Whole grain rice just tastes better in the Instant Pot and this recipe for Wild Rice proves it! Healthy, whole grain, and so easy to make with the pressure cooker!
Sometimes, writing recipes for “BASICS” is hard.
I get so excited to jump on here to tell you all about new, exciting, flavor-bursting dishes hitting my table that, too often, I forget to get the basic recipes on the blog.
When in reality, those basics get made more often than dishes like my Favorite Tamales or Nicoise Salad.
But this Wild Rice . . . THIS is something special.
I had never even tried wild rice until about 5 years ago. Not sure why exactly, I just didn’t really know what it was I suppose?
Over the last several months, I’ve been making this Wild Rice on REPEAT! I throw it in soups, salads, “bowl” meals, etc. I love to make a big batch and freeze what’s left over, so I always have it at the ready.
That’s how much I’m diggin’ this “basic” recipe.
So, what is Wild Rice?
Wild Rice is whole grain rice, brownish/black in color, with a chewy bite and nutty flavor.
What you’ll see pictured here is actually called a “Wild Rice Blend” and it is divine!
I highly suggest making this recipe with a “blend”. My favorite brand is this Lundberg variety that contains black, brown, red, and wild rice.
It’s a full-blown experience enjoying each unique grain, and the flavor is beautifully nutty.
I can’t say it enough: I love this “basic” recipe!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE INSTANT POT WILD RICE
- HEALTHY: Wild rice is a whole grain, which means more protein and fiber than white rice. Yay for whole grains!
- PERFECT BITE: If you’ve had a bad experience with whole grain rice cooked on the stovetop, you need to try this pressure-cooked version! I didn’t like whole grain rice at all until I discovered how amazing the texture could be in the Instant Pot. Try it again!
- VERSATILE: Can be eaten simply on its own, but I love to throw it into soups, salads, and for “bowl” meals like this Yum Yum Bowl (YUM!)
HOW TO MAKE WILD RICE IN THE PRESSURE COOKER
- Put the rice, water, and salt in the pressure cooker pot and start cooking
- Let the pressure release, then fluff with a fork
SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR DETAILED COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- WILD RICE BLEND: You can definitely buy just wild rice, but I find that the wild rice “blends” are less expensive and easier to find. The taste and texture is amazing, too!
- NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE: I know you’ll be tempted to flip the pressure release valve early, but trust me on this, you want a FULL NATURAL pressure release. If you try to shortcut the process, you’ll have chewy/crunchy rice.
- FORK FLUFF: Always use a fork to fluff rice after cooking. It helps to separate the rice and make it light and fluffy. Using a spoon or spatula causes it to be clumpy and heavy.
- FLAVOR BOOST: Swap the water for broth for an extra boost of flavor if you like!
HOW TO STORE, REHEAT, AND FREEZE
- STORE: Cool leftovers and store in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- REHEAT: Add a splash of water and gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- FREEZE: Scoop leftovers into a freezer-safe ziptop container and freeze flat (this will make it quicker to thaw). When ready to eat, place it in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour, then reheat as directed above.
MAKE AHEAD TIPS
I suggest making rice as close to serving time as possible. When rice sits on a “keep warm” setting, it tends to get clumpy/mushy. However, if you need to make rice in advance and the clumping isn’t going to be a huge problem, just put it on “keep warm” and re-fluff with a fork right before serving.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH
- MEAT: Perfect side to these Chicken Meatballs, Cheesy Chicken, or Pork Medallions.
- SALADS: I love to add wild rice to this Mixed Berry Spinach Salad in place of the farro.
- SOUP: Add rice to puréed soups like Tomato Soup or Creamy Vegetable Soup to bulk them up a bit.
Are you ready to give this new “basic” recipe a try?
I’m so excited for you to take it for a ride and to see how you incorporate it into your meals!
Enjoy!
MORE INSTANT POT RICE RECIPES
TOOLS/INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE WILD RICE
PrintWild Rice | Instant Pot Recipe
Healthy, whole grain, nutty, this Instant Pot Wild Rice is delicious and so easy to make in the pressure cooker!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add wild rice, water, and salt to the pressure cooker pot and stir.
- Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, use a full natural release.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Fluff with a fork! Stirring with a spoon makes the rice mushy, while a fork keeps the rice separated and fluffy.
- Let the pressure release naturally to ensure the rice is perfectly tender. I do not recommend a quick release.
A type of ingredient that is extremely common everywhere survival race
I really like that you mentioned making a big batch and freezing leftovers—that’s such a smart move for busy weeks. By the way, I’ve been looking at how people rate their favorite grains and was surprised to find a face score for wild rice blends.
I really enjoyed how this recipe explains the small details that make such a big difference with wild rice, especially the full natural pressure release and using a fork to fluff the grains. The combination of different rice varieties also sounds like a great way to add texture and flavor. It’s a nice example of how science and educational topics can help explain what’s happening behind everyday cooking techniques.
I’ve been using the same Lundberg blend and love the nutty flavor too. After making a big batch, I like to watch fmovies while I eat.
I once rushed the pressure release on a wild-rice blend and got the chewy, crunchy result you warn about, so I now treat the full natural release as a fixed step. Since you note it usually takes 10-15 minutes, I use that window for a short NYT Pips puzzle and only reach for a progressive hint if I stall. Does unplugging the Instant Pot during natural release keep that timing consistent, or does leaving it on Warm change the texture?
I have looked at that section 5 times, natural release or quick release? Need to know geometry dash lite
I followed your recipe as written and my rice blend came out perfectly, thanks!
Thanks so much, Marci—I’ll do it that way. And I have to ask—-your recipe is for wild rice, but your picture shows a wild rice mix. So I assume that either works with this recipe?
Have a beautiful Spring !
Yep! I talked about that in the post. It’s easier to find the mix (at least where I’m from).
Can I make 1/2 the recipe in a 6 qt IP ? Any changes in time?
Love your recipes !!!!
Diana, Hmm…It will probably work, but it’s a little shy on the 1 cup of water that most pressure cookers recommend. There is a possibility it might burn onto the bottom. Another option is to freeze your leftovers. I always scoop the leftovers into a freezer bag so I have rice ready to go at all times! And thank you, I love that you love the recipes 🙂
That definitely helps. Thank you
Approximately, how long does it take for thee natural release? And, when one is waiting for a natural release to occur, should the IP be turned off or left on?
Lynn, it takes 10-15 minutes to fully naturally release. And I always unplug my pressure cooker during the NR. Some people say it doesn’t matter if you keep it on “warm” but I feel like it takes longer for the pressure to release so I always turn it off. I hope that helps!