Get perfectly cooked and fluffy rice every single time with this quick and easy Instant Pot Wild Rice recipe! You only need wild rice, oil or butter, and broth to get this recipe ready in way less time than the traditional method. Serve up this simple grain for a healthy side dish the whole family will enjoy.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
So many of us shy away from wild rice—we think it’s a complicated grain to cook, or we’ve had it prepared badly and think it isn’t good.
Nothing could be further from the truth. You can cook wild rice like any other rice, with just a tad extra time to achieve that perfect texture.
When cooked with the Instant Pot, you get all the nutty, chewy deliciousness of this gluten-free superfood but in a fraction of the time of the stove top version!
Yet again, this kitchen appliance comes through to deliver the health benefits of a protein-packed grain in less than an hour. (If you’re still wanting that stove top experience, here’s the basics for How to Cook Wild Rice.)
You won’t have to think twice about making a big pot of wild rice, whether you’re cooking this Harvest Bowl, Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup with Chicken, or pulling together a simple side to go with Miso-Glazed Salmon.
Be warned, this recipe is for 100% wild rice, not a blend! Make sure you don’t accidentally pick up a pilaf blend instead of plain ol’ wild rice.
What is Wild Rice?
Wild rice is a grain from a semi-aquatic grass. Traditionally grown in North America and China, this superfood has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture than white or brown rice.
Wild rice is a great source of minerals, vitamins, and even protein.
Ingredients
The simple ingredients you need to make this Instant Pot Wild Rice recipe include:
- Wild rice. Make sure you get 100% wild rice and NOT a wild rice blend. Basic wild rice has a different cook time than blends, like wild rice pilaf. It should be easy to find real wild rice at the grocery store.
- Liquid. Both broth and water work, depending on what you like and have on hand. Either vegetable broth or chicken broth are great options.
- Butter or oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, and butter can all be used.
How to Cook Wild Rice in the Instant Pot?
Below are the steps to make Instant Pot wild rice:
Strain the Rice
Just like other rice dishes, wild rice should be rinsed before cooking. This step washes away extra starch so the cooked rice isn’t clumpy.
Add the rice to a fine mesh strainer. Then, hold it under cool, running water until it’s clear, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Cook the Rice
Pour the broth or water along with the oil and rice into a 6-quart Instant Pot.
Place the pressure cooker lid on and ensure the pressure release valve is sealed.
Cook the rice on high pressure for:
- 28 minutes if you prefer a firm rice
- 30 minutes if you prefer a soft rice
Allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before turning the pressure valve for a quick release and removing the lid.
Finish and Serve
Once the rice is done, remove the lid. If there is any excess liquid, drain it out through a fine mesh strainer.
Fluff it with a fork or wooden spoon and add the desired amount of salt.
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: Wild rice is best when you eat it right after cooking, but you can make it up to one day early if needed.
- How to store: Save leftover wild rice in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: Place wild rice in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 to 4 months.
- How to reheat: Just like other rice dishes, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add some water or additional oil as needed.
Is wild rice healthy? Gluten-free? Keto?
Wild rice is definitely considered healthy for you. It’s also gluten-free, but it’s not keto. It is high in protein and vitamins, like vitamin B. However, wild rice is still a carbohydrate, so it’s not the best for a keto lifestyle.
Is wild rice a grain?
Not only is wild rice a grain but it is also considered a whole grain. As such, it contains the germ, endosperm, and bran of the plant. This is part of the reason for the earthy flavor and chewy texture.
How to season wild rice?
The sky is the limit when it comes to seasoning wild rice. Just use some salt and pepper to complement the nutty flavor, or add in your favorite herbs and spices.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Rinse well. Holding the rice under running water until it’s clear ensures your cooked rice doesn’t clump.
- Don’t blend. This recipe is for wild rice only, look for 100%.
- Get fluffy. Use a fork to stir the rice after cooking.
- Be patient. Do not open the lid until after a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Add some flavor. Try cooking wild rice with your favorite spices or some fresh herbs at the end for extra flavor.
More Recipes with Wild Rice
Wild Rice is so good for you. And once you’ve had it, you’ll be looking for more ways to enjoy it.
One of my favorite ways to eat it is in this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup during soup season.
You can also whip up this Harvest Bowl. Or, find out How to Make Wild Rice on the stovetop.
Other Instant Pot Grain Recipes
The Instant Pot is a lifesaver when it comes to getting dinner ready fast—especially grains that sometimes take a long time. Try one of these easy side dish recipes next.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice and Instant Pot White Rice take so much less time than a rice cooker or stove.
Try this Instant Pot Quinoa for a different flavor and texture (and a bunch of nutrients!).
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Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice not a blend
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 Tbsp. butter or oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the rice to a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine the rice and the broth or water in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Cover the pot with a lid, ensure the pressure release valve is sealed, and set to high pressure for 28-30 minutes. (28 for a more firm rice, 30 for a softer grain.) Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- If excess liquid remains, add it back to the fine mesh strainer to drain.
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Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: Wild rice is best when you eat it right after cooking, but you can make it up to one day early if needed.
- How to store: Save leftover wild rice in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: Place wild rice in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 to 4 months.
- How to reheat: Just like other rice dishes, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add some water or additional oil as needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
