Although the name suggests, wild rice is not rice but it is a long grain harvested from an aquatic grass that is grown abundantly in North America. It is referred to as rice because it is cooked like rice. It is perfect for making mushroom wild rice soup, pilafs, or served with soups and salads.
Wild rice is aromatic and has a nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture. It is high in protein compared to regular rice and contains several important nutrients and an impressive amount of antioxidants. (Reference healthline.com)
Instant pot is a no-fuss and easy method to pressure cook rice and wild rice is no exception. Although it takes a little longer to cook wild rice in the instant pot, just like other rice it needs no monitoring.
Ingredients
To cook wild rice in the instant pot you will need only two ingredients, wild rice, and water. Just ensure that you are using the wild rice and not the wild rice blend. Instead of water, you can use vegetable stock as well for more flavor.
A little bit of salt can be added while cooking and butter or oil can be added optionally after cooking.
Instructions
Wild rice can be cooked in an instant pot without any monitoring. Whether you want to cook a small batch of 1 cup of wild rice or if you want to cook a larger batch, it can directly be cooked in the instant pot liner.
Cooking wild rice directly in the instant pot liner is fairly easy but just takes longer than other instant pot rice recipes like white rice or brown rice.
Put the rinsed rice and water in the ratio of 1:1.5 wild rice to water in the instant pot.
Close and lock the lid and keep the pressure knob in the sealing position. Pressure cook the rice for 30 minutes on high-pressure mode followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Release any remaining pressure by moving the pressure knob to the venting position until the silver pin drops. Fluff the rice with a fork and optionally add some oil or butter.
The wild rice looks different when cooked, most of the grains will split and that is a sign that the wild rice is well cooked.
Serving suggestions
Wild rice can be served as a side dish with soups, or salads, eaten with grain bowls or added to lettuce wraps. It also goes well with many Asian dishes like stir-fries, spicy eggplant, kung pao, veg manchurian, and Thai curries.
Substitutions
Making vegan and gluten-free wild rice in an instant pot requires only 2 ingredients, wild rice, and water. You can substitute water with vegetable stock for more flavor.
Equipment
I have made 1 cup of wild rice in the 6 qt. instant pot as well as 3 qt. instant pot. A bigger batch can be made as well for storing or meal planning.
Storage
Any leftover rice can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the rice in the instant pot, microwave, or on the stovetop. If needed, add a few tablespoons of water and cover it before reheating.
Wild rice also freezes well for about 3 months. Allow the wild rice to cool down and then portion it and store it in freezer-safe containers. When you are ready to serve it, you can defrost and reheat it in the microwave.
You can also make delicious, kid-approved, vegan fried rice or cilantro lime rice with any leftover rice.
FAQ
Do you have to soak wild rice before cooking?
It is not really required to soak wild rice before pressure cooking in the instant pot.
However, it is highly recommended to rinse rice before cooking. This helps to remove starch, harmful chemicals, and, any dirt or debris. Rice should be rinsed with cold water 2 - 3 times until the water runs clear.
Wild rice to water ratio for instant pot?
Wild rice can be cooked in the instant pot directly. The ratio of 1:1.5 of wild rice to water works well for pressure cooking in the instant pot. The rice turns out chewy and perfect to bite.
If you like it more al dente, you can use a ratio of 1:1.25 but I find it turns out best with a 1:1.5 ratio of wild rice to water.
1 cup uncooked wild rice equals how much cooked?
1 cup of uncooked wild rice yields about 3 cups of cooked wild rice. It can serve 2-4 people as a side dish or with an entree.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Wild Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Wild rice
- 1 ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice with cold water.
- Put water and rice in the instant pot liner.
- Lock the instant pot lid and move the pressure valve to the sealing position.
- Pressure cook for 30 minutes on high-pressure mode, and turn the "keep warm" setting on.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Move the pressure knob to the venting position and release the remaining pressure until the silver pin drops.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Notes
- You can add ½ teaspoon of salt while cooking.
- You can optionally add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil after cooking it.
- This recipe yields 3 cups of cooked rice and is good for 3-4 servings.
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