How to Make Wild Rice in the Instant Pot

Name: How to Make Wild Rice in the Instant Pot
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice (washed); 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt

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It’s super simple to make wild rice in your Instant Pot! You only need three ingredients: wild rice, water, and salt to get perfectly cooked wild rice in less than an hour!

Bowl of cooked wild rice in front of an Instant Pot.

Wild rice is a staple in our home. As Minnesotans and descendants of the White Earth Nation, we take pride in the fact that wild rice is mainly harvested in the Great Lakes region (most specifically northern Minnesota). It’s such a nourishing food and a great addition to meals.

But, if you’re like me, you probably already have too many appliances in your kitchen. So adding another one (such as a rice cooker) is just not happening! One appliance I’m super grateful to have is my Instant Pot!

I’ve had mine for years and it has come in handy for so many different recipes such as yogurt, soups, cooking meats, potatoes–you name it! So when I was working on my cranberry wild rice bread, I knew I needed a simple way to cook the wild rice without watching the stove the entire time.

And wham–my Instant Pot wild rice recipe was born. Simple and uncomplicated, you’re going to want to keep this recipe on hand for your future rice-making!

If you’re looking for another great wild rice recipe, check out this crockpot chicken wild rice soup.

Cooked bowl of wild rice on a kitchen towel.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect to Set it and Forget it – This recipe is as simple as pouring the ingredients in, pushing the pressure cooker to 30 minutes, and allowing it to slow release for another 20 minutes.
Simple Ingredients – All you need is wild rice, water, and a pinch of salt!
Great for Tons of Recipes – Chicken wild rice soup, as a side dish, in stuffed peppers, or hotdishes. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Dry wild rice – rinsed. You could also use this Instant Pot recipe for wild rice blend.
Water
Salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

Water, salt, and wild rice in the Instant Pot before cooking.

Step 1: Rinse the wild rice before pouring it into the Instant Pot. Add the water, salt, and wild rice to the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot showing a cook time of 30 minutes.

Step 2: Pressure cook the rice for 30 minutes. Note that it will take 10-15 minutes to pressurize before it starts to cook!

Step 3: After it’s finished the 30 minutes of cook time, allow it to slow release for 20 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff the wild rice up with a fork. It’s now cooked and ready to enjoy or add to recipes!

Equipment

Instant Pot
Mesh Strainer (to rinse the wild rice)
Measuring Cups

Top Tips for Cooking the Best Wild Rice in the Instant Pot

To avoid the wild rice getting mushy, make sure to stick to the 1:1 wild rice and water ratio. Follow the instructions below in the recipe card to avoid the rice overcooking.
If you’re making a savory dish or eating it as a side, feel free to add some extra spices or seasonings such as garlic powder or chili powder depending on the flavor you’re looking for.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork once it’s cooked. Avoid stirring it vigorously because this can affect the texture of the wild rice.

Storage

Store leftover wild rice in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add a bit of water to bring moisture back into the rice.

FAQ

Can I use chicken broth instead of water?

Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken broth or beef broth in place of the water. This will give it more flavor–especially if you are adding it to a savory dish. If there is already salt in the broth, omit the salt that is called for this recipe.

Can I use the quick release instead of the slow release?

I don’t recommend it. The slow release allows the wild rice to finish cooking and soak up the excess water.

What is the ratio of rice to water when cooking in the Instant Pot?

It’s 1:1. This differs from the ratio of cooking on the stove or in a rice cooker.

Do I need to soak the wild rice beforehand?

Nope! But do make sure to rinse it before cooking in the Instant Pot. This not only cleans the rice but also removes surface starch from the rice grains. If they’re not removed, the rice grains can get a gummy texture once cooked.