Instant Pot Wild Rice (How To Cook)

This Instant Pot Wild Rice recipe is easy to make! Learn how to cook this healthy gluten free dish fast in 30 minutes using a pressure cooker.

I started making Wild Rice in the Instant Pot and now I'm kind of obsessed with it. I've always enjoyed wild rice but only made it sporadically because it takes a long time on the stove top and the process is a bit cumbersome.

Instant Pots are GREAT for dishes like this one. I love using a pressure cooker to make things that would normally require a great amount of time and patience - Stuff like Instant Pot Lentils, chickpeas, split pea soup, pot roast, and pork carnitas. With the Instant Pot you can crank them out in no time at all!

This Instant Pot Wild Rice has a cook time of roughly 30 minutes and there's no need to stand in front of the stove top stirring the pot. You throw everything into the pressure cooker, set the timer, and let it do all the work.

I love to keep a batch of it on hand to throw into soups, stews, salads, casseroles, or tacos. I've even added wild rice to my scrambled eggs (Super good, btw).

If you've got a bag of wild rice sitting in the back of your cupboard this is a great way to use it up.

Jump to:

• What Is Wild Rice?
• Is Wild Rice Healthy?
• How To Cook Instant Pot Wild Rice
• Do I Need To Soak The Wild Rice?
• How Long Does Wild Rice Take To Cook In The Instant Pot?
• What Does Wild Rice Taste Like?
• What To Serve With Wild Rice
• Can Wild Rice Be Frozen?
• Instant Pot Wild Rice (How To Cook)

What Is Wild Rice?

Wild Rice is actually not rice - It's classified as a 'water grass seed'. It consists of a grain that is harvested from 1 of 4 species of grasses. Historically it was eaten in North America, China, and India.

Nowadays it is consumed more in North America, particularly in the northern states like Minnesota.

If you ever take a trip to northern Minnesota I highly recommend picking up a bag of wild rice. It's ubiquitous up there - You can even purchase it at gas stations.

Is Wild Rice Healthy?

Wild Rice is very healthy. It contains a high amount of protein and it's low in fat and high in antioxidants. It's a good source of minerals and vitamins and is naturally gluten free.

If you love wild rice be sure to check out these 25 Delicious Wild Rice Recipes!

How To Cook Instant Pot Wild Rice

This recipe is ridiculously easy to make. All you need are a few ingredients and and Instant Pot.

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• 2 Cups Wild Rice
• 4 Cups Water
• ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt

You can pick up a bag of wild rice in the rice section of most grocery stores. If you are not able to find it in your local grocery store it can be purchased on Amazon.

There are a number of different wild rice blends out there - This recipe is written for long grain wild rice. It is not meant for a quick-cook wild rice or a wild rice blend.

Do I Need To Soak The Wild Rice?

If we were cooking the wild rice on the stove top soaking it would cut down on cooking time but this Instant Pot Wild Rice requires no soaking.

I do recommend rinsing it beforehand just as you would lentils, beans, or any dried grain.

How Long Does Wild Rice Take To Cook In The Instant Pot?

1. Place 2 cups of wild rice in a strainer and give it a quick rinse in the sink. Once it's rinsed add the rice to the Instant Pot.
2. Pour 4 cups of water over the rice and stir until the rice is submerged.
3. Add ¼ tsp. of kosher salt to the rice and water and stir until combined.
4. Plug the Instant Pot in, place the cover on top and make sure it is in a locked position and the valve is in the sealed position. Hit the 'Manual' setting and set the time for 30 minutes.

I found 30 minutes to be the right amount of time for rice that is chewy but still has a bit of bite. If you like a little more bite set the time for 28 minutes.

• Once the rice has cooked for 30 minutes allow the steam to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. After this time you can vent any remaining steam.

What Does Wild Rice Taste Like?

After all the steam is released remove the cover from the Instant Pot and fluff the rice with a fork. Allow the rice to sit for minute or two to absorb any additional water.

I find the flavor of wild rice to be nutty and earthy. It has a natural roastiness that's hard to beat.

What To Serve With Wild Rice

This dish isn't meant to be eaten on its own (although you certainly can if you like). It's meant to be added to other dishes like soups, salads, or casseroles.

The flavor of wild rice pairs particularly good with mushrooms so it can be used to make a Mushroom Pilaf or a Mushroom Wild Rice Soup.

It can be added to salads, casseroles, stuffing, or stews. You can use it just as you would rice. I love it in Wild Rice and Fennel Stuffing.

One of my favorite recipes to utilize wild rice is this wild rice chicken salad and harvest wild rice salad!

I love to have a batch on hand to add it to my favorite everyday dishes for some extra protein and flavor.

It would taste great served with savory mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk mashed potatoes, homemade green bean casserole, or garlicky roasted green beans.

Can Wild Rice Be Frozen?

This recipe makes a big batch of wild rice - You can cut the recipe in half if you like.

It can be stored in the refrigerator 4-5 days after preparation. Allow the rice to come down to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days and use as needed.

You can also freeze it and use as needed!

How To Freeze

1. Prepare as directed and allow the cooked rice to come to room temperature.
2. Store in an airtight container or separate the batch into smaller portions and freeze the portions in smaller containers up to 6 months.
3. You can grab a portion of the rice as you need and add it to your favorite recipes.

How To Thaw

Place the wild rice in the fridge for 24 hours to thaw and then use as you like.

Always be sure to exercise caution when using an Instant Pot. Check out this guide for any questions you may have regarding use of your Instant Pot.

Looking for more healthy side dishes? Check out these recipes!

• Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
• Spiced Butternut Squash Salad
• Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• Fennel Spinach Stuffing

Looking For Wild Rice Recipes? Don't Miss These!

Homemade Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Wild Rice Vegetable Soup

Wild Rice Three Bean Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash Wild Rice Salad