Instant Pot Wild Rice

Name: Instant Pot Wild Rice
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice blend (I recommend Lundberg brand); 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth or water

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Making Instant Pot wild rice is a game-changer for busy cooks who love wholesome, hearty side dishes without the wait. Using your pressure cooker eliminates the uncertainty of achieving the perfect texture for this flavorful, nutty grain, making it a favorite for fall and winter meals. Unlike stove top methods, it guarantees tender grains every time—no babysitting required!

Wild rice Instant Pot recipes are a smart choice when you want a nutritious, hearty grain without the long wait times of stovetop cooking. Traditional methods can take up to an hour and require constant monitoring—but not with this technique! This easy guide for how to cook wild rice in Instant Pot simplifies the process with consistent results and rich flavor. It’s perfect for meal prep, and the slightly nutty, chewy texture pairs beautifully with cozy main dishes like soups, stews, or roasted meats.

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What is Wild Rice?

Wild rice is actually a type of grass seed that grows in shallow water. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, similar to that of brown rice.

We love making it in the pressure cooker because it takes a fraction of the time, requires less liquid, and is beyond easy, even with different kinds of rice!

square photo of Instant Pot Wild Rice in a bowl.

Why We Love This Wild Rice Instant Pot

Much easier to make in the Instant Pot than traditional methods, like stove-top cooking.
It takes less time and tastes better. The pressure cooker seals in all the flavors and moisture, producing perfectly cooked grains every time. Plus, it’s ready in minutes!
Great meal prep recipe! Cooking it in a pressure cooker is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Labeled ingredient image for wild rice recipe.

Wild rice blend: This recipe calls for a wild rice blend, which typically includes a mix of wild rice, brown rice, red rice, and sometimes white rice. We recommend the Lundberg brand for its quality and balanced texture. You can also use pure wild rice, but note that cooking times and water ratios may vary slightly.
Butter or olive oil: Sautéing the rice in butter or olive oil adds a layer of flavor and prevents the grains from sticking. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter option, olive oil works beautifully. Avocado oil is another great alternative.
Low sodium chicken broth or water: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor of the wild rice, but for a vegetarian or vegan option, water or vegetable broth can be used instead. Be sure to choose low sodium to avoid over-seasoning, especially if you plan to pair the rice with a flavorful main dish.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

What is the Ratio of Wild Rice to Water?

For this wild rice in Instant Pot recipe, the ratio is 1 cup of wild rice to 1.5 cups of fluid. So, be sure to ignore what the instructions on the bag say.

The pressure cooker will seal in all the flavors and moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked grains every time.

Recipe Variations

Add other ingredients to the mix, like cooked meats and vegetables, for a complete meal.
You could also add different broths, like vegetable or beef stock.
Consider adding spices like turmeric, cumin, or garlic powder for more flavor.

Equipment Used in this Recipe

Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Mesh strainer

How to Make Wild Rice in Instant Pot

Rinse the wild rice with a colander until the water runs clear.
Set Instant Pot to sauté, then add butter or oil to the pot.
Sauté the rice in the butter or oil for 3 minutes.

Add water or broth, seal the lid, then pressure cook on High Pressure for 18 minutes.

When it’s done cooking, let the pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.

Fluff the wild rice instant pot with a fork by stirring before serving.

Fluffy cooked grains on a wooden spatula above pressure cooker.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot wild rice goes great with a variety of options. Serve it with salads or our kale salad and dressing and bean soup with great northern beans. It makes a great side dish with casseroles, bake chicken tenderloins, smoked pork tenderloin recipe, or Texas Roadhouse smothered chicken. Use this rice for making our recipe for rice bowls with chicken!

Recipe FAQs

Do you have to soak wild rice before cooking?

No, you do not need to soak it before cooking in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooker steams it so it’s perfect every time.

What happens if you forget to rinse the rice?

If you forget to rinse it before cooking it in the Instant Pot, the starch may gelatinize, resulting in sticky and clumpy grains. It’s best to rinse it first to ensure it cooks perfectly.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This is also great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then transfer it to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through.
For stovetop reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the pot and heat the leftover rice over low-medium heat. Stir, then heat until warmed through.

two bowls with cooked Instant Pot wild rice, a chopstick at the center, and a striped red kitchen towel at the side.

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