Steaming Black Rice: A Healthy, Easy Cooking Method

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a delicious and nutritious grain that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in a steamer. With its nutty flavour, striking purple hue, and chewy texture, black rice makes a great addition to any meal. In this article, we will explore the different methods for cooking black rice, including the use of a steamer, and provide tips for achieving the perfect texture and taste. Whether you're looking to create a simple side dish or a more elaborate main course, black rice is a versatile ingredient that is sure to impress.

Rinse the black rice before cooking

Rinsing the black rice before cooking is an important step to ensure your rice cooks properly and has the right texture. It is also necessary for food safety and hygiene reasons.

Firstly, rinsing the rice will remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have been picked up during the rice's journey from the field to your kitchen. This is an important step to ensure your rice is clean and safe to eat.

Secondly, the outside of each grain of rice is coated in starch, which is the result of the granules rubbing against each other during transportation. This starch is responsible for the rice clumping together and can give the rice a gummy or mushy texture. Rinsing the rice removes this excess starch, helping the grains to remain separate and giving the rice a fluffy and light texture. This is especially important if you are making dishes like pilafs, fried rice, or salads, where you want the rice grains to be distinct.

To rinse the black rice, place it in a large bowl and cover it with water. Use your hand to gently swirl the rice until the water becomes cloudy, then pour out the water while making sure the rice remains in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water is clear, which should take about three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can put the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear.

It is worth noting that some recipes and cuisines do not require rinsing the rice. For example, when making risotto or paella, the starch in the rice is beneficial as it creates a creamy or crispy texture. However, for black rice, rinsing is generally recommended to achieve the desired texture.

Use a specific setting for black rice if your steamer has one

If your steamer has a specific setting for black rice, select that option. This setting is designed to cook black rice to perfection, ensuring that it is tender and fluffy.

The brown rice setting on a rice cooker may not be suitable for black rice as it requires a slightly longer cooking time. It is best to follow the regular cooking function and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the black rice is cooked to your desired texture.

The ideal water-to-rice ratio for cooking black rice is typically 1:2, using one cup of black rice with two cups of water. However, you can adjust this ratio slightly based on your preference for the texture of the rice. If you prefer a softer texture, for example, you can increase the amount of water slightly.

Additionally, consider adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to the rice cooker for a hint of brightness and extra flavour.

Adjust the water ratio for your desired texture

The water-to-rice ratio is a crucial factor in determining the final texture of your black rice. The ratio you choose will depend on your desired outcome, as black rice naturally has a slightly chewy texture.

If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the amount of water. A good starting point is a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, which is the standard ratio for black rice. This means using one cup of black rice with two cups of water. However, you can adjust this ratio slightly based on your personal preference. For example, a ratio of 1:1.75 (one cup of rice to one and three-quarter cups of water) will give you a slightly chewier texture.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the amount of rice you are cooking and the specific rice cooker model you are using. As a general guideline, black rice typically takes around 40-45 minutes to cook to a tender and fluffy consistency.

Additionally, you can experiment with using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to infuse your rice with a savory taste. You can also add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

Cook for 40-60 minutes

Once you've prepared your black rice for steaming, it's time to let the steamer work its magic. Depending on the type of steamer you're using, the cooking time may vary.

If you're using a rice cooker, the cooking time will be around 50-60 minutes. During this time, the rice cooker will automatically switch to the "Keep Warm" mode once the rice is cooked. You can let the rice sit in this mode for about 5-10 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed. Then, simply open the rice cooker, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and let it cool slightly before serving.

If you're using a bamboo steamer, the cooking time will be a bit longer, around 45 minutes. After 30 minutes of steaming, you'll need to remove the basket, carefully flip the rice, and place it back on the steamer for another 15 minutes. Once the rice is done, turn off the heat, remove the basket, and use a rice spatula to loosen it up.

While the cooking time may vary depending on your equipment, the end result will be the same: delicious, chewy, and nutty black rice that you can enjoy as a side dish or incorporate into your favorite recipes.

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving

Once your black rice is cooked, it's important to fluff it with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains, ensuring your rice is light and fluffy, rather than clumped together.

To do this, simply use a fork to gently lift and turn the rice, paying particular attention to any areas that seem stuck together. You can also use this opportunity to check that your rice is cooked to your liking. If not, you may need to add a little more water and return it to the steamer for a few minutes.

Fluffing the rice will also help it to cool slightly, so it's ready to eat. You can also use this time to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

Once you're happy with the consistency, it's time to serve your perfectly cooked black rice. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions