Black Glutinous Rice Dessert (紫糯米糖水)

Name: BLACK GLUTINOUS RICE DESSERT
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Black glutinous rice; 1/2 cup Sago ((small tapioca) ); 6 cups Water; 1 can Coconut milk ((13.5 fl oz or 400ml)); 1 cup Sugar ((can be less or more depending your sweetness))

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Black glutinous rice dessert (紫糯米糖水) is a common Asian sweet soup dessert like black sesame soup, taro sago, mango pomelo sago, red bean soup and sweet mung bean soup. This black sticky rice dessert recipe has both instant pot and stove top method. Let’s learn how to make black glutinous rice dessert with step by step photos, tips and a video tutorial!

Love desserts? Check out these grass jelly, white rabbit candy ice cream, almond jelly, tofu pudding, taiyaki, Taiwanese pineapple cake and Hawaiian shaved ice recipes.

black glutinous rice dessert soup on the spoon

What is black glutinous rice dessert?

Black glutinous rice dessert (紫糯米糖水) is a common Asian dessert like black sesame soup, taro sago, mango pomelo sago, red bean soup and sweet mung bean soup. Tong sui is a kind of sweet soup.

This black glutinous rice dessert is a sweet dish made from black glutinous rice, also known as black sticky rice or purple rice. The rice is dark purple or black in color. They have a sticky and chewy texture when cooked.

Usually, we boil black glutinous rice with water and sugar. Some like to add coconut milk to serve with them. The dessert is popular in various Asian cuisines, and different regions may have their own variations. Also, this dessert serves as warm or chilled.

I was invited to a party or gathering. It’s hard to think what to make when it comes to bringing dessert, especially to feed a group of people. I thought it may be good to make tong sui, sweet soup, because it’s easier and can feed a big group.

However, I was quite surprised when some of my Asian friends came up and said this black glutinous rice dessert tasted great! (I didn’t even tell them I made that for the first time.) Actually, that was my first time creating this black glutinous rice dessert recipe with sago and it got approved!

What is black glutinous rice?

Black glutinous rice looks like black wild rice. When you cook them, it’s actually a dark purple color. Therefore, it is also called purple rice or black rice. Besides, black glutinous rice is purple because of the high content of anthocyanin.

On the other hand, it’s outside has a similar texture like brown rice and is a little chewy. Many people said black glutinous rice is healthier than other rice because of its high content of anthocyanin with antioxidant properties and have more health benefits.

black glutinous rice or black sticky rice

Also, black sticky rice is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in desserts and sweet dishes like Thai mango sticky rice dessert. It is rich in nutrients, including fiber, iron, and other vitamins and minerals. Besides, the unique color and texture of black glutinous rice make it a popular choice for various culinary dishes.

In addition, black glutinous rice can be used in savory dishes, such as porridge or rice-based main courses. It has gained popularity not only for its nutritional value but also for its appealing appearance and distinct taste.

What does black glutinous rice taste like?

Black glutinous rice or black sticky rice has a taste that is similar to regular glutinous rice but with some distinctive characteristics. The flavor of black glutinous rice is often described as nutty, slightly sweet and with a hint of earthiness. Also, it has a chewy and sticky texture when cooked.

The dark color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, natural pigments that also contribute to its unique taste. These anthocyanins are antioxidants that have potential health benefits. When used in desserts, black glutinous rice can absorb flavors from sweeteners and other ingredients to enhance its overall taste.

What is the difference between black and white sticky rice?

Black sticky rice has a dark purple or black color which is attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, natural pigments with antioxidant properties. In general, black sticky rice has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of earthiness because of its unique pigments and composition.

Besides, it is more nutritious than white sticky rice due to its higher content of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. Also, it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Black sticky rice can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, especially in desserts where its unique color and flavor.

However, white sticky rice has a typical white color. It has a milder and more neutral flavor compared to black sticky rice. While white sticky rice is still a good source of carbohydrates. And, white sticky rice is widely used in Asian cuisines for various dishes both sweet and savory such as Thai mango sticky rice dessert, sweet zongzi, lo mai gai and Chinese sticky rice dumpling.

