Instant Pot Black Rice

Instant Pot black rice is an easy way to cook this nutty, dark-colored grain without watching a pot on the stove. Add the rice, water, and salt to the pressure cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work.

This method works for several varieties of black rice, including Forbidden black rice, Thai, glutinous, and Japonica black rice. Most types cook in 18 minutes, while glutinous black rice needs a few extra minutes.

Black rice has a nutty flavor and a pleasantly chewy texture. It is firmer than white rice but not as chewy as wild rice.

If you like this recipe, you will like our Instant Pot Wild Blend Rice: Save some time and free up stovetop space by preparing our favorite Wild rice. It goes with everything from salads to soups to casseroles.

Here is Why This Black Rice Recipe Works

Tested with multiple varieties. We tested this recipe with Forbidden black rice, Thai black rice, Japonica black rice, and glutinous black rice. The only adjustment needed was a slightly longer cook time for glutinous black rice.

No soaking required. Add the rice directly to the Instant Pot and let pressure cooking do the heavy lifting.

Simple ingredient list. Rice, water, and salt are all you need. Use broth instead of water if you want a richer flavor.

Consistent results. The Instant Pot cooks black rice evenly and takes the guesswork out of timing.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Black Rice

Black rice. This recipe is a great one for all varieties of black rice so don’t worry too much about what type you have.

Water. Just like any rice recipe, water is somewhat essential for this one. 😉 Feel free to swap in an equal amount of broth if you’d like to add a bit more flavor.

Salt. Don’t skip this simple seasoning as it adds just the right amount of flavor.

How to Cook Black Rice in the Instant Pot

For this Instant Pot rice, follow this simple process (and see all the details in the recipe at the bottom of the page):

1. Combine the ingredients: Add the rice, water (or broth) and salt to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the valve is in the sealed position.
2. Cook in the Instant Pot: Cook the black rice on high pressure for 18 minutes (if using glutenous black rice, increase to 21 minutes).
3. Release the pressure: After the cook time, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the pressure manually.

Fluff up the rice and serve however you like!

This recipe works well with all types of black rice. We tested Forbidden black rice, Thai black rice, Japonica black rice, and glutenous black rice. The only difference was that glutenous black rice needs a few more minutes of cook time.

Black rice also works well in salads. If you have leftovers, try our Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Black Rice, where the nutty flavor and chewy texture of black rice pair especially well with roasted sweet potatoes and kale.

Types of Black Rice

The term “black rice” can refer to several different varieties. We tested this recipe with Forbidden black rice, Thai black rice, Japonica black rice, and glutinous black rice.

Most black rice varieties cook well in 18 minutes. Glutinous black rice is stickier and needs about 21 minutes under pressure.

Use leftovers to make shrimp fried rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Rice in the Instant Pot

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meat, adding it to grain bowls, or using it as the base for fried rice, this Instant Pot black rice is an easy staple to keep in your recipe collection. Try it with my Tomato Black Rice Salad