How Long to Cook Wild Rice
Wild rice is not actually rice - it is an aquatic grass seed. Known for its chewy texture and nutty, earthy flavor. Takes longer to cook than any true rice.
How long to cook wild rice?
Wild rice takes 45-60 minutes on the stove with a 1:3 water ratio. In an Instant Pot it takes 25 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release. Grains are done when they split open and curl.
Wild Rice Cooking Times by Method
Wild rice needs more water and time than other rice types. Its tough outer hull takes time to soften. Pressure cooking cuts time significantly.
| Method | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | 45-60 minutes | 1:3 | Low heat, covered |
| Rice Cooker | 50-60 minutes | 1:2.5 | Brown rice setting |
| Instant Pot | 25 min + 10 min NPR | 1:1.25 | High pressure |
| Slow Cooker | 3-4 hours (high) | 1:3 | Covered |
| Oven | 60-75 minutes | 1:3 | 350°F, covered |
How Long to Cook Wild Rice in Soup?
Wild rice takes 45-60 minutes in soup. Add at the beginning of cooking, not the end. Wild rice absorbs lots of liquid so add extra broth. Popular in Minnesota wild rice soup.
For faster soup, cook wild rice separately and add at the end. Or use wild rice blend which cooks faster than pure wild rice.
How Long to Cook Wild Rice Blend?
Wild rice blend takes 25-35 minutes on the stove. Blends mix wild rice with white, brown, or other rice types. The blend cooks faster than pure wild rice because other grains soften quicker.
Check package for specific times. Ratios vary by brand. Some blends have more wild rice than others. In Instant Pot, try 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Wild Rice
- Use plenty of water. Wild rice absorbs 3-4 times its volume.
- Cook longer if needed. Wild rice varies in age and needs different times.
- Expect chewy texture. Wild rice should be chewy, not soft like white rice.
- Look for split grains. Done when grains split and curl open.
- Toast for extra flavor. Dry toast before cooking for nuttier taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wild rice takes 45-60 minutes on the stove with 1:3 water ratio. In an Instant Pot it takes 25 minutes plus 10 minutes release. Wild rice takes longest of all rice types.
Wild rice is done when grains split open and curl, revealing white interior. Texture should be chewy but tender. Some grains may still be closed - this is normal.
Add wild rice when soup has 45-60 minutes left to cook. Wild rice takes much longer than white rice. Add early in cooking process. It absorbs lots of liquid so add extra broth.
Wild rice blend takes 25-35 minutes depending on mix. Blends usually have white or brown rice mixed with wild rice. Follow package directions as ratios vary by brand.
Wild rice is not true rice. It is an aquatic grass seed native to North America. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture. Higher in protein than regular rice.
Wild rice needs more time and water than other rice. Cook longer if still hard. Some grains naturally stay firmer. Pure wild rice always has chewy texture even when fully cooked.
Compare Rice Types
Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.