Pressure cooker VS stove top method:

Normally, it takes about an hour or so to cook black glutinous rice over the stove. If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can use an instant pot pressure cooker to cook this black glutinous rice dessert for around 30 minutes. It is faster, easy and convenient.

What are the ingredients for black sticky rice dessert?

There are many variations of black sticky rice dessert. In this black glutinous rice dessert recipe, the ingredients are black glutinous rice, sugar, water and coconut milk. However, I like to add some sago, small tapioca, to give more texture to this dessert soup.

Substitution:

Can I use rock sugar instead of regular white sugar?

Sure, you can use rock sugar, brown sugar or brown sugar slabs.

How to store the leftovers?

Place them in the airtight containers and refrigerate it after the dessert cools off. You can refrigerate it for 2-4 days. Also, you can serve them cold or warm. If you want it warm, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

Cooking tips for how to make black glutinous rice sago dessert:

Wash black sticky rice and cook them in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes at high pressure and natural release.
If you use stove top method, add 8 cups of water instead of 6 cups.
Cooking sago is pretty challenging because it’s small and most people don’t know how to cook it. The best way to cook sago is to boil them for 5-10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and cover the lid for 10 minutes, so the inside of the sago can cook through. After that, use a strain to drain sago and rinse with cold water. If you over cooked the sago, it will be mushy.
Add coconut milk and sugar with cooked rice. Then, add the sago and mix it well.

FAQs:

Do I need to soak black rice before cooking?

In this instant pot recipe, it doesn’t require pre-soaking. Just wash and rinse the rice with water and drain well. Then, put the black rice into a pressure cooker and add water to cook them.

However, if you use the top stove method and want to shorten the cooking time. It is best to soak the black sticky rice 2 hours before cooking.

Is black glutinous rice gluten-free?

Although the name is glutinous, it does not actually contain gluten. It is safe for individuals with gluten sensitivity.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, black glutinous rice dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving or serve as cold. You will enjoy this delicious taste and texture. When you refrigerate it overnight, the sticky rice and sago will absorb the liquid. You can add more coconut milk and sugar to loosen it up.

Instructions for how to make black sticky rice sago dessert:

black glutinous rice and water in the instant pot top view

1. Wash 1.5 cups of the black glutinous rice. Put it into the instant pot, then pour 6 cups of water. Close the lid and vent, press the manual button to adjust time for 20 minutes at high pressure and natural release.

2. While cooking the black sticky rice, pour 4 cups of water into a pot and turn on a high fire. When the water is boiling, put ½ cup of sago (small tapioca).

3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and cover the lid for 10 minutes.

4. Next, use a strainer to drain the sago and rinse in cold water.

black sticky rice dessert soup on the wooden spoon

5. When the black glutinous rice is done, add 1 cup of sugar (add to your sweetness), 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 fl oz or 400ml), and the cooked sago from step 4. Mix it well.

black glutinous rice dessert soup on the spoon in the bowl

Enjoy this simple and tasty black glutinous rice sago dessert recipe! Also, check out these steamed meatballs, crispy noodles, salt & pepper squid, wonton soup, kung pao chicken and orange chicken recipes.

Stove top method:

1. Wash 1.5 cups of black glutinous rice, then pour 8 cups of water into the pot. Turn on a high fire. When the water boils, turn the fire to small. Let it simmer for an hour or so. (If you want to shorten the cooking time, soaking the rice 2 hours before cooking will help.)

2. While cooking the black sticky rice, pour 4 cups of water in a pot . Turn on high fire until water boils.

3. When water is boiling, pour ½ cup of sago into the pot and let it boil for 5-10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and cover the lid for 10 minutes.

4. Next, use a strainer to drain the sago and rinse in cold water.

5. When the black glutinous rice is done, add 1 cup of sugar (add to your sweetness), 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 fl oz or 400ml), and the cooked sago from step 4. Mix it well.