Discover the allure of ancient China’s ‘forbidden’ grain with these delectable black rice recipes. Once reserved for royalty due to its rarity, this nutritious staple has become increasingly accessible and affordable worldwide, especially in Asia. Its unique nutty flavor, chewy texture, and impressive health benefits (high in fiber, low in calories) make it a versatile ingredient perfect for sweet treats like porridge or pudding, as well as savory dishes like sushi.
With these recipes, you’ll never settle for bland rice again – every dish will be an Instagram-worthy delight!
Forbidden Black Rice
As we dive into the world of culinary delights, let’s kick things off with a recipe that’s not only tantalizing but also boasts an array of health benefits – forbidden black rice. Its unique characteristic isn’t just its impressive nutritional profile; it’s also the dramatic transformation it undergoes when cooked. Raw black rice has a deep, inky hue, while its cooked counterpart takes on a rich, purple color that’s simply breathtaking.
It’s this visual magic that elevates an otherwise straightforward rice dish to new heights, making it feel indulgent and satisfying.
Sweet Potato & Forbidden Rice Power Bowls With Miso Tahini
Imagine being transported to a culinary paradise with the mere sight of this vibrant rice bowl. The medley of ingredients is nothing short of extraordinary – sweet potatoes, broccoli, edamame, purple cabbage, green onions, hemp seeds, and black rice all come together in perfect harmony. It’s not just about quantity, though; each component brings its own unique flavor profile, satisfying texture, and impressive nutritional benefits. But the true magic happens when the dressing comes into play.
A sublime blend of tahini, miso, orange, and maple syrup adds a sweet, nutty, and creamy element that will leave you craving more. This intriguing combination is sure to win your heart – and your taste buds.
Black Rice Salad with Spicy Toasted Sesame Dressing
While some may think combining rice with salad ingredients is unconventional, I’m convinced that this unusual pairing has the potential to become a new favorite. The key lies in balancing flavors and textures. In this recipe, we’ll bring together the nutty sweetness of forbidden rice, the smoky depth of roasted red peppers, refreshing crunch of cucumber, toasted crunch of almonds, and cooling freshness of mint and cilantro.
A sweet, tangy, and umami-rich Asian dressing will tie everything together, creating a harmonious fusion that’s sure to impress.
Indonesian Black Rice Pudding
Indulge in a delightful start to your day with this scrumptious Indonesian black rice pudding. This satisfying treat is not only filling but also packed with nutrients that will keep you energized until lunchtime. The star of the show is the black rice, expertly infused with coconut milk and coconut sugar to bring out its natural nutty flavor. A delightful combination that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
To take it to the next level, I’ve added slices of fresh banana, crunchy coconut chips, and a sprinkle of hemp hearts. Get ready to fall head over heels for this breakfast masterpiece!
Black Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions
In a harmonious blend of East meets West, this black rice risotto with mushrooms and onions presents an extraordinary fusion of cuisines. The natural stickiness and chewiness of the black rice make it an ideal base for the dish. Meanwhile, the earthy sweetness of the caramelized onions and the rich flavor of the sautéed mushrooms create a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds with its playful and complex flavors.
Mango and Avocado Noodle Salad with Puffed Black Rice
While black rice may not be the star of the show, its unique texture and nutty flavor play a crucial role in elevating this dish. The harmonious combination of Thai rice noodles, mango, avocado, and tangy lime and miso dressing is already impressive, but the addition of puffed black rice takes it to the next level. For the uninitiated, puffed black rice is simply cooked black rice that’s been fried in hot oil until it expands into crispy, crunchy grains with a satisfying nutty flavor.
This versatile ingredient is just as at home in salads like this one as it is adding texture and depth to soups and stir-fries – so don’t be afraid to get creative and use it to garnish a variety of dishes.
Black Fried Rice with Snap Peas, Hemp Seeds, and Scallions
Transforming the humble fried rice dish into a nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is a game-changer! By combining the nutty goodness of black rice with an array of colorful vegetables – including carrots, snap peas, and scallions – along with protein-rich eggs, hemp seeds, and a dash of sriracha’s spicy kick, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
The added depth comes from the aromatic trio of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, perfectly complemented by sesame oil’s subtle nuttiness. With each bite, you’ll savor the symphony of salty, savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making this dish a true delight.
Black Rice & Sweet Potato Salad
What initially caught my attention was the unexpected pairing of black rice and sweet potato in this recipe. The outcome exceeded my expectations, showcasing the perfect harmony between these two base ingredients. To enhance the flavors and textures, the salad also incorporates creamy avocado slices and crumbly feta cheese. This satisfying combination creates a filling meal that provides sustained energy until your next meal.
A delightful bonus is that it’s entirely plant-based, making it an excellent option for vegetarians.
