A simple guide to cooking wild rice perfectly every time, with multiple methods and tips for best texture and flavor.

1 cup wild rice

3 cups water or broth (for extra flavor)

½ tsp salt (optional)

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Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch.
For stovetop: 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.
For Instant Pot: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Add 1 cup wild rice and 1 ¼ cups 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.
For Rice Cooker: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Add 1 cup wild rice and 2 cups water to the rice cooker.
Use the brown rice setting or cook until tender, about 50-55 minutes.
Fluff and serve.

Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.

Add herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking for aroma.

Mix in mushrooms or nuts after cooking for extra texture and richness.

Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Reheat with a splash of water to keep moist.

If wild rice is too chewy, simmer longer with added water.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes (stovetop), 25 minutes + 10 minutes pressure release (Instant Pot), 50-55 minutes (rice cooker)
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, Instant Pot, Rice Cooker
Cuisine: American