18 Black Rice Recipes That Will Make You Crave the *Forbidden* Grain

Next time you're prepping that Insta-worthy rice bowl or sushi, consider swapping out the usual white rice for black rice. It's also waaaaay healthier, clocking in at fewer calories but more fiber, iron and protein than other rices. Black rice has been revered in China since ancient times for its health-promoting properties. It was once such a valued food that black rice was *forbidden* on the tables of all but royalty and the very wealthy — hence the nickname. Here are 18 black rice recipes that will make you feel healthy, wealthy and wise.

Miso Forbidden Rice Bowls

This tart and umami miso sauce pairs so well with the nuttiness of the rice and natural sweetness of the yam. Top it up with avocado for healthy fat and — voila! — you’ve got one AH-MAZING buddha bowl. (via Full of Plants)

Baked Orange Cauliflower and Forbidden Rice

This is sure to be your go-to when you’re craving takeout. The sweet orange chili glaze is a healthier Panda Express taste-alike. (via Simple Healthy Kitchen)

Black Rice Ramen With Garlic Matcha Chickpeas

Anything forbidden has to taste better than normal stuff — amiright? The black rice ramen is divine, but it’s the matcha-roasted chickpeas that are the real star of this show. (via Amy Sheree)

Black Rice Pudding With Coconut and Mango

Coconut milk and a dash of coconut sugar give this bowl just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast or when you’re craving a light dessert. (via Bourbon and Honey)

Forbidden Cold Ramen

If you love satay sauce, you’ll adore this black rice ramen version. Cold ramen keeps well in the fridge, so this is perfect to take into the office for a yummy and healthy mason jar lunch. (via Estalystic)

Black Fried Rice With Snap Peas and Scallions

This recipe is so addictive, it’s sure to become one of your go-tos. (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Black Rice Noodle Bowl With Roasted Squash and Creamy Miso Dressing

Black rice noodles are a perfect substitute in any bowl where you’d normally use soba noodles. All that glorious black rice flavor in noodle form packs a punch— pow! — straight to your taste buds. (via From the Land We Live On)

Thai Chicken Forbidden Rice Soup

There is so much to love about this simple Thai soup. And since black rice has the highest antioxidant level of all rices, feel no shame about going back for seconds! (via Gather and Dine)

Black Rice and Arborio Risotto With Artichokes

Mixing black rice with arborio rice gives this dish the creamy texture of an Italian risotto. If fresh baby artichokes aren’t in season, you can substitute frozen and it will taste just as good. (via NYT Cooking)

Black Rice and Spinach Salad

Black rice turns this gluten-free salad into an antioxidant-rich power salad. Serve this at your next girlfriends’ brunch and everyone will be so impressed. (via Seasonal Cravings)

Senposai, Daikon and Chili Garlic Chicken Wraps

This crock pot recipe could not be easier. The naturally giant senposai leaves make a perfectly sturdy gluten-free wrap, and despite their size they have a delicate baby spinach taste that is a nice contrast with the chili garlic sauce. (via Simple Seasonal)

Mango Sticky Rice Lassi Parfait

If a lassi and a horchata had a baby, it would look like this. This sticky rice pudding is a great make-ahead. Prep it during your big weekend cook up, then dole it out all week as needed. (via Sun Diego Eats)

Black Rice Tabbouleh With Chickpeas Feta and Pistachios

Fair warning: This salad is so delicious, you will not be able to stop eating. One bite of the nutty black rice with crunchy pistachios and salty feta and you will be in gastronomic bliss. (via Taste, Love and Nourish)

Soy Ginger Shrimp With Forbidden Rice

You’ve heard of engagement chicken? Well, this is *fall in love with me* shrimp. (via The Little Epicurean)

Farmer’s Market Forbidden Rice Bowls With Tahini Apricot Sauce

If you want to live a little on the edge but in the *healthiest* of ways, this rice is your jam. (via The Roasted Root)

Porcini Mushroom, Greens and Forbidden Rice Gratin

Super food meets comfort food in this tasty gratin. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Black Rice, Beet and Kale Salad With Cider Flax Dressing

This is one salad that’s best made ahead, because the longer it marinates, the better it tastes. It’s a perfect side dish to take to a party, but it’s also simple enough to make a portable office lunch. (via Yummy Beet)

Black Sushi Burger

We don’t usually include recipes in other languages, but this one is so Insta-worthy, it’s worth the extra click to get your Google translation. Sushi burgers are so on trend right now, but the black rice grains make this one *almost* too beautiful to eat. (via Aime & Mange)