This quick and easy Instant Pot Wild Rice is a simple side dish ready in minutes. It’s one of the fastest ways we’ve found to cook wild rice and pairs well with nearly any main—try it with chicken, pork, or stirred into a comforting soup like chicken and wild rice.
Easy Instant Pot Wild Rice
Cooking wild rice in the Instant Pot saves time and gives consistently tender results. Add it to soups, use it in stuffing for the holidays, or serve it as a simple side with grilled or roasted proteins. The method below is straightforward: rinse the rice, add liquid and salt, pressure cook, then let it rest for the best texture.
Looking for More Wild Rice Recipes?
If you enjoy wild rice, try a wild rice pilaf or a savory wild rice and cranberry meatball dish for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
What You Will Need
- Chicken broth or water – use water for a neutral base or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Uncooked wild rice – the main ingredient; rinse before cooking.
- Kosher salt – a pinch to season the rice.
How To Cook Wild Rice In An Instant Pot
Step 1: Rinse 1 cup wild rice under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer.
Step 2: Add the rinsed rice, 1½ cups chicken broth (or water), and a pinch of kosher salt to the Instant Pot. No trivet needed—just stir to combine.
Do You Need to Rinse Wild Rice Before Cooking
Yes—rinsing wild rice removes dust and surface starch. The rice will still cook if you skip this step, but rinsing improves texture and cleanliness.
Step 3: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Seal. Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully release any remaining pressure, open the lid, stir the rice, and serve. If a few tablespoons of liquid remain, stirring a couple of times will help it absorb or evaporate.
Best Ways To Serve Instant Pot Wild Rice
Wild rice works beautifully as a side for grilled or roasted chicken and pork. It’s also excellent folded into soups, casseroles, or salads. Try it with grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or as a base for a hearty wild rice pilaf.
Who Doesn’t Love Their Instant Pot!
The Instant Pot makes hands-off cooking easy. Other Instant Pot recipes we recommend include jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, whole cooked cauliflower, and mashed sweet potatoes.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Wild rice offers fiber, protein, and various micronutrients that make it a nutritious grain option.
Yes. Cool the rice, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store flat in the freezer. Use within about three months. Reheat or add directly to soups and casseroles from frozen or thawed.
Other Wild Rice Recipes You Might Like
Creamy Curried Chicken Salad with Wild Rice
Wild Rice + Cranberry Thanksgiving Meatballs
Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice Pilaf
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Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1½ cups chicken broth (or water)
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse: Place 1 cup wild rice in a mesh strainer and rinse under cold water.
- Cook: Add the rinsed rice, 1½ cups chicken broth (or water), and a pinch of kosher salt to the Instant Pot. Stir, close the lid, set to Seal, and pressure cook on HIGH for 25 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure. Stir the rice. If a small amount of liquid remains, stir a few times and it will absorb or evaporate.
- Serve: Enjoy as a side dish or add to soups, salads, or casseroles.
Notes
- Texture: This timing yields rice that is tender with a slight chew. For firmer, chewier grains, reduce cook time by 3 minutes and reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons. For softer rice, increase cook time by 2–3 minutes.
- Storage: Store cooked wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–6 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
Other Instant Pot Recipes You Might Like
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash
- Instant Pot Cauliflower
- Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
