How to Cook Wild Rice

Learn how to cook wild rice on the stovetop and in the Instant Pot in this easy recipe! Wild rice is a delicious whole grain that’s packed with nutrients. It’s super versatile and can be seasoned a variety of ways. Use it as a simple side dish, add it to salads and use it to make grain bowls!

Have you ever eaten or cooked wild rice? It’s one of my favorite grains because it’s tasty, nutritious and can be used in a variety of recipes. We love it as a simple side dish seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s also great for adding to soups, salads and casseroles! 

What is wild rice?

You may be surprised to learn that wild rice is not even really rice at all. Wild rice is the seed of a species of aquatic grass that grows primarily in the Great Lakes region of North America. It was originally grown and harvested by Native Americans, who have used the grain as a staple food for hundreds of years. It can now be conveniently found at pretty much any major grocery store in any region.

What does wild rice taste like?

Wild rice may not technically be rice, but it does taste like rice, which is why we call it rice. Like brown rice and other whole grains, wild rice has an outer shell (bran) that gives it a chewy texture. Wild rice has a slightly earthy, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of add-ins.

Is wild rice healthy?

Wild rice is gluten-free, low in fat, and high in both lysine (an amino acid) and fiber. It is also a great plant-based protein source, containing 4 grams per one cup of cooked wild rice. And it is rich in the antioxidant, Manganese, which plays a role in keeping the mitochondria in your cells healthy. 

How to cook wild rice on the stovetop:

Wild rice is easy to cook on the stovetop, but it does take a long time to absorb liquid, so the cook time is about 45 minutes. Here’s the simple method: 

1. Boil. Add the rice, water, and salt to a medium saucepan set over medium high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then cover with a tightly fitting lid. 
2. Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice for 45 minutes, or until it is tender. 
3. Season and serve. Fluff the rice with a fork and season as desired. 

How to cook wild rice in the Instant Pot:

If you happen to have an Instant Pot available, that is a great way to cook wild rice and it takes about 15 minutes less time than the stovetop method. Here’s the easy steps:

1. Cook. Add the rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot and attach the lid. Ensure the valve is in the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook-Manual for 20 minutes. 
2. Release pressure. Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, release any additional pressure by switching the valve to the venting position. 
3. Season and serve. Drain any excess liquid and fluff the rice with a fork. Season it as desired. 

A few notes about Instant Pot rice: There is a bit of water left over after cooking (about 1/2 cup), but when I reduced the water during testing, the Instant Pot showed the “burn” notice. I’ve also found that the rice is a bit softer when cooked in the Instant Pot (still has a bite, but a softer inside) rather than when cooked in a pan.

• 

• 

Serving & Flavor Suggestions: 

There are so many ways to season and add different flavors to wild rice! Here are just a few of my go-tos:

• My favorite way to serve wild rice is to heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to melt and then add 1 minced shallot. Cook for 2 minutes or until tender. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme and cook for 1 minute. Then add the rice and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute, or until warmed through. Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. 
• Wild rice is also delicious as a side dish. It can be mixed with garlic and parmesan, lemon and olive oil, or just a bit of butter and salt! 
• If you’re using this wild rice in a grain bowl, I suggest mixing it with 2-3 tablespoons of your sauce or dressing before assembly. 

Ways to use it:

• Wild rice pairs well with any of the following: sautéed mushrooms; sautéed onions; fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or sage; dried fruits, such as apricots, cranberries, golden raisins or cherries; and nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios.
• It’s a great addition to soups, casseroles, salads and even Thanksgiving stuffing. 
• Use as a filling ingredient for stuffed peppers, mushrooms or squash.

Tips for success:

Cooking wild rice is super simple, but here are some helpful recommendations, so your wild rice comes out perfect every time! 

• I use this 6-Quart Instant Pot (affiliate link) to cook wild rice and other recipes. It works great and I’ve been very happy with it. 
• This recipe is for whole grain wild rice, not cracked wild rice or wild rice mix; as they cook faster than traditional wild rice. 
• I usually cook my rice in water, although you could substitute vegetable or chicken stock for even more flavor. 
• A bit of salt will help add flavor to the rice while it’s cooking! 
• Since the cook time is a bit long, I like to make a large amount at one time. It freezes wonderfully, and then I always have it readily available. To freeze: allow it to cool to room temperature, then place it in a tightly sealed freezer-safe baggie or container. It will keep well in the freezer for four to six months. 

As usual, PLEASE let me know if you try either method for cooking wild rice and how it turns out! You can come back here and leave a comment or tag me on instagram (@foodwithfeeling).

More side dish recipes you’ll enjoy:

• Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
• Instant Pot Chickpeas
• Blistered Tomatoes
• Air Fryer Onion Rings

Print