Black Rice: Recipe, Story & the Perfect Wine Pairing for Food Lovers

Introduction

Few dishes capture the imagination of adventurous home cooks and wine lovers like Black Rice with seafood. This visually stunning recipe, known for its jet-black hue and oceanic umami, is more than just a showstopper—it’s a masterclass in balancing bold flavors. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight cooking, Black Rice offers a unique canvas for pairing with wine. With the right wine recommendation, you can turn this dish into an unforgettable experience. In this post, you’ll find the essential recipe, the story behind the dish, tips for cooking it perfectly, and a curated guide to pairing it with wines you can easily find at Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, or your favorite local shop. Ready to discover your new favorite wine pairing?

About This Dish

Black Rice, often called Arroz Negro in Spain, is a celebration of the Mediterranean coastline and its deep culinary traditions. Originating from the coastal regions of Spain, particularly Catalonia and Valencia, this dish is renowned for its striking black color, achieved by infusing rice with squid ink. The use of seafood—squid, prawns, and octopus—creates a symphony of textures and flavors, while the sofrito (a slow-cooked base of onions, garlic, and tomato) adds depth and richness. Traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan like paella, Black Rice is a favorite at seaside restaurants and festive family gatherings.

What makes Black Rice truly special is its ability to bring together the briny essence of the sea and the comforting earthiness of rice. The dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. Its umami-packed profile and dramatic presentation have helped it gain international appeal, especially among American food enthusiasts seeking bold, authentic flavors. Black Rice isn’t just a meal—it’s a conversation starter and a perfect match for wine pairing adventures.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

Short-Grain Rice

The backbone of the dish, short-grain rice absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining a tender yet slightly toothsome texture. Its starchy quality ensures a creamy consistency, reminiscent of a good risotto.

Squid Ink

The ingredient that gives Black Rice its name and mystique. Squid ink not only provides the inky black color but also imparts a deep, savory umami and a hint of salinity, echoing the essence of the sea.

Seafood Mix (Squid, Prawns, Octopus)

A mixture of tender squid rings, succulent prawns, and meaty octopus adds layers of texture and a medley of sweet, briny flavors. Cooking the seafood separately preserves their delicate nature and prevents overcooking.

Onion, Garlic, Tomato (Sofrito)

This classic Mediterranean flavor base builds depth and balance, providing a sweet, aromatic counterpoint to the salty seafood and ink.

Dry White Wine

Used to deglaze the pan and add acidity, which helps to brighten the richness of the dish. The wine’s subtle complexity also bridges the gap between seafood and rice.

Fish Stock

Enhances the overall seafood character and keeps the rice moist and flavorful. It's best to use a homemade stock or a high-quality store-bought version.

Parsley & Lemon

Fresh parsley adds a herbal lift, while lemon wedges offer a burst of acidity to cut through the umami and refresh the palate.

Ingredient & Wine Pairing Considerations

When choosing the perfect wine pairing for Black Rice, consider the strong umami notes, briny sea flavors, and the acidity from tomato and wine. Look for wines with good acidity to cleanse the palate, subtle minerality, and enough body to stand up to the dish’s intensity. Both whites and lighter reds can work—more on this in the pairing section!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Short-grain rice
• 4 sachets (about 16g) Squid ink
• 400g Seafood mix (squid, prawns, octopus)
• 200g Small squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)
• 8 Prawns (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups Fish stock
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
• 1 medium Tomato (grated or finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Dry white wine
• 2 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper
• for garnish Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare all ingredients: finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the tomato, and chop the parsley. Clean and slice the squid into rings, and ensure the prawns are peeled and deveined.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed frying pan or paella pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the grated tomato and cook down for 3 minutes to form a sofrito.
5. Add the rice, stir to coat with the sofrito, and toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
6. Deglaze the pan with white wine and allow it to reduce completely, about 2 minutes.
7. Dilute the squid ink in the fish stock and keep it warm over low heat.
8. Gradually add the squid ink fish stock to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring occasionally. Cook over medium-low heat for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
9. In a separate pan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced squid, prawns, and seafood mix for 2-3 minutes or until just cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
10. Once the rice is cooked, arrange the seared seafood on top. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley for garnish.
11. Serve the Arroz Negro hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish before eating.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 26.0g
• Fat: 8.0g
• Carbohydrates: 55.0g
• Salt: 2.5g

Dietary Information: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

What Wine Goes With Black Rice?