Easy Chicken Black Rice Bowl
This vibrant rice bowl boasts a harmonious medley of black rice, crisp greens, chicken glazed with the sweet and savory union of soy sauce and honey, and a richly creamy cashew and tahini sauce. Its impressive nutritional profile is nothing short of astonishing, considering its delectable and filling nature.
Not only does it provide a satisfying meal experience, but it also boasts the added benefits of being gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an ideal option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Black Rice Sushi Rolls
While making sushi with black rice may not be a traditional approach, it’s an innovative twist that yields impressive results. The deep, dark color of the rice adds a visually appealing touch to this already appetizing dish. Moreover, its nutty flavor profile brings a new layer of depth to the sushi. What’s more, using black rice makes the classic Japanese dish a healthier option – a triple win!
Vegan Burritos with Black Rice and Lentils
While some may grow weary of the same old meals, I confess that burritos will always hold a special place in my heart. And it’s not just the traditional, meat-filled varieties that capture my attention – even vegan options have their own unique charm. In fact, I’m convinced that these black rice and lentil burritos would be a hit with even the most devoted meat enthusiasts!
The combination of creamy black rice, tender lentils, crunchy chickpeas, sweet corn kernels, and fresh green peas creates a flavor profile that’s simply impossible to fault.
Black Rice Bowl with Crispy Tofu
For all my vegan readers, I’m excited to share another mouth-watering dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant bowl combines black rice, crispy tofu, Asian coleslaw, steamed broccoli, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added crunch. But the true star of this show is the aromatic black rice, infused with the pungency of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
By cooking the rice with these bold flavors, you’ll end up with a ridiculously flavorful side dish that’s so good on its own, you might find yourself reaching for seconds.
Baked Orange Cauliflower + Forbidden Rice
While some might raise an eyebrow at the union of orange and cauliflower, this unlikely duo yields a culinary masterpiece. Inspired by the classic orange chicken, this vegan rendition cleverly substitutes broccoli florets for the traditional protein. The harmonious blend of black rice, cauliflower, and orange unfolds a complex tapestry of flavors, featuring sweet, nutty, tangy, and earthy notes that will leave you craving more.
Black Rice Salad with Tomatoes and Basil
Inspired by the fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, I’m thrilled to share this innovative recipe. It’s a delightful black rice salad, elevated with an eclectic mix of cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, tangy red onion, crunchy pine nuts, and creamy mozzarella cheese. The harmonious blend of these ingredients yields a dish that’s not only light but also surprisingly filling.
Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Black Rice
Salmon paired with black rice is a match made in heaven, and this simple yet satisfying recipe never fails to impress. The combination of rich, fatty grilled salmon smothered in a savory soy-ginger glaze atop a bed of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is a winning formula that’s hard to beat. This unassuming dish may not be flashy, but its simplicity belies its incredible flavor and satisfying heft.
Black Rice and Spinach Salad
While black rice and spinach may not seem like a thrilling combination at first glance, trust me when I say that this salad is a game-changer. The sweetness of fresh strawberries, tanginess of blueberries, and crunch of pistachios create a delightful harmony that will leave you wanting more.
However, the true star of the show is the dressing – a masterful blend of orange champagne vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and orange juice that beautifully balances each component, elevating this humble salad to new heights.
Thai Curry With Black Rice
Why settle for a traditional curry when you can elevate it with a unique twist? This vegetarian curry takes center stage, featuring an assortment of colorful vegetables swathed in a rich and creamy sauce crafted from coconut milk, turmeric, soy sauce, and garlic. The crowning glory, however, lies in the black rice, whose nutty undertones harmonize exquisitely with the bold flavors of the curry. It’s this unexpected union that transforms the dish into something truly special.
Black Rice Tabbouleh with Chickpeas Feta and Pistachios
Tabbouleh, a popular Levantine salad, typically consists of an array of finely chopped ingredients including parsley, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, chickpeas, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil dressing. A key component of this dish is bulgur, a type of cereal food made from durum wheat. However, in this instance, we’ll be making a creative substitution by using black rice instead, which will undoubtedly add an interesting twist to the traditional recipe.
Black and Orange Forbidden Rice with Acorn Squash and Pecans
This nutritious and flavorful vegetarian dish combines the distinct flavors of black rice, roasted acorn squash, and crunchy pecans. While its autumnal hues may evoke images of Halloween, this recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of year. The harmonious balance of sweetness, saltiness, and earthy undertones makes it a treat that will delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Greek Black Rice Caprese Salad
As we conclude this list of vibrant salads, one stands out as the ultimate fusion of Asian and Greek flavors. A symphony of colors and textures, it brings together black rice, fragrant basil, plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This show-stopping salad is the perfect accompaniment to your next summer gathering – whether you’re heading to a picnic or potluck.
