Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe

I was super excited when I stumbled onto this wild rice recipe that totally changed up my dinner game. So, first off, I measured out 1 cup of wild rice and rinsed it really well under cold water ’cause no one wants dusty rice, right? Then I tossed the rice into my Instant Pot and added 4 cups of water or low-sodium broth—whatever floats your boat—plus 1/2 tsp of salt and a tbsp of butter (or olive oil if that’s your vibe). If you’re feeling fancy, drop in a bay leaf for that extra flavor kick. Next, I locked the lid on and set it to high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the timer went off, I let it naturally release for about 10 minutes before doing a quick burst to get rid of any leftover steam. After carefully opening the lid and removing the bay leaf, I stirred the rice so all that buttery goodness spread throughout. It’s super simple, kinda chill to put together, and honestly, it tastes amazing when served hot. Enjoy!

I love making my Instant Pot Wild Rice because its simple and nutritious. I cook a cup of wild rice with water or low-sodium broth, a bit of salt and butter, plus a bay leaf for flavor.

I think it offers healthy whole grain nutrients and a hearty taste.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil if you prefer)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

How to Make this

1. Rinse the wild rice really well under cold water to get rid of any dust.

2. Pour the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot.

3. Add 4 cups of water or low-sodium broth to the rice.

4. Mix in the 1/2 tsp salt and then add the 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil if thats what you like better).

5. If you want, drop in the bay leaf for extra flavor.

6. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes.

7. Once the cooking time is over, let the pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes then use the quick release for the remaining steam.

8. Carefully open the lid and take out the bay leaf.

9. Stir the rice gently so the butter mixes in all through the cooked rice.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty wild rice dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker)
2. Fine mesh strainer (or a colander to rinse the rice)
3. Measuring cup (for the rice and water/broth)
4. Measuring spoons (for the salt and butter)
5. Stirring spoon or spatula (to mix the rice after cooking)

FAQ

• Q: How long does it take to cook wild rice in the Instant Pot?
  A: It usually takes around 25 minutes on high pressure plus about 10 minutes of natural release so the rice comes out just right.
• Q: Can I use broth instead of water?
  A: Yep, you can totally use low-sodium broth instead of water. It adds more flavor but still keeps it light.
• Q: Is the bay leaf really necessary?
  A: Not at all, its completely optional. It just gives a bit of extra aroma if you like that kind of flavor.
• Q: Can I add extra spices or ingredients?
  A: Sure thing, you can experiment by adding things like pepper or herbs. Just a tip, keep it simple at first so you know what you like.
• Q: Can I double the recipe?
  A: Yeah, you can double it! Just use 2 cups of wild rice and 8 cups of water or broth; just make sure you don’t overfill your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can swap out the water or low-sodium broth for chicken broth or a homemade veggie broth to boost the flavor even more
• If you dont have salt handy, try using a pinch of garlic salt or seasoned salt, just be careful with the amount cuz they can be stronger
• Instead of butter you can use olive oil or coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative
• If you dont have a bay leaf, a pinch of thyme or a couple of sprigs of rosemary does a good enough job

Pro Tips

Pro Tip 1: Before startin the pressure cook, try toastin the wild rice in a little butter using the sauté function for a minute or two. It adds a nuttier flavor that makes the dish taste even richer.

Pro Tip 2: If you want extra flavor, use low-sodium broth instead of water. It really helps the rice absorb a deeper, more savory taste.

Pro Tip 3: Let your rice rest a little longer after the natural release. Giving it an extra few minutes off the heat lets the flavors blend better, so it comes out tastier when you stir it up.

Pro Tip 4: Don’t accidentally forget the bay leaf—remove it once the rice is done. Biting into a bay leaf is not fun, so make sure it’s out before servin!