Wild Rice in the Instant Pot

Wild rice in the instant pot is a simple way to make perfect rice every time. Instant Pot Wild Rice is healthy and delicious, and it’s perfect for whipping up a quick dinner or lunch. With the Instant Pot, cooking wild rice has never been easier, and that makes this recipe a great way to incorporate this nutritious grain into your diet.

Can’t get enough of cooking dinner in your Instant Pot? Try our to-die-for Instant Pot salmon and rice. It’s quick to prep and lets you cook an entire meal in the Instant Pot all at once!

What Is the Difference Between Wild Rice and White Rice?

Wild rice isn’t a type of rice at all but is actually a kind of grass that is harvested from the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. It’s nuttier in flavor than white rice and is a good source of protein and fiber. White rice is a grain that grows on a rice plantation. It’s milled in a way that removes the outer layers of the grain. This process makes it less nutritious than wild rice.

Do I Need to Clean My Wild Rice?

Yes, it’s a good idea to clean wild rice before cooking it. Just rinse it under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Do I Need to Soak Wild Rice?

No, you don’t have to soak wild rice, and when using the Instant Pot, it’s better not to! However, soaking it for 30 minutes to an hour can help reduce cooking time if you’re cooking rice on the stovetop.

What Goes Well With Wild Rice?

Wild rice is really versatile and goes well with a lot of other meats and veggies. Here are some of our favorites:

• Protein: chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu
• Seafood: salmon is especially yummy with wild rice
• Vegetables: carrots, mushrooms, or roasted root vegetables
• Nuts: toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be mixed into wild rice

You can also season your rice or add some additional ingredients to give it more flavor, A few ideas:

• Herbs and Spices: thyme, rosemary, or sage
• Sauces and Dressings: a squeeze of lemon, balsamic vinegar, or a creamy herb dressing
• Cheeses: feta, parm, or goat cheese can be crumbled and mixed in

Instant Pot Wild Rice Ingredients

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 1/4 cup chicken broth

How To Make Wild Rice in the Instant Pot

STEP ONE: Prep the rice. Add the wild rice and the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir and place the lid onto the Instant Pot. Turn the valve to sealing.

STEP TWO: Cook. Set the instant pot to high pressure and set it for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the pressure and remove the lid.

STEP THREE: Serve. Serve rice as is, or use it in your favorite recipe.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• You can use water instead of broth. Your rice will have a more bland flavor.
• You can experiment with different liquids: you can also try coconut milk, almond milk, or other non-dairy milk to change the flavor of your rice.
• Add seasonings to the broth or water before cooking to enhance the flavor.

How To Serve

1. Use the wild rice recipe as a stuffing: Use cooked wild rice to stuff chicken, duck, or other poultry. Mix the cooked rice with butter and herbs and stuff it inside the cavity before roasting. Check the temperature of the rice before serving. It should be 165 degrees F in the center of the rice.
2. Serve cold: Cooked wild rice can also be eaten as a salad. Mix it with chopped vegetables, nuts, and a vinaigrette.
3. Make it a meal: Serve the cooked wild rice with meat and roasted vegetables for a complete family dinner.

How to Store Leftover Rice

Store cooked wild rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

How to Reheat Wild Rice

To reheat your leftovers, you have a few options:

1. Stovetop: Put the rice in a saucepan with a small amount of water or broth – just enough to moisten the rice. Cover and heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
2. Microwave: In a microwave-safe dish, and add a small amount of water or broth to the rice. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring once or twice, until heated through.
3. Oven: Use a baking dish. Add a small amount of water or broth to the rice. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until hot.

Make sure to stir the wild rice occasionally, so it doesn’t dry out. Add a bit of butter or oil to the rice before reheating it to keep it moist and add some extra flavor.

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