Emilie Meyer
Wild rice is a nutritious and healthy grain that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. It has a nutty and earthy flavor with a chewy texture. The Instant Pot is a great way to prepare wild rice as it is quick, easy, and convenient. It also saves time by cutting the cooking time in half. The wild rice to water ratio for cooking wild rice in an instant pot is: 1 cup of wild rice to 1 1/3 cups of water. This ratio provides wild rice with some grains that are ''fully burst'' and others that are ''just about to burst,'' which is said to be the best way to serve wild rice. The rice is cooked at high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-48 minutes |
| Water to Wild Rice Blend Ratio | 1:1.5 |
| Cook Time at High Pressure | 28 minutes |
| Natural Release Time | 10 minutes |
| Venting Knob Position | Venting |
| Rice Texture | Plump, cooked through, separated individual grain, nutty, flavorful, aromatic, tender, fluffy but less tender and less moist than Test #2, has a bit more satisfying chew and mouthfeel, but not hard |
What You'll Learn
Rinse the rice
Rinsing the rice is an important step in the process of cooking wild rice in an Instant Pot. While it is not mandatory, it is recommended to ensure that any dust or debris that may have settled on the rice during storage is removed. To rinse the rice, simply place the desired amount of wild rice into a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to drain the rice completely before adding it to the Instant Pot. It is worth noting that soaking the rice is not necessary when cooking wild rice in a pressure cooker, unlike when cooking it on a stovetop.
The amount of rice you use will depend on how much you want to cook and the specific wild rice blend you are using. Different blends may have varying ratios of wild rice to other types of rice, such as white, brown, or red rice. Therefore, it is important to refer to the instructions or recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the wild rice blend you are using.
Once you have rinsed and drained the rice, you can proceed to the next step of preparing your Instant Pot and adding the rice, water or broth, and any additional ingredients, such as salt, butter, or oil, according to your preference.
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Add water or broth
When adding water or broth to your instant pot wild rice blend, the ratio of liquid to rice is important to ensure your rice cooks properly and doesn't become mushy. The ratio will vary depending on the type of rice blend you are using, so it's important to check the instructions on the packaging. However, as a general rule, you will need between 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of wild rice blend.
For example, if you are using the Lundberg Wild Rice Blend, which includes long-grain brown rice, sweet brown rice, wild rice, Wehani® red rice, and black rice, the recommended ratio is 1 cup of rice blend to 1 1/2 cups of water or broth.
On the other hand, if you are using a blend that has a higher proportion of wild rice, such as the Reese Minnesota Wild Rice or the Organic Wild Rice, the ratio may be closer to 1 cup of rice blend to 1 1/3 cups of liquid.
It's worth noting that some people prefer their wild rice blend to be cooked with more liquid, resulting in a higher yield of cooked rice and some leftover juices that can be used in cooking. In this case, you can increase the amount of liquid to 1 1/2 cups for every cup of rice blend. However, you will need to drain the excess liquid before serving.
Additionally, if you prefer a softer and fluffier texture to your rice, you can also adjust the liquid ratio by adding an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid for every cup of rice blend.
When adding the liquid to your instant pot, you can use water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. You can also add other ingredients such as salt, butter, or olive oil for extra flavour.
Once you have added the liquid, give it a stir to ensure the rice blend is fully submerged and distributed evenly. Then, secure the lid, making sure the pressure regulator is set to the sealing position, and proceed with the pressure cooking process as instructed in your recipe.
Add butter or oil for flavour
Butter and oil are both fats, which are essential for making food taste delicious. Fats can be solid, like butter, or liquid, like oil. Fats provide flavour and richness to food. They also help with leavening, which helps dough rise, and create tender baked goods by slowing down the formation of gluten.
When cooking wild rice blend in an instant pot, you can add a tablespoon of unsalted butter or olive oil for extra flavour and smoothness. Butter will add a dairy richness that no oil can match, while olive oil will provide a unique flavour and aroma. Together, they will enhance the flavour of your food.
If you are cooking on a stovetop, you can also add butter or oil to your wild rice blend. This will help to brown and crisp up your dish. For example, when making quesadillas, you can try buttering your tortillas instead of using just oil.
When choosing a cooking fat, consider the unique perks and benefits of each option. For instance, olive oil has a smoking point of around 300-350°F, while butter will transform at 212°F. If you are searing steak or other thick cuts of meat, you will want to choose an oil with a higher smoking point.
Pressure cook
Close the lid and ensure the venting knob is in the sealing position.
For wild rice blends, pressure cook on high for 28 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes. If there is any remaining pressure, release it by turning the venting knob to the venting position.
For wild rice, pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes. If there is any remaining pressure, release it by turning the venting knob to the venting position.
Once the pressure has been fully released, carefully open the lid.
Fluff with a fork
Once the rice is cooked, it's time to fluff it with a fork or a wooden spoon. This step is important to ensure that the rice is light and fluffy, and not clumped together.
To do this, simply use a fork or a wooden spoon to gently lift and separate the grains of rice. You can also use this opportunity to taste the rice and adjust the seasoning, if needed. However, it's important not to over-season the rice, as it will be served with other flavorful dishes.
Fluffing the rice with a fork or a spoon only takes a minute or two, and it's a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture for your wild rice blend. This step also helps to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed and that there are no clumps or sticking.
After fluffing the rice, it's ready to be served and enjoyed with your favorite main dish and side dishes. It's a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of proteins and vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
The ratio of wild rice blend to water for cooking in an Instant Pot is 1:1.5. That is, for every cup of wild rice blend, use 1.5 cups of water.
It takes around 42-45 minutes in total to cook wild rice blend in an Instant Pot. This includes the time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, 28 minutes of cooking at high pressure, and 10 minutes for natural release.
Cooked wild rice blend can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking wild rice blend in an Instant Pot.
