How to Make Forbidden Rice (Black Rice) in an Instant Pot

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Here's a look at how to use an Instant Pot to cook perfectly textured black rice, also known as "Forbidden Rice." You won't need to soak the ingredients, and the process is much faster than making it on the stove.

This nutty whole grain rice is a great source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, and it also happens to be a delicious side dish.

Since I first opened my Instant Pot, I have made countless varieties of rice in it. True story: it's become an absolute must-have item in my kitchen for making rice.

As soon as I had black rice (also called forbidden rice) in a restaurant, I knew I had to figure out how to make it in my Instant Pot.

Clearly, it was a huge success.

Instant Pot Forbidden Rice has quickly become a staple in many households due to its convenient preparation and delicious flavor profile (chewy, nutty, slightly earthy).

Pairs well with a wide variety of proteins, including salmon, fish, chicken, and more. To top it all off, the Instant Pot makes this nutritious alternative to white rice a breeze to prepare. The best part It's a nice change of pace from the same old side dishes we have every night, and it tastes great, too.

Why is some rice off-limits

In China, black rice is often referred to as "forbidden rice." It's a dark rice that turns a purplish color when cooked. Its deep color indicates that it is rich in antioxidants and has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine.

Unlawful Rice

The name "forbidden rice" suggests why

Black rice, or forbidden rice, has its origins in ancient China. Black rice was reserved for royalty and the very wealthy during that time. In addition to its value in traditional Chinese medicine, this black rice was highly regarded.

Due to its importance in traditional Chinese medicine, black rice was once reserved exclusively for the emperor. To protect his health, this was off-limits to everyone else. So named because it was once served to the emperor; hence the name "Emperor's Rice." ”

Smell and feel

Similar to more common types of wild rice and hearty brown rice, black rice has a nutty, chewy texture. This Chinese whole grain rice has a robust, earthy flavor that goes well with lighter proteins like fish and chicken. To complement your favorite meals, try this tasty ancient grain.

Benefits

In addition to being high in antioxidants and fiber, the nearly-blue color of Chinese forbidden rice (black rice) indicates that it is also a good source of protein. Several studies suggest it may also aid cardiovascular health and have cancer-fighting properties.

Black rice has many surprising health benefits and practical applications, which you can learn more about on Healthline.

Exactly what are the benefits of eating black rice?

Among the most common types of rice, black rice is the one with the highest protein content. For this reason, it is a great option for a nutritious side dish. It's ideal for people who could use a nutritional pick-me-up because it's loaded with iron and antioxidants.

The rich purple hue of black rice is easily transferred to whatever it is prepared with. To make the traditional Korean dish known as "purple rice," it is combined with white rice.

Shopping and putting away

Large supermarkets may carry black rice, but your best bet is to look online, at a health food store, or in an Asian market.

Black rice can be kept fresh for up to six months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Indicators of Recipe Success

• This Instant Pot version of Forbidden Rice doesn't call for soaking, unlike some classic recipes.
• Just set the Instant Pot to cook for the desired amount of time, and return to the dish once the timer goes off.
• Use an Instant Pot for guaranteed success every time.
• A wholesome alternative to white rice

What you'll need for the recipe, right this way.

Alternate versions to test out

• To make your rice more flavorful and luxurious, try substituting stock for the water and unsalted butter for the ghee or olive oil.
• Korea's Purple Rice To the Instant Pot, put 1 cup of short grain rice and 1 1/2 teaspoons of glutinous black rice. Add an additional 1 1/2 teaspoons to the water, bringing the total to 1 cup and 1 1/2 teaspoons. The white short grain rice will take on a purple hue from the black rice.
• Olive oil can replace ghee if you're vegan.
• Make a pilaf or pulao with black rice instead of white rice.

Tips for Anticipatory Planning

Forbidden rice is very simple to prepare in advance, so you can use it for meal prepping or simply keep some on hand.

Prepare your black rice as directed, then let it cool completely. Store the rice in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container with a lid.

Advice on Storing

Black rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored in an airtight container.

Add one tablespoon of water per cup of leftover rice when reheating. To prepare, combine all ingredients and set the pressure cooker to zero minutes. As soon as the cooking time is up, turn the valve to the venting position to let the pressure out.

Put it in the freezer and keep it there for a month in an airtight container.

Cooking Black Forbidden Rice in a Pressure Cooker Automatic Black Rice Cooker

Alternative rice dishes

• Brown rice that isn't gummy, crunchy, or flavorless can be made in an instant pot. Learn the ins and outs of Instant Pot brown rice cooking for consistent results.
• Enjoy perfectly fluffy, individually flavorful Basmati rice in a fraction of the time with the help of your Instant Pot.
• Palak Rice (Spinach Rice) made in an instant pot is a gluten-free meal that's packed with flavor thanks to the addition of fresh vegetables and warm spices.
• Jeera (cumin) rice has a wonderful aroma that will make your mouth water. This aromatic basmati rice is flavored with cumin seeds.

Recipe for Banned Rice to Make in the Instant Pot