Steaming Wild Rice Perfection: A Simple Guide

Wild rice is a nutritious and delicious whole grain with a nutty, earthy flavour and a chewy texture. It is a great addition to salads and sides. To cook wild rice using a steamer, first rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water. Next, bring the rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Place the rice in the steamer and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for at least 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Rinsing the rice

Step 1: Place the desired amount of wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer. A fine-mesh strainer will allow you to rinse the rice thoroughly without any grains escaping and ending up down your drain.

Step 2: Rinse the rice under cold running water. Cold water is ideal for rinsing rice as it helps to remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky during cooking. Running water ensures that the rice is thoroughly cleaned.

Step 3: Shake the strainer to drain the rice. Once the rice has been rinsed, give the strainer a few gentle shakes to remove any excess water. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too waterlogged, which can affect the cooking process.

Step 4: Repeat the rinsing and draining process as needed. Depending on the quality of your rice, you may need to rinse it multiple times to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. Wild rice, in particular, tends to be quite dusty and may require several rinses.

Step 5: Allow the rice to dry. After rinsing, spread the rice out on a clean towel or paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes. This step is optional but can help reduce the chance of excess moisture affecting your cooking process.

Remember, rinsing wild rice is an important step to ensure the rice is clean and safe for consumption. It also helps improve the texture and flavour of the cooked rice. By following these simple steps, you'll be on your way to preparing perfect wild rice every time.

The water-rice ratio

Stovetop Method:

According to one source, the ideal ratio for cooking wild rice on a stovetop is 3 cups of water to 1 cup of uncooked wild rice. This will yield around 3 to 4 cups of cooked wild rice. It is recommended to bring the water and rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low boil for about 45 minutes. The rice should be tender, and some grains may burst open.

Rice Cooker Method:

When using a rice cooker, the ratio changes to 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of wild rice. This is because rice cookers require less water due to their enclosed cooking environment.

Microwave Method:

For cooking wild rice in the microwave, the ratio reverts to 3 cups of water to 1 cup of wild rice, similar to the stovetop method. However, the cooking process is different, involving a combination of full power and reduced power settings over a longer period.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:

When using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, the water-rice ratio is 1 cup of wild rice to 1 1/3 cups of water. This method also differs in that the rice and water are placed in the bowl of the Instant Pot, and the pressure cooker setting is utilised.

Steamer Method:

Although not specifically mentioned for wild rice, a general guide for steaming rice is to use a ratio of 1 part rice to 1.3 parts water for firmer rice, or 1:1.5 for softer rice. The rice should be pre-soaked for at least 10 minutes, and then steamed for around 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest period.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and water ratio can vary depending on factors such as the age of the rice, humidity, and the specific variety of wild rice. Additionally, personal preferences for rice texture (chewier or softer) will also influence the ideal water-rice ratio.

Boiling the rice

To cook wild rice, you will need:

• Wild rice
• Liquid (water, chicken or vegetable broth)
• Optional flavourings: spices, butter or oil, and fresh herbs

Firstly, rinse the wild rice thoroughly in cold water before cooking. This will ensure any impurities are removed.

Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. The water-to-rice ratio should be 6:1 or 3:1, depending on your preference for softer rice. For every cup of rice, add a teaspoon of fine sea salt to the water.

Once the water is boiling, add the rice and bring it back to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to maintain a low boil. Cook the rice until tender, which should take around 40-45 minutes. You will know the rice is cooked when some of the kernels are burst open, and it has a tender but still intact texture.

Finally, drain the rice in a sieve or fine-mesh colander. You can then serve the rice warm, or rinse it with cold water to cool and use it in another dish.

If you are short on time, you can also cook wild rice in a rice cooker or an Instant Pot.

Draining the rice

Depending on the cooking method, you may want to return the rice to the pot after draining. For example, if you're making wild rice in an Instant Pot, you'll drain the rice and then return it to the pot off the heat to stir in any desired seasonings.

If you have the time, it's a good idea to place a tea towel over the pot, cover, and let the rice rest for about 10 minutes. This will help absorb any excess moisture and ensure that your rice is perfectly cooked.

After draining, your wild rice will be ready to serve or add to other dishes. It's a delicious and nutritious option that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side, and it also pairs well with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, nuts, and herbs.

Remember that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary depending on the age of the rice and other factors, so it's always a good idea to taste and adjust as needed.

Serving suggestions

Wild rice is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads

Wild rice can be a great addition to salads, providing a crunchy and chewy texture along with nutty and earthy flavours. Try a wild rice salad with mushrooms, cranberries, and pecans, or a Northwoods wild rice salad with a tangy twist of sauerkraut.

Soups

Wild rice is perfect for adding texture and flavour to soups. Try a creamy chicken wild rice soup or a slow-cooked vegetable wild rice soup.

Casseroles

Wild rice casseroles are a delicious way to enjoy wild rice as a main course or side dish. Try a wild rice harvest casserole or a spicy rice casserole with sausage and jalapenos.

Stuffing

Wild rice makes a great stuffing for poultry and meat dishes. Try wild rice-stuffed squash or wild rice-stuffed pork loin.

Side Dish

Wild rice can be served as a simple side dish, pairing well with chicken, beef, or salmon.

Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a tasty dish that goes well with fish or poultry. Try a cranberry wild rice pilaf or a wild rice and squash pilaf.

Strudels

Wild rice can be used to create savoury strudels, such as chicken and wild rice strudels.

Bowls

Wild rice bowls, like Greek brown and wild rice bowls, are a great way to enjoy wild rice as a complete meal.

Bakes

Wild rice bakes, such as chicken and wild rice bakes, are perfect for hosting parties as they can be prepared in advance.

With Fruit

Wild rice can be paired with fruit for a sweet and savoury combination. Try wild rice with dried blueberries or citrus segments.

Frequently asked questions