Different Cooking Methods For Wild Rice
There are a lot of different ways to cook wild rice, and Im going to detail them here.
Boiled
Most people that I knew just boiled the rice until it broke open, and then used it as is. This is pretty easy to do, but it takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you do have to keep an eye on it. It is also easy to overcook, and overcooked wild rice is not great.
Baked
This is a method thats super popular among the hot dish crew. You put 1 cup of wild rice and 2 cups of boiling water into an oven-safe dish, cover it tightly, and bake it at 350° for an hour.
Steamed
Steaming wild rice is basically just like boiling it, only with about half as much water. This is also essentially what were doing in the pressure cooker, but in an easier, hands-off way.
Pressure Cooked
This is my favorite way, and the best way to ensure you get no-fail wild rice every time. It uses broth, pressure, and a little big of magic to make sure the rice is cooked perfectly in less time than traditional methods take. Keep reading for my tips to ensure you have all the wild rice success!
More easy WILD RICE recipes here!
How To Use Wild Rice
Wild rice has a distinctive taste that is quite hard to miss. It is a great choice for making pilafs, grain salads or you can add them in soups, stuffing or casseroles.
Here are some ways wild rice can be used:
- Switch to wild rice when making a pilaf or stir fry.
- Add wild rice to your soup for a wonderful chewy taste such as this mushroom wild rice soup.
- Add it to vegan or meat burger patties
- As it can be used just like rice, make salads, casseroles or stews.
What Dishes Can I Use Wild Rice For
The beautiful thing about wild rice is that it is so versatile! There are so many ways to incorporate wild rice into your favorite dishes. Wild rice can be the all-star in your dish in a casserole or soup. It can also make a great accompaniment to soups and salads!
Here are some of our favorite dishes to add wild rice to:
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How Long Does Wild Rice Take To Cook In The Instant Pot
I found 30 minutes to be the right amount of time for rice that is chewy but still has a bit of bite. If you like a little more bite set the time for 28 minutes.
- Once the rice has cooked for 30 minutes allow the steam to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. After this time you can vent any remaining steam.
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How To Cook Wild Rice Blend In A Pressure Cooker:
From start to finish, it takes around 42 45 minutes for wild rice blend to cook in a pressure cooker. Below is the breakdown:
- ~5 minutes for the instant pot come to full pressure
- 28 minutes to cook the wild rice
- ~10 minutes for natural release
How To Make Wild Rice In Instant Pot
When you are cooking wild rice in the instant pot, there is no need for soaking. If you are cooking on the stovetop, you can soak to reduce the cooking time. In case you are wondering where you can get wild rice, worry not. You can pick it up the rice section of any grocery store or you can get it on .
Also, there are different kinds of wild rice blends, however this recipe works well with long grain wild rice. It is not for quick-cook wild rice or a different wild rice blend.
- Take one cup of wild rice and rinse it well under water before adding it to the Instant Pot steel insert.
- Add 2 cups of water or broth for cooking the rice.
- Optionally, add a tablespoon of ghee or oil to the pot. You can also add some salt to it according to your taste
- Set the Instant pot to manual or pressure cook mode. Secure the lid and set to cook in high pressure for 30 minutes
- Let the pressure release naturally and then open the lid. Fluff the wild rice with a fork gently.
- Your wild rice is ready to be enjoyed.
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Brown And Wild Rice Pilaf Instant Pot
Brown and wild rice pilaf is an easy, delicious side dish that you can make in your Instant Pot. Try this hearty, hassle-free rice pilaf today!
- Julia
- 1 T extra virgin olive oil
- 1 T butter
Keywords: brown and wild rice pilaf, brown rice pilaf, brown rice pilaf with vegetables, vegetable rice pilaf
What Is The Difference Between White Rice And Rice Pilaf
You might notice looking at the pictures that there is quite a visual difference between the two. This is because while they’re both rice, they’re actually cooked quite differently. They also taste very different, too.
White rice is typically very bland and often boiled. It’s used mainly as an accompaniment to other dishes or some people eat it with butter and salt.
Rice pilaf is a rice that is cooked with oils, seasonings, and sometimes added in veggies and other food items so the end taste and look is very, very different than white rice.
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What To Serve With Pressure Cooker Wild Rice
This dish isn’t meant to be eaten on its own . It’s meant to be added to other dishes like soups, salads, or casseroles.
The flavor of wild rice pairs particularly good with mushrooms so it can be used to make a Mushroom Pilaf or a Mushroom Wild Rice Soup.
It can be added to salads, casseroles, stuffing, or stews. You can use it just as you would rice. I love it in Wild Rice and Fennel Stuffing.
One of my favorite recipes to utilize wild rice is this Wild Rice Cranberry Chicken Salad and Fall Harvest Wild Rice Salad!
I love to have a batch on hand to add it to my favorite everyday dishes for some extra protein and flavor.
It would taste great served with Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Green Bean Casserole, or Garlicky Roasted Green Beans.
What Is In This Rice Blend
Here is the list of the different varieties of rice in this package.
- Long grain brown rice. True to its name, this rice grain is longer than most brown rice varieties. It is light and fluffy in texture and has a mildly nutty flavor.
- Sweet brown rice. This is a short-grain rice with a mildly sweet flavor and slightly sticky texture.
