Rice and black rice make a striking, antioxidant‑rich blend with a deep purple colour and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour. Black rice takes longer to cook than white rice — but with the right ratio and cooking mode, your rice cooker handles both grains beautifully.
This guide gives you the exact water measurements, settings, and timing that work in any rice cooker.
⭐ Why Mix Rice and Black Rice?
- Beautiful deep purple colour
- Nutty, slightly sweet flavour
- Higher antioxidants (anthocyanins)
- Chewy, satisfying texture
- Works with Asian dishes, bowls, and salads
- One‑pot convenience
🥣 Ingredients
For a standard batch:
- 1 cup white rice (Jasmine or Basmati both work)
- ½ cup black rice (forbidden rice)
- 2 ½ cups water
- Optional:
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, butter, or olive oil
📏 Perfect Ratio
Black rice absorbs more water and takes longer to soften.
1 cup rice + ½ cup black rice → 2 ½ cups water
If you double the recipe, scale everything proportionally.
🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Rinse the white rice
Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Rinse the black rice
A quick rinse removes dust and excess starch.
3. Add both grains to the rice cooker
Put the rice and black rice together in the inner pot.
4. Add water
Use 2 ½ cups for the 1 + ½ cup mix.
5. Add salt or oil (optional)
Coconut oil works especially well with black rice.
6. Choose the right cooking mode
Use one of the following:
- Brown Rice (best — black rice softens properly)
- Mixed Grain (if available)
- White Rice (works, but black rice will be firmer)
7. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes
Black rice continues to steam and soften during resting.
8. Fluff and serve
Use a rice paddle to gently separate the grains.
🍽️ Texture Adjustments
Softer black rice
Add +¼ cup water.
Firmer black rice
Reduce water by 2 tbsp.
More black rice flavour
Increase black rice to ¾ cup (add +¼ cup water).
🌿 Variations
Asian‑Inspired
- Add a splash of soy sauce after cooking
- Add sesame oil
- Serve with stir‑fried vegetables or tofu
Tropical Style
- Add coconut oil
- Stir in pineapple or mango after cooking
High‑Protein Version
- Add ¼ cup quinoa (add +¼ cup water)
🍛 What to Serve It With
- Stir‑fried vegetables
- Teriyaki chicken
- Grilled salmon
- Coconut curries
- Buddha bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Mango or pineapple salsa
The nutty, slightly sweet flavour pairs beautifully with Asian and tropical dishes.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Rice is mushy
Reduce water by 2–3 tbsp next time.
Black rice is too firm
Add ¼ cup water and leave on “Keep Warm” for 10–15 minutes.
Rice is undercooked
Stir, add 2 tbsp water, and run a short cycle.
✅ Final Thoughts
Rice + black rice is a visually stunning, nutritious mixed‑grain combination that works perfectly in a rice cooker. It’s ideal for Asian dishes, colourful bowls, and anyone who loves nutty, chewy grains.