Pairing wine with Black Rice is a delicious adventure. The dish’s salty, umami-rich flavors and briny seafood call for a wine that can refresh the palate and highlight the subtle complexities of the ingredients. Here’s how to pick the perfect match:

Key Wine Characteristics

• High Acidity: Cuts through the richness of seafood and squid ink.
• Minerality: Complements the oceanic notes and enhances umami.
• Moderate Body: Enough weight to match the dish, but not so heavy that it overwhelms the seafood.
• Freshness: Aromatic whites or lighter reds keep the experience lively.

Top Wine Recommendations

In-Depth Pairing Guide

1. Albariño: This Spanish white is a textbook wine for Black Rice. Its pronounced acidity and subtle saline finish echo the flavors of the sea while refreshing the palate after each bite. California producers now offer excellent Albariños—look for bottles from Lodi or Santa Barbara for a domestic twist.
2. Vermentino: Whether from Liguria, Sardinia, or the California coast, Vermentino is herbal, citrusy, and just a touch savory. These qualities make it a beautiful foil for squid ink and seafood. Vermentino is easy to find at Total Wine and BevMo.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: With zesty acidity and citrus notes, Sauvignon Blanc (from Napa, Sonoma, or the Loire Valley) brings freshness and a subtle grassiness that matches tomato and parsley notes in the dish. Look for bottles in the $12-28 range at most US retailers.
4. Godello: If you want to impress, try a Godello from Spain’s Galicia region—a trendy pick among sommeliers for seafood. Its floral, mineral-driven profile is a perfect match for the dish’s complexity. While less common, you’ll find Godello at Total Wine or specialty shops.
5. Pinot Noir: Prefer red? A light, earthy Pinot Noir from Oregon or Sonoma has gentle fruit and fine tannins that complement the umami of squid ink without overpowering the seafood. Trader Joe’s often has great value bottles in the $16-30 range.

##### Local Shopping Tips

• Total Wine: Best selection of global and domestic whites. Staff can guide you to Albariño or Godello.
• Trader Joe’s: Excellent for value Oregon Pinot Noir and California Sauvignon Blanc.
• BevMo: Great for Italian whites and a growing selection of California Vermentino.

Still unsure? Vinomat can help you discover the perfect wine for Black Rice based on your location and preferences.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use Quality Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood makes all the difference. Avoid overcooking prawns and squid—they should be just opaque and tender.
• Sauté the Sofrito Slowly: Allow onions, garlic, and tomatoes to melt into a fragrant base—this underpins the whole dish’s flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Rice: Gradually adding stock and stirring helps the rice absorb flavors evenly and prevents burning.
• Dilute Squid Ink Properly: Always mix squid ink into the fish stock before adding it to the rice. This ensures even color and distribution of flavor.
• Finish With Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Rest the Rice: Let the rice rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving. This allows the grains to finish absorbing liquid and prevents mushiness.
• Wine Pairing Tip: Taste your chosen wine with a spoonful of the finished dish before serving guests—sometimes a little extra lemon or parsley is all it takes to make the pairing sing.

Serving Suggestions

To serve Black Rice, use a wide, shallow dish to showcase its dramatic color and arrange the seafood artfully on top. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and add lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness. For a true Mediterranean feel, set the table with rustic bread, a crisp green salad, and your perfectly matched bottle of wine.

Create a relaxed, communal dining experience by encouraging guests to serve themselves family-style. Play some Spanish guitar or coastal jazz in the background to set the mood. For a special touch, chill your white wine or slightly cool your Pinot Noir—temperature matters for the best wine pairing.

Conclusion

Black Rice is a dish that invites you to explore new flavors, techniques, and—most importantly—wine pairings. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your food and wine journey, this recipe is a perfect match for your next gathering. With wines from California, Oregon, Spain, and beyond easily available at Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, or BevMo, the possibilities are endless. Use Vinomat to discover your ideal wine for Black Rice and make every meal a celebration of taste and discovery.