Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame
A complex, nutty grain dish that reflects depth and intention, perfect for a meaningful meal. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 75 minutes pairs black rice, sesame oil, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2, finely diced shallots
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 block (14 oz), cubed tofu
- 1/2 cup, shelled edamame
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup black rice under cold water. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 2 diced shallots, sauté for 3 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup black rice and stir to coat. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 block tofu and 1/2 cup edamame. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Serious Black Rice Pilaf with Sesame?
Thai asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Thai come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
