How to Cook Wild Rice

how to cook wild rice on the stove top

Because of its relatively long cooking time, many recipes will call for already-cooked wild rice so it helps to know how to cook a simple batch of wild rice.

Most packages of wild rice will come with cooking instructions, but my biggest tip is to err on the side of cooking your wild rice for less time than the package suggests, for a chewier texture and slightly al dente bite. The best way to make sure you get the texture right for you? Simply taste as you go, and stop cooking when you like the texture!

1. Rinse the wild rice: Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Rinsing helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping during cooking.
2. Soak (optional): Some people find that soaking wild rice for a few hours or overnight helps it cook more evenly. If you choose to soak, drain the rice before cooking.*
3. The right ratio: Combine 1 cup of rinsed wild rice with 3 cups of water or broth in a saucepan. I highly recommend using broth to add flavor to the rice.
4. Season: Add a pinch of salt if desired. Be cautious with the salt, especially if you’re using a salty broth, as wild rice absorbs flavors easily.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Cooking time: Wild rice usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. However, cooking times can vary based on the specific variety of wild rice you have. It’s important to taste the rice as it cooks to get it just the way you like it. The grains should be tender but still have a slight chewiness.
7. Check and stir: Occasionally check the wild rice and stir gently with a fork to prevent sticking. Add more water or broth if needed during cooking.
8. Rest: Once the wild rice is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to be absorbed.
9. Fluff and serve: After resting, fluff the wild rice with a fork to separate the grains. It’s ready to serve or use in your recipe.

*Should you soak wild rice before cooking?

If you have the time, soaking is useful because it will shorten your cooking time by as much as 50% and soaking also helps the rice cook more evenly.

• If you soak wild rice overnight or for several hours, you can reduce the water-to-wild rice ratio and the cooking time when preparing it. Soaked wild rice might require a water-to-rice ratio of 1.5 to 2 cups of water for 1 cup of soaked wild rice, and the cooking time can be significantly shorter, potentially around 20-30 minutes, depending on the specific rice and your desired tenderness.

can wild rice be cooked in a rice cooker?

Yes! While traditionally cooked on the stovetop, wild rice can also be prepared in a rice cooker, making the process a bit more convenient. Follow your rice cooker’s instructions for wild rice settings.

can you cook wild rice in the microwave?

Yes you can, but it’s not my first choice. The microwave cooks wild rice more unevenly than other methods, and the big bowl of boiling water is fiddly to deal with.

1. Place rinsed wild rice in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 3 cups of water or broth.
2. Use a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with a vent.
3. Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Stir, then microwave on medium (50% power) for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.
4. Let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork.

how to cook wild rice in the Instant Pot

If you have an Instant Pot it’s a great way to cook wild rice. It’s hands off, and cuts the time down considerably.

1. Rinse 1 cup of wild rice under cold water until clear.
2. Add 2 cups of water or broth to the Instant Pot.
3. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
5. Open the lid, fluff the wild rice with a fork, and serve.

storing and freezing cooked wild rice

Cooked wild rice keeps its texture well so you can cook it ahead. It will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

You can freeze wild rice, its sturdy texture holds up well. Let it cool completely before packing in a freezer safe container or zip lock freezer bags.

what pairs well with wild rice

Wild rice has a much more assertive flavor than white rice, and even brown rice, so keep that in mind when planning recipes. Luckily, there are so many lovely, seasonal flavors that pair perfectly with wild rice. Here are some of my favorites:

• nuts, especially toasted nuts, like walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts.
• fall and winter root vegetables like beets, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes and winter squash.
• hearty or peppery greens like spinach, watercress, and arugula
• onion, I especially like thinly sliced raw red onion in my wild rice salads, or caramelized onions or shallots
• fall fruits like crisp apples, cranberries (fresh or dried), and pomegranate seeds
• earthy mushrooms
• salty cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or parmesan
• maple syrup and brown sugar lend a rich, sweet note when used sparingly in savory recipes, or with a heavier hand in sweet recipes like wild rice porridge
• poultry like chicken and turkey, or wild game birds like duck or pheasant, make a great main course pairing with wild rice
• I particularly love salmon with wild rice.
• grainy mustards make a great addition to dressings for wild rice salads