Name: How to Cook Wild Rice (Perfect Every Time!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485660H42M54S
Total time: PT-485660H42M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice; 3 cups water or broth (for extra flavor); ½ tsp salt (optional)

Wild rice offers a wonderfully nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture that brings depth to soups, salads, and grain bowls. I’ve found that cooking wild rice perfectly every time is easier than it seems, and once you master it, this versatile grain becomes a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

1 cup wild rice

3 cups water (or broth for extra flavor)

½ tsp salt (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Stovetop Method:

Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch.

Bring 3 cups of water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the wild rice and salt if using.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the grains are tender and some have split open.

Drain any excess water if necessary.

Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork before serving.

Instant Pot Method:

Rinse the wild rice under cold water.

Add 1 cup of wild rice and 1 ¼ cups of water or broth to the Instant Pot.

Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and serve.

Rice Cooker Method:

Rinse the wild rice under cold water.

Add 1 cup of wild rice and 2 cups of water to the rice cooker.

Use the brown rice setting or cook until tender, about 50-55 minutes.

Fluff and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 3 cups of cooked wild rice, which serves 3-4 people as a side dish. Cooking times vary depending on the method: stovetop takes about 50 minutes, Instant Pot around 35 minutes including pressure release, and rice cooker about 50-55 minutes.

Variations

I often like to swap water for vegetable or chicken broth to deepen the flavor. Sometimes I add herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking for an aromatic touch. Wild rice also pairs beautifully with mushrooms or nuts stirred in after cooking to add texture and richness.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store leftover wild rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop — just add a splash of water to keep it moist. For longer storage, I freeze cooked wild rice in portioned freezer bags for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when wild rice is done?

I check the texture—cooked wild rice should be tender but still chewy, and some grains will have split open. If it’s still tough, I simmer it a bit longer.

Can I cook wild rice without rinsing it?

I always rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and any debris, which helps improve the texture and flavor.

Can I use broth instead of water?

Absolutely! I find using broth adds a lot of extra flavor and makes the rice more savory and delicious.

What if my wild rice is too chewy after cooking?

If it’s too chewy, I add a bit more water and simmer it for another 10-15 minutes until it softens.

Can I cook wild rice in a slow cooker?

Yes, but it takes longer—usually around 2 to 3 hours on high. I recommend adding extra liquid to ensure it cooks through.

Conclusion

Cooking wild rice perfectly every time is really about giving it enough time to soften while preserving that wonderful chewy texture. Whether I use the stovetop, Instant Pot, or rice cooker, I enjoy the nutty flavor and versatility this grain brings to my meals. Once I have a batch ready, I love experimenting by tossing it in salads, soups, or mixing it with veggies for a wholesome meal. With these simple methods, wild rice has become a regular favorite in my kitchen.

Recipe: