If you are looking for an easier way to make wild rice, I've found the solution- Instant Pot Wild Rice takes the, "Is it done yet?" guess out of the equation! The pressure cooker makes this rice come out perfectly every time. Start adding more wild rice to the menu because it just go so much easier!
Recipe Ingredient Notes
- Wild rice blend- we recommend the Lundberg wild rice blend (and all their rice!) because Lundberg rice is organic and grown in here in California using regerenative practices.
- Butter- can substitute with olive oil
- Broth- low sodium, can substitute with stock or even just water
You might notice that our recipe calls for slightly less liquid than your packaging instructions indicate, we use a rice to water ratio of 1:1.5. The Instant Pot relies on pressure to cook, so it uses less liquid. It also typically has fluffier, tender, and more evenly cooked rice!
What is Wild Rice?
Wild rice isn't actually a true rice at all- it is actually a grass seed! Native to North America these edible grass seeds are known as "wild rice" and are chewier in texture and nuttier in flavor than brown rice.
We recommend using a wild rice blend. The blend is made up of wild rice combined with other varieties of rice- brown, red, black. Sometimes quinoa or wheat berries are added to the blend as well. This gives the rice a mixture of flavors and textures. Blends also give an elegant presentation with the different colors and grains.
Ways to Enjoy Every Bite
We suggest pairing this wild rice with a vegetable and protein to make a balanced meal. Try this wild rice with our Cast Iron Skillet Chicken, White Beans and 3 Ingredient Tomato Soup. Finish it off with a delicious dessert, our favorites are Easy Apple Cobbler and 3 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse.
How to Cook Wild Rice in Instant Pot
Step 1: Rinse wild rice blend in a colander until the water runs clear.
Set Instant Pot to "sauté" mode and add butter. Sauté rice for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add broth, seal the lid, and ensure lever is on "sealing".
Step 3: Pressure cook on "high" for 18 minutes.
After 18 minutes, let the pressure cooker sit and do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then a quick release, setting the lever to "venting".
Step 4: Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
FAQ
We recommend a wild rice blend because of the variety of flavors and textures. However, if you want to just use wild rice we recommend adding 10 minutes to the cook time (28 minutes high pressure) and a ten minute natural release.
Cooking wild rice on a stove top can take up to an hour! Wild rice blends typically take 45 minutes. You can save a lot of time by using your instant pot and the rice cooks evenly (no burnt bottoms like sometimes happens on a stovetop) and fluffy every time.
There is no need to soak rice prior to cooking in a pressure cooker. Simply rinse the rice and it is ready to cook.
Recipe Tips from Mrs. G
- The rice to water ratio is likely different than the bag instructions due to how the pressure cooker cooks the rice. See recipe card notes for more information.
- Rinse your rice! It gets the excess starch off the rice and helps the final rice texture taste perfect!
- Make this a complete, balanced meal- add veggies and protein!
Storing Leftovers
Let the rice completely cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This recipe is also great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, add a sprinkle of water and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through.
For stovetop reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the pot and heat the leftover rice over low-medium heat. Stir until warmed through.
Instant Pot Wild Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend I recommend Lundberg brand
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Using a mesh colander, rinse and drain the uncooked rice until the water runs clear, and set aside.
- Set the pressure cooker to "sauté" mode and add butter to the pot. Once the pot is heated, add the wild rice and sauté it or 3 minutes. Press cancel to end sauté.
- Add broth to the pot and stir to mix and deglaze the pot. Close and seal the lid, and turn or press the vent lever to "seal" (if needed with your pressure cooker).
- Set pressure cooker to high pressure for 18 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, do a natural pressure release (leave the pot undisturbed) for 10 minutes, then initiate a quick release by carefully turning or pressing the pressure release button (refer to your pot's instructions).
- Fluff the grains by stirring before serving.
Notes
- For this recipe, the ratio is 1 cup of wild rice to 1.5 cups of fluid. So, be sure to ignore what the instructions on the bag say. You might notice that our recipe calls for slightly less liquid than your packaging instructions indicate. The Instant Pot relies on pressure to cook, so it uses less liquid. It also typically has fluffier, tender, and more evenly cooked rice!
- Add other ingredients to your rice bowl, like cooked meats and vegetables, for a complete meal.
- You could also try different broths, like vegetable or beef stock.
Consider adding spices like turmeric, cumin, or garlic powder for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave and cover with a damp paper towel before microwaving or reheat on the stovetop (add 1 tablespoon of water).
- To meal prep or make ahead, cook a big batch (by doubling or tripling the recipe) then portion it out into individual containers.
- Use the same ratios of 1 cup of water or broth to 1.2 cups of wild rice. The cooking times remain the same.
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