Blue Rice with Butterfly Pea Tea: A Simple Guide to Making Vibrant Blue Rice at Home

Blue rice is one of the most eye-catching and naturally colored dishes you can make. Using butterfly pea tea bags, this recipe transforms regular white rice into a beautiful blue side dish. The color comes from anthocyanins found in the butterfly pea flower, a traditional ingredient widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. This guide explains how to make blue rice, how to control the color, and answers key questions people search for online.

What Is Blue Rice and Why Is It Made with Butterfly Pea Tea?

Blue rice is white rice cooked with butterfly pea flowers or butterfly pea tea bags. The flowers release a natural blue pigment into the water, tinting the rice a vibrant shade without artificial dyes. Butterfly pea tea is popular for its antioxidant content, mild floral flavor, and striking blue color, making it perfect for cooking visually appealing dishes.

How Do You Make Blue Rice with Butterfly Pea Tea Bags?

Here is a simple method for preparing blue rice at home using ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients
2 cups white rice
4 cups water
2 to 3 butterfly pea tea bags
Salt
Olive oil

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

2. Add the rice, water, and butterfly pea tea bags to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

5. Remove the tea bags and fluff the rice with a fork.

6. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine.

7. Serve warm and enjoy a colorful, aromatic bowl of blue rice.

How Can I Make the Blue Color Brighter or Deeper?

The intensity of the blue depends on the strength of the butterfly pea infusion. To increase the brightness or depth of the color, you can use one or more of these methods:

Use more tea bags, adding up to five depending on the shade you want.
Steep the tea bags in hot water for a longer time before adding the rice.
Use butterfly pea powder instead of tea bags for a stronger, deeper blue.

What Can I Serve with Blue Rice?

Blue rice pairs well with many dishes due to its mild flavor. Popular options include:

Grilled chicken or fish
Coconut curry
Vegetable stir fry
Tofu bowls
Sautéed vegetables or mixed greens

You can also use blue rice as a base for rice bowls or serve it as a side dish for a visually appealing plate.

Can I Add Vegetables or Protein to Blue Rice?

Yes. Blue rice can be customized by adding vegetables or protein during or after cooking. Some popular additions include:

Peas, carrots, or sweet corn
Chopped bell peppers
Shredded chicken
Fried eggs or scrambled eggs
Tofu or chickpeas

These additions create a more complete meal while keeping the color and flavor intact.

Does Butterfly Pea Tea Change the Flavor of the Rice?

Butterfly pea tea has a very mild, earthy, floral taste. When used in rice, the flavor is subtle and does not overwhelm the dish. Most people find blue rice tastes almost identical to regular white rice, making it versatile for savory meals.

Can I Make Blue Rice in a Rice Cooker?

Yes. To make blue rice in a rice cooker:

Add rinsed rice, water, and butterfly pea tea bags directly to the cooker.
Run the normal white rice cooking cycle.
Remove tea bags after cooking and fluff the rice.

This method delivers the same vibrant color and soft texture.

Final Thoughts

Blue rice is a simple, natural, and visually stunning dish that anyone can make at home. With just rice, water, and butterfly pea tea bags, you can create a vibrant and nutritious side dish that elevates any meal. Experiment with the number of tea bags, add vegetables or proteins, and serve it with your favorite dishes for a memorable and colorful dining experience.