Cooking wild rice in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to get perfectly soft and fluffy grains every time.
I used to make wild rice on the stovetop, soaking it overnight and cooking it the next day, but it was such a hassle. Using a pressure cooker now lets me skip the soaking step, making this method a real timesaver. It’s a favorite recipe at my home for hearty soups, vibrant salads, and comforting bowl meals.
When I first tried wild rice years ago, I didn’t realize how delicious it could be. Now, I love making a big batch in the Instant Pot—it’s healthy, tasty, and always ready for side dishes or something special like a Nicoise salad. The rice comes out flavor-bursting and pairs beautifully with vegetables or dishes like tamales.
This recipe has become my go-to, and I often recommend it to friends. It’s easy enough to remember—you won’t need to jump back and forth from a blog post or print a recipe. If you’ve been hesitant to try wild rice, give this method a shot—you’ll be excited about how simple and delicious it is!
Why I Love Using the Instant Pot
Cooking wild rice in the Instant Pot has completely changed how I prepare this healthy and versatile grain. It’s truly a “set and forget” experience. The Instant Pot keeps the wild rice warm and ready to use, giving me that perfect bite with an amazing texture every time. Honestly, I was hooked from the first try—the rich flavor and ease of cooking made me realize I’d never go back!
I also love that I can cook a large batch and freeze smaller portions for quick meals like soups, salads, and bowl dishes. It’s such a time and energy saver!
After testing this method over ten times with different brands, I can confidently say the Instant Pot delivers consistent, perfect results. If you’ve had a bad experience cooking whole grains on the stove, you need to try this—it’s a complete game-changer!
Instructions:
I absolutely love making wild rice in my Instant Pot because it’s quick, easy, and always turns out perfect. Whether I’m using it for soups, salads, casseroles, or as a side dish, this method never fails. Here’s my go-to process for getting perfectly cooked grains every time.
🥣 Rinse the Wild Rice Properly
Start by placing the uncooked grains in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cool, clean water to remove any dust or debris from storage. This step ensures your rice is fresh and clean, but you don’t need to soak it—the pressure cooker will handle everything.
🍲 Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Once rinsed, transfer the rice to the bowl of your Instant Pot. Pour in 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice, maintaining the perfect ratio for even cooking. If you prefer, you can add some salt for extra flavor. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the grains before sealing the pot.
🔥 Cook the Wild Rice Under Pressure
Secure the lid tightly, twist it to seal, and check that the pressure regulator is in the correct position. Select manual mode and cook at high pressure for 20 minutes. This step locks in moisture and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
⏳ Let the Instant Pot Release Pressure Naturally
After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. If there’s any remaining pressure, turn the vent knob to venting to release it completely. Carefully open the lid once all the pressure is gone.
🍽️ Fluff and Serve
Use a fork or a wooden spoon to gently fluff the wild rice so it’s light and separate. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish, or mix it into your favorite soups, salads, or casseroles. Your rice is now perfectly cooked, the process is complete, and everything is sealed just right.
I personally love adding this to grain bowls with roasted veggies and a drizzle of dressing. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to stovetop cooking!
Adding Flavors to Your Instant Pot Wild Rice
If you’re looking to add more flavor to your Instant Pot wild rice, there are several simple substitutions you can try. Here’s what I’ve done in the past to take my rice to the next level:
- Saute garlic and onions in the pot before adding the rice and liquid.
- Add your favorite herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the aroma.
- Swap out water for broth—I love using either chicken or vegetable broth for an extra punch of flavor.
These little tweaks can really make a difference, and I highly recommend experimenting with them to find what suits your taste!
Choosing the Right Wild Rice Brand
When cooking wild rice in your Instant Pot, the brand really does matter. After trying a few, I found that the water to rice ratio isn’t always the same across different brands, and while the differences are usually minor, they do make a difference in taste and texture.
Here are a few brands I personally like, especially here in California:
- Reese – Known for their Minnesota hand-picked rice.
- Lundberg Organic Wild Rice – A trusted national brand available in most stores.
- Organic Wild Rice – I grab it from the bulk section of my local grocery store.
Even with the Instant Pot, I recommend playing around with the ratio to find what works best for your taste!
Wild Rice Medley in the Instant Pot
I love making a wild rice mix in my Instant Pot because it’s easy and always turns out perfect. Since wild rice takes the longest to cook, I pair it with brown rice and red rice for a hearty medley. I start with 25 minutes, then check the texture—if needed, I add 3 to 5 more minutes. This way, every grain is tender, flavorful, and never mushy.
Storing and Reheating Wild Rice
After making a big batch of wild rice in my Instant Pot, I always make sure it’s stored properly so I can enjoy it later.
