Cooking Wild Rice Blend: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking wild rice is simple and can be done in a variety of ways, including on a stovetop, in a rice cooker, an Instant Pot, or a microwave. The cooking time varies depending on the method, but it typically takes around 40-50 minutes. The ratio of water to wild rice also depends on the cooking method, but it is usually between 1:2 and 1:4. Wild rice is a nutritious and delicious whole grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a great addition to salads, soups, and side dishes.

How to cook wild rice on the stovetop

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed well
• 3 cups of water, or vegetable, chicken or beef stock
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tbsp butter or oil

Method:

Place the 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 it simmer for 40-45 minutes. You will know 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 the excess liquid and serve.

Tips:

• If you want to add flavour to your rice, cook it in chicken or vegetable broth.
• If you want to soak your wild rice before cooking, place it in a bowl and cover it with water. Leave it on the kitchen counter for no more than 2-3 hours. Soaking grains overnight cuts down the cooking time and helps remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid, which prevents mineral absorption.
• 1 cup of uncooked wild rice yields 3 1/2 to 4 cups of cooked wild rice.

How to cook wild rice in an Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 1.5 cups of water or broth

Method

Add 1 cup of wild rice and 1.5 cups of water into your Instant Pot.

Close and seal your Instant Pot.

Cook on high pressure for 20 to 35 minutes.

Quick release and remove the lid. Enjoy!

Tips

• You don't need a natural release when cooking wild rice in the Instant Pot. 35 minutes on high pressure is enough time for the rice to cook and absorb the water.
• If there's still a little water in the bottom of the Instant Pot after releasing the pressure, let the wild rice sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the rest of the liquid.
• You can freeze cooked wild rice. Let it cool, then place it in an airtight container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For extra flavour, cook your wild rice in broth instead of water.

How to cook wild rice in a rice cooker

Cooking wild rice in a rice cooker is a hands-off approach that delivers perfect results every time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook wild rice in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Rub the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil. This will help prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the cooker and make cleaning up easier.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water or broth, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the rice cooker. Give it a stir to combine the ingredients well. You can also add spices, butter, oil, or fresh herbs for extra flavour.

Step 3: Select the Right Setting

Select the brown rice or white rice option on your rice cooker, depending on the type of wild rice you are using. Let the rice cooker do its magic and cook the wild rice.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Wild rice in a rice cooker typically takes around 45-55 minutes to cook. However, depending on the variety of wild rice and the cooker you are using, the cooking time may vary. So, it is important to check the rice cooker periodically to ensure the rice is cooked to your liking.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Fluff

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the wild rice rest in the cooker for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and ensures it is perfectly tender. After resting, use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving.

Tips for Cooking Wild Rice in a Rice Cooker:

• Soaking wild rice overnight or for a few hours before cooking can help reduce cooking time and make the rice cook more evenly. Soaked wild rice may require less water and a shorter cooking time.
• Wild rice is considered done when the grains are tender but still have a slight chewiness to them. Some of the kernels may burst open, but they should not be mushy.
• For extra flavour, cook wild rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add spices, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the taste.
• Wild rice can be frozen and stored in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Let it cool completely before freezing and thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

How to cook a wild rice blend on the stovetop

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 3/4 cups liquid (water or broth)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

First, combine the wild rice blend, liquid, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the lid on and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated.

Once the rice is cooked, let it rest on the stovetop for about 10 minutes, keeping the lid on. After this, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• If you want to add flavour to your rice, try using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
• If you want to cook wild rice in a rice cooker, rub the insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil first. Then, add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir, and select the brown rice option. It should take 45-55 minutes to cook.

How to cook wild rice in the microwave

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Method:

Place the wild rice, water, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and give it a stir. Use a large enough microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl.

Microwave the bowl on full power for 6 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave—it will be very hot—and give the rice a stir.

Microwave the bowl again on medium (50%) power for 25-30 minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice sit on the counter for 10 minutes.

Most of the water should be absorbed, and the wild rice should be fully cooked and tender. If not, microwave the bowl again (covered with the plate) on full power in 1-minute intervals until the rice is fully cooked.

Tips:

Although cooking wild rice in the microwave is possible, it is not the recommended method as it takes a long time to cook (even longer than the stove-top method) and it is challenging to get the right texture.

Frequently asked questions