How to Cook Wild Rice
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4.9
How to Cook Wild Rice
Description
How to Cook Wild Rice details multiple methods for preparing wild rice, including stove top simmering, rice cooker use, and microwave cooking. The process begins with rinsing but not soaking wild rice unless you prefer a shorter cooking time. Water or broth and kosher salt provide the cooking liquid, with broth adding extra flavor. The stove top method requires simmering the rice 40 to 45 minutes until some kernels burst open, indicating tenderness.
For rice cookers, rubbing the insert with butter or oil prevents sticking, and a typical cook cycle ranges from 45 to 55 minutes. The microwave method is less predictable in timing and requires close monitoring during cooking. The finished wild rice offers a nutty, chewy texture suitable for pilafs, salads, or side dishes.
Additional advice includes freezing cooked wild rice in small portions for up to six months and thawing overnight. Flavor can be enhanced by using stock instead of water. Adjusting liquid quantities may be necessary depending on the wild rice variety and cooking method used.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice rinsed well - Not soaked*
- 3 cups water or vegetable, chicken or beef stock
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tbsp butter you will need oil if you are using the rice cooker method, or oil
Instructions
To Cook Wild Rice on the Stove Top:
- Place wild rice, water (or stock), and salt in a saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat.
- Put the lid on and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and let is simmer for 40-45 minutes. You will know that it is cooked when some of the kernels are burst open. If you soaked your wild rice the cooking time should be around 20-30 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid and serve.
To Cook Wild Rice In Rice Cooker:
- Rub the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil.
- Add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water*, and a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Give it a stir.
- Select the brown rice (or white rice) option and let it cook. During my testings, it took about 45-55 minutes for wild rice to cook in a rice cooker.
- When the cooking cycle is completed, let it rest for 10 minutes and fluff it with a fork before serving.
To Cook Wild Rice in Microwave *
- Place 1 cup of wild rice, 3 cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a microwave safe bowl. Give it a stir.
- Use a large enough microwave safe plate to cover.
- Microwave on full power for 6 minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave and give it a stir. It will be very hot so be careful.
- Microwave on medium (50%) power for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes.
- Most of the water should be absorbed and wild rice should be fully cooked and tender.
- If not, microwave (covered with the plate) in full power in 1- minute intervals until it is fully cooked.
Notes
- Drain cooked wild rice well before storing in airtight containers to maintain freshness up to 6 months.
- Freeze in small portions to conveniently thaw only what is needed, thawing in the fridge overnight.
- For added flavor, cook wild rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Cooking times vary by method and rice type; watch for burst kernels as doneness cues.
- In rice cookers, oil or butter the insert to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Microwave cooking requires careful monitoring, as times and results can vary.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(3 1/2 cups cooked)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 166kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 302mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 171mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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