Storage: I keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 to 6 days, but when I want to save some for longer, I use freezer-friendly ziplock bags or a freezer-safe box. I’ve learned the hard way that if the rice isn’t completely cooled before placing it in the freezer, it can get ruined with freezer burn. To keep it fresh for up to 6 months, I make sure it’s packed flat, making it easier to thaw overnight in the fridge when I need it. If I forget, I just defrost it in the microwave for a quick fix.
Reheating is simple, and I’ve found the best way to keep the grains soft and fluffy is by adding a splash of water and covering the bowl while warming it in the microwave. On days when I have extra time, I prefer using the stovetop—I just scoop the leftovers into a pan and heat them slowly. If the rice was frozen, I let it sit on the countertop for about an hour before reheating—it makes the process much quicker and brings back the fresh taste every time!
Top Tips for Cooking Wild Rice
- When cooking wild rice, I find that 1 cup of uncooked rice will give me about 3 to 3.5 cups of cooked rice. It’s a great ratio to keep in mind when making enough for a meal!
- I always prefer using a pressure cooker over the stove because it saves time and helps the grains keep their shape. Sometimes, the grains split or open, but that doesn’t affect the taste at all.
- If you’re looking to save a little money, try buying wild rice blends—they’re less expensive and easier to find but still provide an amazing texture and flavor.
- Don’t be tempted to flip the pressure release valve too soon! I’ve learned the hard way that cutting this step short leads to chewy or crunchy rice. Let it naturally release for the best result.
- After cooking, always fluff the rice with a fork—it helps separate the rice and makes it so light and airy. Using a spoon or spatula just makes it clumpy and heavy.
- Want more flavor? Swap the water for broth for an extra boost—it makes a huge difference!
- If I’m making the rice in advance, I avoid leaving it on the keep-warm setting for too long, as it can become mushy. Instead, I make sure to re-fluff the rice right before serving, and it always turns out just as fresh and perfect as when it was first cooked!
Nutrition
Wild rice in its uncooked form is a nutrient-dense whole grain, rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. If you’re meal prepping or tracking your macros, understanding its raw nutritional profile can help you plan healthier dishes with precision.
Uncooked Wild Rice Nutrition (Per 1 Cup / 164g)
| Nutrient (Uncooked) | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 571 kcal | — |
| Carbohydrates | 120 g | 40% |
| Fiber | 10 g | 36% |
| Protein | 24 g | 48% |
| Total Fat | 1.9 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g | — |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | — |
| Sugar | 2.3 g | 2% |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% |
| Magnesium | 177 mg | 44% |
| Zinc | 6 mg | 55% |
| Based on 2000 Calorie Diet |
Nutritional Information is taken from Nutritionix.
Delicious Wild Rice Recipes to Try
Here are some of my favorite wild rice recipes that you can easily whip up in your kitchen:
- Creamy Wild Rice Soup: This is a go-to comfort dish for me, especially on chilly days. The creamy texture of the soup combined with the wild rice is simply amazing. I love adding a spoonful of it to a bowl for that perfect warmth.
- Wild Rice with Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, this dish is for you. The mushrooms pair so well with the wild rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. I sometimes enjoy it with a roll on the side.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: This recipe is great for a simple yet flavorful dish. I often make it when I’m having a busy day, and it never disappoints. The combination of wild rice and seasonings is perfect.
- Cranberry Wild Rice: If you’re craving something a little sweet and savory, this recipe is amazing. The cranberries add a pop of sweetness that pairs so well with the nutty wild rice.
And don’t forget, wild rice is also perfect as a side dish to some delicious meat dishes like chicken meatballs, cheesy chicken, or pork medallions. It’s so versatile! You can also throw it in a mixed berry spinach salad instead of farro for a fresh twist.
Explore More Rice Varieties & Cooking Methods
Recipe Card
How to Cook Wild Rice in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Or any pressure cooker
- 1 Colander For rinsing the rice
- 1 Measuring Cup For rice and water ratio
- 1 Fork or wooden spoon For fluffing after cooking
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Wild Rice
- 2 Cup Water Or use broth for added flavor
- To taste – Salt Optional, for seasoning
Instructions
- Rinse the Wild Rice: Place 1 cup of wild rice in a colander and rinse under cool running water to remove any debris. No soaking is needed.
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Transfer rinsed rice to the Instant Pot. Add 2 cups of water (or broth) and salt if desired. Stir gently.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on manual (high pressure) for 20 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid carefully. Use a fork or wooden spoon to fluff the rice. Serve immediately or store for later use.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- One cup of uncooked wild rice yields about 3 to 3.5 cups cooked.
- Try using broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
- Reheat with a splash of water to maintain texture.
- Pair wild rice with soups, salads, grain bowls, or as a side to meats like chicken or pork.