How to Cook Wild Rice
Learn the simple steps for cooking perfect wild rice every time. Also, get to know the ideal wild rice to water ratio and stovetop cooking time for this healthy whole grain. Native to North America, discover why this nutritious wild rice is a fantastic, easy addition to your side meals.
- Servings 3
- Prep 3 min
- Cooking 1 hour
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 192 kcal
- Protein: 8.2 g
- Fat: 0.6 gm
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.3 g
- Sugars: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 357 mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary.
Ingredients for Cooking Wild Rice
- One cup of wild rice
- Three and a half cups of water (more water can be added during the cooking process)
- Salt- to taste.
Kitchen Tools for Cooking Wild Rice Recipe
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Timer
- Stove or heat source
How to Cook Wild Rice
- Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer, put it in the sink under cold running water, and shake it to drain.
- Add a cup of wild rice and three and a half cups of water to a bowl and soak overnight. Drain pre-soaked grain before cooking.
- Place the rice in the saucepan, add three cups of water and salt, and boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer or at a minimum temperature and cover the saucepan with a lead.
- Cook for one hour or until rice is tender.
- The grains should have burst open when done, revealing a slightly curled appearance.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer before cooking. This removes any debris and dust from the rice.
- Soaking: Although not strictly necessary, soaking wild rice for several hours or overnight can reduce cooking time. If you decide to soak, drain and rinse the rice before cooking.
- Water to Rice Ratio: Wild rice expands significantly and requires more water than white rice. A general guideline is to use a 3:1 or 4:1 water ratio to rice. For example, 1 cup of wild rice requires 3 to 4 cups of water. Adjustments might be needed based on the specific type of wild rice and your desired texture.
- Cooking Method: You can cook wild rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or an Instant Pot. Regardless of the method, bring the water (or broth for added flavor) to a boil, add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the grains are tender and some have burst open to reveal a creamy interior. The cooking time can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the method and whether the rice was soaked.
- Simmer Gently: Wild rice is best cooked at a gentle simmer. Boiling it vigorously can break the grains and result in a mushy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Check the rice after about 45 minutes of cooking. The grains should be tender but not mushy, with many split open. Some people prefer it more ‘al dente,’ so it’s up to your preference.
- Drain Excess Liquid: If there’s any excess liquid after the rice is cooked, drain it off. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too soggy.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the wild rice sit covered for about 10 minutes. This allows the grains to firm up slightly and makes them easier to fluff.
- Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving. This separates the grains and enhances the texture.
- Add flavor: Cook in Broth: To infuse the rice with a rich, savory flavor, replace the water with vegetable, chicken, or beef broth.
- Add Aromatics: While the rice cooks, add a bay leaf, smashed garlic cloves, or a sprig of thyme for a subtle, added flavor.
- Season After Cooking: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for extra depth.
- Nutty Add-Ons: Toast some slivered almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds and sprinkle them over the rice for added crunch and flavor.
Remember, the cooking time and texture of wild rice can vary slightly depending on its variety and age. It’s always a good idea to taste as you go and adjust the cooking time and seasonings to your preference. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious wild rice!