheat as directed above.
MAKE AHEAD TIPSÂ Â
Black rice reheats well, so make a batch at the beginning of the week and then toss it into salads, soup, and grain bowls all week.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BLACK RICE
- BOWL MEALS:Â Use black rice in this Yum Yum Bowl or Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.
- SALADS: I love to add black rice to this Mixed Berry Spinach Salad in place of the farro.
- SOUP:Â Â Perfect in this Tuscan White Bean Soup or Cabbage Roll Soup.
Make your Grain Bowls/Power Bowls at home! I'm all about cooking at home more and eating out less and this Black Rice will make it fun, healthy, and easy.
I can't wait for you to try this “fancy” rice 🙂
Enjoy!
MORE FUN INSTANT POT RICE RECIPES
TOOLS/INGREDIENTS USED
PrintInstant Pot Black Rice AKA Forbidden Rice
Instant Pot Black Rice is healthy and perfect for grain bowls and salads!
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice (aka Forbidden Rice or Purple Rice)
- 1 ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add black rice, water, and salt to the pressure cooker pot and stir.
- Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, use a full natural release.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Fluff with a fork! Stirring with a spoon makes the rice mushy while a fork keeps the rice separated and fluffy.
- Let the pressure release naturally to ensure the rice is perfectly tender. I do not recommend a quick release.
Nance Deichman says
Hi, I am intrigued so I just ordered black rice from Amazon! I’m writing to ask a favor, though. Would you consider listing the approximate wait time for the natural release. It would be helpful when planning the time it takes to go from cooking to table. Thank you so much!
Marci says
Nance, I’m excited for you to try it! I added it to a BBQ chicken bowl last night, I just love it! The recipe plugin I use doesn’t allow for me to add another field, so I account for that release time in the “total time” box. I hope that can be helpful!