Instant Pot Wild Rice

Wild rice is awesome, but waiting an hour for it to cook? Nope.

Good news - the Instant Pot does all the work, and you get perfect, fluffy rice with zero effort!

It’s packed with fiber, protein, and all the good stuff, so it’s a solid healthy choice. Plus, it goes with literally anything - soups, salads, stir-fries, you name it!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot wild rice recipe is an excellent side dish option for several reasons. Utilizing simple and affordable ingredients like wild rice and water, it is an incredibly cost-effective recipe. Not to mention, its quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Additionally, its versatility shines through as it pairs seamlessly with a wide range of main courses, from grilled chicken to vegetarian stews.

Ingredients

Wild Rice:

Wild rice cooks well in the Instant Pot due to its hearty texture and longer cooking time, resulting in perfectly tender grains. Other rice varieties, such as brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice, can also be cooked similarly in the Instant Pot.

Water:

This Instant Pot wild rice side dish is made using water to cook the rice. Instead of plain water, try using vegetable or chicken broth to cook the wild rice. This adds extra flavor and depth to the dish.

Seasonings:

This recipe keeps things pretty simple in the flavor department using just salt and pepper to season the wild rice. While this makes it far more versatile for use with saucy or flavorful dishes, you can certainly experiment with other seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, or some red pepper flakes can add depth and aroma to your Instant Pot wild rice.

How to Make This Easy Instant Pot Wild Rice

Step One: 

Add the uncooked wild rice to your Instant Pot along with water, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step Two: 

Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.

Step Three: 

When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural release.

Step Four:

Carefully remove the lid, allow the steam to clear, and fluff the rice with a spoon or fork.

Step Five: 

Serve with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Tips

• Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a fluffy texture.
• Enhance the flavor of the wild rice by sautéing aromatics such as onions, garlic, or herbs before adding the rice and liquid to the Instant Pot. This step can greatly enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• You will want to wait for the natural release versus a quick release because this will allow time for the rice to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a more tender texture.
• This Instant Pot wild rice pairs well with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas, different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios, or dried fruits such as dried blueberries, cherries, or apricots. Consider adding these during the cooking process or as toppings before serving to add texture and flavor to your dish.

What to Serve With Wild Rice

There are a number of dishes that pair well with this Instant Pot wild rice side dish making it a versatile and satisfying component of a meal. For a complete and balanced offering, consider serving Instant Pot wild rice alongside grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, or tofu for a protein-rich option.

Additionally, it complements hearty stews, soups, or chili, adding texture and nutritional value to these dishes. Whether served as a side dish or as part of the main course, Instant Pot wild rice adds depth and richness to any meal, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your table.

FAQs

Can I mix wild rice with other types of rice in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can mix wild rice with other types of rice in the Instant Pot. Mixing wild rice with other varieties, such as jasmine rice, brown rice, or even black rice can add complexity to the dish and create interesting textures. However, when mixing wild rice with other types of rice, it's important to consider their cooking times and adjust accordingly.

Can I use the Instant Pot's rice setting for cooking wild rice?

While some Instant Pot models have a specific rice setting, it's generally not recommended to use it for cooking wild rice. Wild rice requires a longer cooking time and a different liquid-to-rice ratio compared to white or brown rice. Instead, it's best to manually set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook the wild rice for the appropriate amount of time.

How long can Instant Pot wild rice leftovers be kept fresh?

Instant Pot wild rice leftovers can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 4 months.

Can I make a soup?

Sure! For step-by-step instructions and a video guide, check out this Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup recipe.

More Easy Rice Recipes

Instant Pot Brown Rice

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Smoked Sausage and Rice

Chicken Fried Rice