Instant Pot wild rice is the easiest method for creating perfectly cooked, fluffy rice grains every single time! This wild rice recipe will save you time, too!
Wild rice is a delicious and nutritious grain to serve as a healthy side dish, but it can be tricky and time consuming to cook on a stovetop. If it isn’t watched closely, it either sticks to the pot, comes out undercooked, or ends up an overcooked, mushy mess.
This wild rice recipe is easy to follow and only takes a few minutes in the pressure cooker. You’ll love the flavor of this hearty rice dish!
What is Wild Rice?
Wild rice is actually not a true rice grain – it’s a type of grass seed that grows in shallow water. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
One downside to its healthiness is that it takes longer to cook and requires more liquid for cooking than many other types of rice.
But the good news is, with our wild rice Instant Pot recipe, cooking takes a fraction of the time, requires less liquid, and it’s beyond easy!!
Benefits of Making Instant Pot Wild Rice
- Much easier to make than traditional cooking methods.
- Less cook time and tastes better.
The pressure cooker seals in all the flavors and moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked wild rice every time. Plus, it’s ready in minutes!
- Great meal prep recipe!
Cooking wild rice in a pressure cooker is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Love Instant Pot rice recipes? Try our Brown Rice, Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice, and Coconut Rice.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
- Mesh colander – for cleaning
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What is the ratio of rice to water in an instant pot?
For this Instant Pot wild rice recipe, the ratio of rice to water is 1:1. This means that for every cup of wild rice, you’ll need one cup of water.
The pressure cooker will seal in all the flavors and moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked wild rice every time.
How to Cook Wild Rice in Instant Pot
- Rinse the wild rice.
- Set Instant Pot to sauté then add butter or oil.
- Sauté the wild rice for 3 minutes.
- Add broth then pressure cook the rice on Manual (High Pressure) for 18 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot is done cooking, do a natural release for 10 minutes then open the lid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork by stirring before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add other ingredients to the mix such as cooked meats, vegetables, and nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- You could also try adding different liquids such as coconut milk or vegetable stock.
- For more flavor, consider adding spices like turmeric, cumin, or garlic powder.
What to serve with Instant Pot Wild Rice?
Wild rice goes great with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a hearty salad, in soup, or as a side dish to roasted vegetables and proteins.
It can also be used in grain bowls or casseroles for a delicious and nutritious meal or served with our recipes like:
- Stovetop Chili con Carne
- Pork Carnitas (Pulled Pork)
- Oven Baked Marinated Chicken Tenders
- Sweet Chili Meatballs
Storing and Reheating
Cool the wild rice in a room temp then store them in an airtight container and store it 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 the wild rice 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 splash of water to the wild rice and heat it over low-medium heat, stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, wild rice is a healthier choice than brown rice. It has more fiber and protein while being lower in carbohydrates and calories. Plus, it’s a low-glycemic grain, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels like some other grains.
No, you do not need to soak wild rice before cooking it in the instant pot. The pressure cooker traps all the moisture and cooks the perfect wild rice every time. You just need to rinse it before adding it to the Instant Pot.
If you forget to rinse the wild rice before cooking it in the instant pot, the starch will gelatinize, resulting in sticky and clumpy rice. It’s best to rinse the wild rice first to ensure it cooks up perfectly.
Instant Pot Wild Rice
Equipment
- mesh colander or strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend (I recommend Lundberg )
- 1 tablespoon butter (can substitute olive oil)
- 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Using a mesh colander, rinse and drain rice well, and set aside.
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and add butter or oil to the pot. Once the pot is ready, add the wild rice and sauté the rice for 3 minutes. Press cancel to end sauté.
- Add broth to rice and stir to mix and deglaze the pot. Close and seal the lid, and turn or press the vent lever to seal (if needed). Set pot manually to high pressure for 18 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, do a natural pressure release (leave the pot undisturbed) for 10 minutes, then initiate a quick release by carefully turning or pressing the pressure release button (refer to your pot's instructions). Fluff the brown rice by stirring before serving.
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Skylar says
I was wondering about the water though? I had understood from the article, that it is 1 cup rice and cup water at the beginning? But I never saw the water mentioned in the recipe? So, I guess I must’ve missed something? Are you including the broth as the water?
Gianne @ The Feathered Nester says
Yes, the broth in this dish is used as the water/liquid. You could also try adding different liquids, like coconut milk or veggie stock.