How To Cook Wild Rice Recipe

I’m super excited about this wild rice recipe because it cooks up into a nutty, buttery delight that makes me feel like I’m totally nailing dinner every time i whip it up.

I love cooking wild rice since it’s packed with fiber and vitamins. I use wild rice simmered in water or low-sodium chicken broth, a bit of salt and a bay leaf for flavor, and sometimes a little unsalted butter for extra richness.

I think this method really locks in the nutrition.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional but adds a nice richness)

How to Make this

1. Rinse the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear so you get rid of the extra starch and any dirt.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of wild rice, 3 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth (if you want extra flavor), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf together.

3. Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

4. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently.

5. Simmer for about 45 to 50 minutes until the rice grains start to split open and get tender.

6. Check the rice at about 45 minutes and if needed, let it simmer a bit longer until it’s cooked to your liking.

7. After the rice is done, remove the saucepan from the heat and take out the bay leaf.

8. Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter if you want that extra richness, letting it melt evenly into the rice.

9. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid still on so that it absorbs any remaining liquid.

10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it warm as a delicious side dish or part of your favorite meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Fine-mesh strainer – to rinse your wild rice thoroughly.
2. Medium-sized saucepan with a lid – ideal for simmering the rice.
3. Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of water, salt, and butter.
4. Stirring spoon – for evenly mixing in the butter once the rice is done.
5. Fork – to fluff the rice after it has rested.
6. Pot holder – to handle the hot saucepan safely.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
  A: Yup, you sure can. Using low-sodium chicken broth gives the wild rice extra flavor.
• Q: How long does it take to cook wild rice?
  A: It usually takes around 45 to 50 minutes to get it fully cooked and tender.
• Q: Do I need to rinse the wild rice before cooking it?
  A: Yes, it’s a good idea to rinse it under cold water to get rid of any dust or debris.
• Q: Can I add butter to the cooked wild rice?
  A: Definitely, adding a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end makes it taste richer and creamier.
• Q: Is it worth soaking the wild rice before cooking?
  A: Not really required but soaking it for a few hours can help shorten the cooking time a bit.

How To Cook Wild Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the 1 cup wild rice, you could mix it with some brown rice or even quinoa if you really wanna experiment with texture and flavor
• If you dont have low-sodium chicken broth, try using vegetable broth which can give a similarly tasty kick
• If you’re low on salt, a pinch of sea salt or even a dash of garlic salt can work, but keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit
• No bay leaf? You might swap it out for a pinch of dried thyme, just use a little since its flavor is stronger
• Don’t have unsalted butter? Olive oil is a quick alternative that still gives a bit of richness

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you rinse the rice really well before cooking it so you remove any extra starch and dirt. People sometimes skip it but trust me it makes the texture and the taste way better
2. When you boil your liquid, use a full rolling boil before you lower the heat. That little step gives the rice a better start with even cooking and can really boost the flavor if you used low-sodium chicken broth
3. After cooking for about 45 minutes, check that your rice is tender and let it chill with the lid on for 5 minutes. This helps it absorb any left over liquid and makes it super fluffy
4. If you plan to add the butter, stir it in off the heat so it melts evenly. This trick adds a nice richness without making the rice too greasy overall