If you have never tried wild rice cooked in an Instant Pot, you are in for a delightful surprise with this Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe. It transforms hearty, nutty wild rice into a perfectly tender, fluffy side that pairs beautifully with countless dishes. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a comforting dish bursting with texture and flavor that makes every meal feel that much more special. Whether you’re seasoned in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe brings wild rice to life in a way that’s quick, foolproof, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing the perfect wild rice starts with just a few simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a quiet yet important role, bringing out the unique texture, subtle flavors, and a comforting warmth that makes this Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe stand out.
- 1 cup wild rice: The star of the dish; not a blend, so its firm texture and earthy flavor really shine through.
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water): Creates rich moisture that infuses the rice with savory undertones and keeps it tender.
- 1 tablespoon butter (or oil): Adds a touch of creaminess and prevents sticking, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
- Salt (to taste): Essential to balance and elevate the natural flavors of the wild rice.
How to Make Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Wild Rice
Start by placing the wild rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinsing it under cool running water for about one to two minutes. This quick rinse removes any dust or impurities and helps loosen the grains, ensuring your rice cooks evenly and cleanly every time.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Next, combine the rinsed wild rice and vegetable broth in your 6-quart Instant Pot. Be sure to add the butter or oil and a pinch of salt right away. This combo infuses the rice with gentle savory notes and a subtle richness, setting the stage for a beautifully balanced dish.
Step 3: Set the Cooking Time
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is sealed. Choose the high-pressure setting and set the timer for 28 to 30 minutes — 28 minutes if you prefer your wild rice with a little chew, or 30 minutes for a softer, more tender texture. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to keep everything perfectly moist.
Step 4: Drain Any Excess Liquid
Once the pressure is fully released and it’s safe to open the pot, check for any remaining liquid. If there’s excess, pour the contents through a fine mesh strainer to drain. This final step ensures the texture is light and fluffy, avoiding any soggy bites.
How to Serve Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Wild rice pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme, which add a burst of color and bright, aromatic notes. Toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, bring a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe is versatile enough to complement a wide variety of meals. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a hearty stew to soak up delicious sauces. It’s also perfect mixed into a bowl with roasted mushrooms or steamed greens to create a nourishing plant-based plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more vibrant presentation, try layering the wild rice with sautéed vegetables and a sprinkle of feta cheese in a clear glass bowl to showcase the contrasting colors. Or stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a beautiful, self-contained entrée. For gatherings, serve it in a large wooden bowl accompanied by an array of toppings and sauces for guests to customize their dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick side dishes throughout the week.
Freezing
Wild rice freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the wild rice and warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop. This helps revive the moisture and fluffiness, keeping the texture as close to freshly made as possible.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Brown rice cooks differently than wild rice and generally requires less cooking time in the Instant Pot. For this recipe’s texture and flavor profile, sticking to pure wild rice will give you the best results.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth? Can I just use water?
Absolutely, water works just fine and still produces great texture. Using broth simply adds more savory depth and complexity to the dish.
How firm or soft will the wild rice be after pressure cooking?
The cooking time you choose—28 or 30 minutes—determines how firm or tender the rice will be. If you like a bit more bite, opt for 28 minutes. For softer grains, go with 30 minutes.
Can I add spices or herbs directly to the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can customize your wild rice by adding herbs like bay leaves or spices such as garlic powder when cooking. Just remember to remove any whole herbs like bay leaves before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Definitely! Using vegetable broth and oil instead of butter keeps it vegan-friendly while preserving rich flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe enough if you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make side that bursts with natural flavor and a gorgeous texture. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep within arm’s reach for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something wholesome and satisfying. Give it a try and watch wild rice become one of your favorite pantry staples!
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Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (pressure cooking) plus 10 minutes natural release
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Wild Rice recipe offers a simple and efficient way to prepare perfectly cooked wild rice with minimal effort. Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the traditional cooking time while delivering tender, fluffy grains. The recipe is adaptable with options for vegetable broth or water, making it a versatile base for various dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice (not a blend)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 Tbsp. butter (or oil)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the wild rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 1-2 minutes to remove any debris and excess starch, ensuring cleaner, fluffier rice.
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice, vegetable broth (or water), butter (or oil), and salt directly into a 6-quart Instant Pot. Stir gently to distribute the butter and salt evenly among the rice and liquid.
- Set and Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is sealed. Select the high pressure setting and cook for 28 minutes for firmer rice or 30 minutes for a softer texture.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time finishes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to continue cooking the rice gently and prevent it from drying out.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After the natural release, carefully open the lid. If there’s any excess liquid remaining, pour the contents into the fine mesh strainer to drain off the extra liquid, leaving perfectly cooked wild rice ready to serve.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time between 28 to 30 minutes depending on your texture preference for firmer or softer rice.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a milder flavor or to reduce sodium content.
- Adding butter or oil enhances richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Use the natural pressure release method to avoid splattering and to allow the rice to finish cooking gently.
- This wild rice recipe pairs well with stir-fries, salads, soups, and as a side dish for poultry or fish.
