How to Cook Wild Rice

While wild rice is wonderful when served by itself, it also is a nice addition to salads, soups, and casseroles. Its nutty flavors elevate a dish instantly. If you agree, consider this post as your guide to How To Cook Wild Rice recipe. Read through the post to get the recipe and find out the answers to FAQs.

Prep time: PT5M

Cook time: PT45M

Total time: PT50M

Rating

4.9 stars (29 reviews)

Keywords

how to make wild rice, wild rice, wild rice recipe

Ingredients

1 cup wild rice (rinsed well - Not soaked*)
3 cups of water * (or vegetable, chicken or beef stock)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tbsp butter (or oil) (you will need oil if you are using the rice cooker method)

Cuisine

American

Steps

To Cook Wild Rice on the Stove Top:
- Place wild rice, water (or stock), and salt in a saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat.
- Put the lid on and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and let is simmer for 40-45 minutes. You will know that it is cooked when some of the kernels are burst open. If you soaked your wild rice the cooking time should be around 20-30 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid and serve.
To Cook Wild Rice In Rice Cooker:
- Rub the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil.
- Add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water*, and a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Give it a stir.
- Select the brown rice (or white rice) option and let it cook. During my testings, it took about 45-55 minutes for wild rice to cook in a rice cooker.
- When the cooking cycle is completed, let it rest for 10 minutes and fluff it with a fork before serving.
To Cook Wild Rice in Microwave *
- Place 1 cup of wild rice, 3 cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a microwave safe bowl. Give it a stir.
- Use a large enough microwave safe plate to cover.
- Microwave on full power for 6 minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave and give it a stir. It will be very hot so be careful.
- Microwave on medium (50%) power for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes.
- Most of the water should be absorbed and wild rice should be fully cooked and tender.
- If not, microwave (covered with the plate) in full power in 1- minute intervals until it is fully cooked.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 166 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 302 mg
Sugar: 1 g

Reviews

Dalya on 2024-07-25 (5 stars):
So helpful, thank you!
Kevin on 2022-09-26 (2 stars):
I live at 5,000 feet, are there any adjustments?
Matt in FLG on 2022-08-20 (5 stars):
Love cooking wild rice in my rice cooker. I have found that in the rice cooker I need 3 cups of water to 1 cup of wild rice so it comes out tender. When I cook short grain brown rice in my rice cooker I use 2 cups of water to 1 cup of brown rice for it to come out just right. Sometimes I will cook a separate batch of each, and after it rests, will toss the 2 rice together to make a tasty mixture.
Regine on 2021-09-13 (5 stars):
Thank you for this very thorough article on wild rice cooking! Instead of broth, I like to put one tea bag of lapsang sou chong tea (inside a tea ball to avoid riping). I find this give a pleasant smoky flavour to the rice. Then, fried mushrooms (like oyster or shiitakes) and slivered almonds or other nuts make a great addition.
Carleen Heminger on 2021-06-18 (5 stars):
I am Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian and my relatives do out "ricing" for the wild rice. You did a fantastic job on this how to!! Thanks for promoting wild rice....it's a big deal to the tribe :)