Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 45 minutes (including time to pressurize and release)
METHOD: Instant Pot
OTHER TOOLS: mesh strainer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 2
Looking for a side that’s a little different than the usual? Instant Pot Wild Rice is a nutritious choice, packed with protein and nutrients. The Instant Pot makes it so easy to prepare this whole grain with just the right texture – give it a try!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- When you want to try something a little different than your average side of rice or noodles, wild rice is a great variation!
- It cooks easily and perfectly in the Instant Pot. You won’t need to worry about the stovetop and getting the texture just right.
- Wild rice is a super-healthy side dish option. It is full of nutrients, naturally gluten-free, and can include up to 7 grams of protein per cup of cooked rice!
- Instant Pot wild rice pairs well with plenty of foods. Simply add some butter and salt, or serve it with sauces, curries, and stews. It’s a hearty, filling choice that you can flavor as you like.
Ingredients Needed
- Wild rice – Wild “rice” can be confusing because it’s not actually a rice grain – it’s a seed of aquatic grass! Wild rice is usually a dark brown or black color and is often packaged in a rice blend. For this recipe, look for a package of just the wild rice (not the blend).
- Water – Just add water and then flavor as you like after the rice is cooked.
How To Make Wild Rice In The Instant Pot
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
- Add to the Instant Pot along with water.
- Seal the lid and set it to high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Allow a natural pressure release (this will take approximately 5-10 minutes).
- Remove the lid and stir to fluff.
Pro Tips
- Depending on the cooking method and package of wild rice, the water ratio may need to be adjusted. This also includes if you choose to cook a wild rice blend since it will likely use less water.
- Some wild rice brands may cook faster or slower. You might need to play with the cooking times and water ratios to get the texture just how you like it. I found this recipe to be perfect for a softer rice.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Add some extras to the Instant Pot to spruce up this side with added flavor! Cook with vegetable or bone broth instead of water, add butter after cooking, or season with garlic and herbs for extra depth.
Another way to elevate this dish is with aromatics (like onion and garlic) or herbs (thyme and rosemary). Simply add these to the pot with some olive oil on sauté mode, then add the rice and liquid and switch to the pressure cook setting.
What To Serve With Wild Rice
Wild rice is a delicious side for your standard meat and veggies like Juicy Bone In Pork Chops and Sauteed Carrots. It would be a delicious option to soak up a tasty sauce or gravy (like Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Gravy).
You could also make a hearty vegetarian meal with wild rice since it is already rich in protein. Add it to a stew, or serve with flavorful curries, beans, and lentils.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze in single-portion bags for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of water or broth to retain moisture, then heat in the microwave or stovetop.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1.25 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well
- Add to Instant Pot along with water
- Seal lid and set pot to high pressure for 20 minutes
- Allow a natural pressure release
- Remove lid and stir to fluff
Notes
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze in single portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth in the microwave or on the stovetop to retain moisture.
- There may be some variation in water ratios and cooking times depending on the type of rice, and you may need to adjust. I found these specifications to be perfect for a softer rice.
Instant Pot Wild Rice FAQs
- Is wild rice actually rice? Wild rice is not actually rice. It is a whole-grain grass seed that is naturally gluten-free.
- How much cooked wild rice does 1 cup of uncooked wild rice make? One cup of uncooked wild rice will yield between 3-4 cups of cooked rice.
- How long does it take to cook wild rice in the Instant Pot? This recipe will need 20 minutes to cook, plus the time to reach pressure and naturally release the steam. The total time may vary, but a good estimate is to allow an extra 10 minutes before and after the cooking time.
- Can wild rice be overcooked in the Instant Pot? It’s unlikely that the wild rice will overcook unless the time is adjusted significantly. If you add too little liquid, it can turn out dry and crunchy.