- Wild rice. Technically, a grass seed, wild rice is high in fiber and has a distinct, chewy texture.
- Wehani red rice. A medium to long grain red-tinted brown rice. It is related to Basmati rice and very aromatic.
- Black rice. Black rice turns purple when it is cooked and it has a mild, nutty flavor.
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Storage Tips And Can You Freeze Cooked Wild Rice
Store uncooked dry wild rice in an airtight container in a dark, cool spot like a pantry or cupboard. This ingredient will keep for years. Store cooked wild rice in a closed container in the fridge for up to a week. If you decide to freeze, drain it first and then place it in airtight containers that portion size is already allocated for ease later on. It will keep up to 6 months. It is best to thaw in the fridge overnight a day before you intend to use it. When reheating in the microwave, add a wet paper towel on top to add moisture.
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. Heres the simple method:
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How To Make Rice In Instant Pot
Here are step-by-step instructions for making medium-grain and long-grain white rice such as Basmati or Jasmine rice. We used Instant Pot Duo Nova 6-quart pressure cooker for this recipe.
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients. Wash the rice under cold water 4-5 times to remove excess starch. This will result in fluffier, most separated cooked rice. Use your hand to rub the rice underwater. Strain and add rinsed rice to the inner pot.
Step 2. Add water and salt and stir. Pop the lid on top, secure and lock in place.
Step 3. If using classic Instant Pot Duo, check that the steam release handle is pointing to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook button . Make sure the pressure level is set to HIGH and use and + buttons to adjust the time to 4 minutes. If you need to change from LOW to HIGH, press Pressure Level to toggle between settings. You can leave the Keep Warm default setting on.
After 3 beeps, the display will show ON and two status icons at the top indicating that the pot is heating up and the pressure is building. This will take about 5 minutes.
Step 4. Once pressure is built up, the cooking timer of 4 minutes will display. The float valve on the lid will also rise up as the pressure is built up. Once the cooking timer is done, the Keep Warm cycle will begin with a new 00:00 timer. During this stage, the Instant Pot will start to depressurize and cool down. Leave it undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to release some of the pressure naturally.
Can Wild Rice Be Frozen
This recipe makes a big batch of wild rice – You can cut the recipe in half if you like.
It can be stored in the refrigerator 4-5 days after preparation. Allow the rice to come down to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days and use as needed.
You can also freeze it and use as needed!
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Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:
Wild rice crepes with hazelnut pesto is a terrific meal. You can replace the wild rice in the recipe with this Wild Blend rice if you want.
Serve this rice blend with our recipe for roasted duck legs with orange sauce. The combination of flavors is perfect.
Make some Instant Pot shredded beef tonight and eat for a few nights. Use it in tacos one night then make some beef chimichangas the next night.
Natural Pressure Release Vs Quick Pressure Release
Whats better? Hands down, no doubt > > natural pressure release. If you cook rice longer so you can do quick pressure release, with the hope to have the rice cooked faster overall, it gets sticky and mushy.
I encourage you to be patient and wait for natural pressure release. I timed all rice and there doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason to the timing. Even the same kind of rice in the same amount has had different natural pressure release times.
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Can I Freeze Cooked Wild Rice
Yes, you can freeze cooked wild rice! Let the wild rice cool completely before placing it in an airtight plastic bag or stasher bag. Remove the air from the bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months!
When youre ready to use the rice, let it thaw out and use it in your favorite recipes!
Is Wild Rice Supposed To Be Crunchy
Wild rice is supposed to have a bite to it! When wild rice is done cooking, it will split or pop! You will know if this happens if your wild rice splits down the middle and turns a beige or white color!
Your wild rice should have a bite, meaning it shouldnt hurt your teeth when you bit it and it shouldnt be super mushy!
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Cooking Wild Rice In The Instant Pot
Making wild rice in the Instant Pot is similar to making Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni , but without the step of sauteeing the rice first.
You know one of my favorite parts of cooking rice in the Instant Pot? There are no messes from boiled-over pots. And theres no babysitting the pot. This is a set-it-and-forget-it situation.
You can use wild rice as a simple side dish alongside practically any type of chicken, beef, or fish.
You can make Instant Pot chicken and wild rice casserole or Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup.
You can toss the rice with some steamed or roasted veggies. I like to add in some roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese .
Regardless of how you serve it, youll love just how quick and easy it is to make Instant Pot wild rice this way.
Perfect for those evenings when you need to get dinner on the table quickly!
Not only that, but you can also reheat rice in the Instant Pot, which is my favorite method of heating up the leftovers!
Cooking The Wild Rice In The Pressure Cooker
Pour the dry rice and seasonings into the insert pot of the Instant Pot.
Add water to the pot and stir to combine. If there are any large clumps of seasoning, try to break them up a bit with a spoon or spatula.
Select a cook time of 5 minutes at high pressure using the Manual/Pressure Cook setting.
Once the cook time is complete, allow at least a 10 minute natural release, followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure. I generally just use a full natural release.
After the pressure has released and the valve has dropped, carefully remove the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve as desired!
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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. Heres the easy steps:
A few notes about Instant Pot rice: There is a bit of water left over after cooking , but when I reduced the water during testing, the Instant Pot showed the burn notice. Ive also found that the rice is a bit softer when cooked in the Instant Pot rather than when cooked in a pan.
