Microwaving Wild Rice Blend: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Wild rice is a versatile and nutritious grain that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in a microwave. While some people may not recommend cooking wild rice in a microwave due to the long cooking time and potential for uneven cooking, it is still possible to achieve good results with this method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook wild rice blend in a microwave:

Step 1: Prepare the Wild Rice

Before cooking, it is important to rinse the wild rice blend thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. This step is crucial as it helps to reduce the stickiness of the rice and improve its texture.

Step 2: Combine Rice and Liquid

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of wild rice blend with the recommended amount of liquid. The liquid can be water or broth, depending on your preference. For every cup of wild rice blend, use 2.5 to 3 cups of liquid. You can also add a teaspoon of butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour and texture.

Step 3: Cover and Microwave

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to cut a small vent in it to allow steam to escape. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for approximately 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Check and Stir

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and give the rice a stir. The rice will be very hot, so be cautious to avoid burns.

Step 5: Continue Microwave Cooking

Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on medium power (50%) for 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power and the desired texture of the rice.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Fluff

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice stand, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and ensures that it is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

If there is any excess liquid in the bowl, drain it off. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Your wild rice blend is now ready to be served!

Tips for Cooking Wild Rice in a Microwave:

- It is important to keep an eye on the rice while it is cooking in the microwave, as the cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power and the specific type of wild rice blend you are using.

- For a nuttier flavour and chewier texture, consider toasting the wild rice blend in a dry pan before cooking it in the microwave.

- If you prefer softer, more tender rice, you can soak the wild rice blend in water for a few hours before cooking it. Soaking helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the rice easier to digest.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in the cooking process. It's always good to give your rice a good wash before cooking, as this will get rid of any excess starch. This is especially important if you want to avoid sticky rice.

To rinse the rice, simply fill a bowl with water and swish the rice around with your hands. Drain the water, keeping the rice in the bowl. Repeat this process 3 to 5 times – the water will become less cloudy each time, but it will never be completely clear as rice is a starch.

If you're cooking for more than one, you'll need 1 and a half cups of raw rice. Rinse the rice and then drain the water again, making sure to pour out as much water as you can. This will ensure your rice isn't too soggy.

Use a little less liquid

When cooking wild rice, it is important to use the right ratio of rice to water. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of wild rice to 3 cups of water. However, if you are using a wild rice blend, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid. For example, the wild rice blend used in this recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of liquid for 1 cup of dry rice. However, if you prefer your rice to be a little less sticky, you can use 1 1/2 cups of water instead.

To cook wild rice in the microwave, start by rinsing the rice thoroughly in cold water. This step is important as it removes any dirt, dust, or excess starch that may be on the rice. Once the rice is rinsed, combine it with the water or broth, butter or olive oil, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Give it a stir to make sure everything is well combined.

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to cut a vent in it to allow the steam to escape. Microwave the rice on high power for 5-6 minutes. Then, reduce the power to medium (50%) and microwave for an additional 25-30 minutes.

Remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. Most of the water should be absorbed, and the rice should be fully cooked and tender. If not, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until it is done to your liking.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. You can enjoy wild rice on its own or use it as a base for a variety of recipes such as salads, stir-fries, casseroles, and more.

Give it a little more time, if needed

After the 45 minutes, if there is still liquid in the pot, turn off the heat, place the lid partially over the top of the pot to let the rest of the liquid soak in and evaporate for 10-15 minutes.

If you're still not happy with the consistency of your wild rice, you can always try cooking it for a little longer. However, be careful not to overcook it!

Fluff with a fork

Fluffing rice with a fork is an important step in the cooking process. It is done to separate the rice grains and make them fluffy and less sticky. This step is done after the rice has been cooked and is an important part of the cooking process. It is also important to note that the rice should be fluffed gently with a fork and not stirred vigorously as this can break the rice grains.

When fluffing rice with a fork, it is important to use a gentle touch. Insert the fork into the rice and gently lift and separate the grains. It is also important to fluff the rice evenly, ensuring that all the grains are separated. This will ensure that the rice is light and fluffy and not clumpy.

For wild rice, fluffing with a fork is especially important as it helps to separate the long grains and prevent them from clumping together. Wild rice can be sticky if not fluffed properly, so this step is crucial in ensuring the rice is light and fluffy.

It is also important to fluff wild rice gently as the grains are more delicate than other types of rice. Wild rice is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, and fluffing it with a fork helps to enhance these characteristics.

In addition to fluffing with a fork, it is also important to let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and helps to ensure that it is cooked evenly.

Store and reheat

Store leftover wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to reheat the rice, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.

If you decide to freeze cooked wild rice, be sure to drain it first and then place it in airtight jars. It will keep fresh for up to 6 months. Freeze in small (1-cup) quantities so that you can grab the exact amount when you need it. Be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight a day before you need to use it.

Frequently asked questions