Wild rice is a hearty and healthy choice, loaded with protein and fiber. You can cook it in various ways and include it in dishes like soups and salads, or serve it by itself alongside roasted meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Jump to:
What is wild rice, exactly? It might surprise you to learn that wild rice isn’t actually rice. It's the seed of an aquatic grass that grows mainly in the Great Lakes region of North America. Indigenous peoples of this area have relied on it as a staple food for centuries.
Though it's a seed, we often treat wild rice as a grain because it has a similar texture and nutritional value to other types of rice. It's great mixed with regular rice or used as a standalone side dish.
Wild rice is rich in nutrients and fits well into many types of dishes, which has made it a popular choice in both American and Canadian cuisines. Today, I'll show you how to cook wild rice perfectly on your stovetop using the absorption method. This technique helps the rice come out fluffy and perfectly chewy every time.
Explore More Healthy Grain Recipes:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For cooking wild rice, you only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wild Rice: You can find wild rice in the grains aisle or the bulk section of most grocery stores. For this recipe, choose natural wild rice, typically labeled simply as "wild rice." This variety is darker and has a more robust flavor.
- Water: Use water to cook the rice. For an extra layer of flavor, consider substituting water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Salt: Adding a bit of salt to the cooking water enhances the flavors of the rice.
How to Cook Wild Rice on the Stovetop?
Let’s learn how to cook wild rice on the stovetop. The process is straightforward. In this section, I’ll walk you through each step. Follow along with the accompanying photos and video to achieve perfect results every time.
Discover More Rice Dishes:
- Brown Rice
- Forbidden Black Rice
- White Rice
- Basmati Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Coconut Rice
- Saffron Rice
- Yellow Rice
- Rice Pilaf
- Risotto
- Fried Rice
How to Cook Wild Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Wild Rice, rinsed
- 3 cups Water, or broth
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cooking Wild Rice
- Start by thoroughly rinsing the wild rice under cold running water to remove any dust or debris. Then, fill a wide pot with water, add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rapid boil over medium heat.
- Once the water is boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with its lid, and let the rice simmer. Cook for about 35 to 50 minutes. Check the rice at the 35-minute mark by testing a few grains; they should be split open and have a chewy texture. If they aren’t ready, continue cooking until they are.
- After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture using the residual heat. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains without breaking them. Now your healthy wild rice is ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Serve this nutrient-packed wild rice as a side dish with roasted chicken, seafood, or your favorite vegetables. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our serving suggestions section below.
Save This Recipe!
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Choosing Rice: You can find wild rice in the grains aisle or the bulk section of most grocery stores. Opt for natural wild rice, which is usually darker and has a richer flavor. Cultivated wild rice, which is lighter and milder, is also an option. Avoid wild rice blends or precooked options for this recipe.
- Rice Water Ratio: The ideal ratio for the absorption method is 1:3, as often recommended on wild rice packages. This ratio helps the rice cook to a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Always check the instructions on your specific rice package, as the best ratios may vary by brand.
- Draining Excess Liquid: Once the rice reaches the desired cooked texture, if there's any leftover water, drain it to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. Although the rice I used absorbed all the water nicely, wild rice doesn't always absorb everything, so you may need to drain any excess water.
- Seasoning After Cooking: While it’s common to season during cooking, adding flavors like black pepper, cilantro, chives, or other herbs afterward can further enhance the dish.
- Pre-Soaking: Soak wild rice in water for several hours or overnight before cooking. This can decrease the overall cooking time and improve the texture of the rice, making it more tender.
- Toasting: Before boiling or using the absorption method, try toasting the wild rice in a dry skillet or with a little bit of butter. This enhances the nutty flavor of the rice, making it even more aromatic and flavorful.
- Wild Rice in Instant Pot: For cooking wild rice in the Instant Pot, use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. Add the rice and water to the pot, along with a pinch of salt. Close the lid and set it to pressure cook on high heat for 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, cancel the cooking and let the pressure release naturally. When the float valve drops, open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stovetop Draining Method: To use the draining method, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the wild rice and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and chewy. Drain any leftover water when it’s done.
- Refreshing Leftovers: To refresh leftover wild rice, sprinkle a few drops of water over it and reheat gently, either on the stove or in the microwave. This can help restore its chewy texture.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Wild rice is a versatile and nutritious side that enhances a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to complement its nutty and chewy texture:
- Roasted or Baked Meats: Pair wild rice with roasted chicken—whole or in parts like breasts and thighs—or try it with roasted pork or beef steaks for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the rice with roasted veggies such as asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a healthy addition.
- Squash or Pumpkin Dishes: In the autumn months, wild rice pairs beautifully with roasted pumpkin, butternut squash, or acorn squash, adding a seasonal flavor to your meals.
- Seafood: Enhance a seafood meal with wild rice alongside air-fried or baked salmon, honey garlic-glazed salmon, baked tilapia, or sautéed shrimp.
- Stir-Fries: This grain also works well with various stir-fries, be it vegetable, chicken, shrimp, or chicken and broccoli.
- Salads: Boost the protein and fiber in your salads by adding cooked wild rice, making them more substantial and tasty.
- Soups and Stews: Stir wild rice into chicken soups or vegetable soup and stews to increase their flavor and heartiness.
- Grain Bowls: Create a nutritious grain bowl with wild rice as the base. Top it with a variety of vegetables, a protein such as chicken breasts (like baked or air-fried) or baked tofu, and a drizzle of your favorite flavorful dressing.
- Rice Pilaf: Enhance wild rice by preparing it as a pilaf. Sauté it with onions, carrots, and celery before cooking, then finish with herbs and nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Mushrooms: Serve it with sautéed or garlic mushrooms for a fulfilling and flavorful meal.
- Chicken and Rice Casseroles: Elevate your casseroles by incorporating wild rice for a rustic touch. Mix it with hearty ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and a creamy sauce. Bake until everything is bubbly and golden for a comforting meal.
Storage Suggestions
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your wild rice warm, right after it's cooked. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor are at their peak when fresh. However, if you have leftovers or need to prepare ahead of time, cooked wild rice keeps well.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to use it, simply toss the rice into salads or soups. For dishes where it's served warm, a quick reheat in the microwave will bring it back to life, ready to complement your favorite meals.
Leave a Review