Unlock the secret to flawlessly cooked grains with your Instant Pot! This guide simplifies making a delicious Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend – a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile side dish that consistently yields perfectly nutty and chewy rice. While we often recommend the quality of Lundberg wild rice blend, feel free to use your preferred brand to achieve these exceptional results.
The Instant Pot has revolutionized kitchen efficiency, especially for preparing quick and tasty side dishes. It often happens that the main course takes center stage, leaving side dishes as an afterthought. This is where your Instant Pot truly shines, transforming simple accompaniments into easy culinary highlights.
You can prepare a wide range of dishes, from perfectly steamed frozen vegetables to various types of rice, pasta, and potatoes, all in minutes. The best part? Most of these tasks are entirely hands-free, allowing you to focus on other aspects of meal preparation or even enjoy a brief moment of relaxation before dinner. This capability significantly streamlines your cooking process, making healthy and homemade meals more accessible than ever before.
For those times you desire a side dish that offers a bit more character and excitement than plain white rice, this Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend is the perfect solution. Its distinctive nutty flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture make it an ideal complement to a variety of main courses. Picture it alongside a flaky baked salmon, complementing savory salmon patties, or serving as a hearty base for chicken dishes featuring creamy sauces, such as my popular red pepper chicken or creamy garlic chicken skillet recipes. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a healthy, flavorful, and wonderfully textured addition that elevates any meal. It’s so good, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe
There are compelling reasons why this Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend will become your go-to recipe for a wholesome and satisfying side dish:
- Unmatched Ease and Speed: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, cooks quickly, and requires minimal active participation. The Instant Pot handles all the work, freeing up your time.
- Exceptional Versatility: Wild rice pairs beautifully with an extensive array of main dishes, including various types of fish, chicken, and a multitude of vegetarian and vegan options. Its robust flavor can stand up to rich sauces or subtly enhance lighter meals.
- Nutritionally Rich and Filling: Wild rice is a healthy choice, packed with dietary fiber for digestive health and sustained energy. It’s also a good source of protein and essential minerals, making it a very satisfying and nourishing grain.
- Superior Flavor and Texture: Step away from bland sides! Wild rice offers a distinct nutty flavor and a delightful, slightly chewy texture that provides a welcome contrast to more conventional rice varieties. It adds depth and interest to any plate.
- Guaranteed Consistency: Say goodbye to guesswork. The Instant Pot ensures your wild rice blend is cooked to perfection every single time, eliminating common issues like undercooked or mushy grains.
Simple Ingredients for a Perfect Blend
Creating this delicious Instant Pot wild rice blend requires just a few basic, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach, allowing the inherent flavors of the wild rice to truly shine. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Wild Rice Blend: The star ingredient! We often use Lundberg wild rice blend for its quality, but feel free to choose any reliable brand. A “wild rice blend” typically combines several types of wild rice, sometimes with other long-grain rices, specifically chosen for similar cooking times to ensure even doneness.
- Cold Water: Essential for consistent cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio of cold, clean water to wild rice for optimal results in the Instant Pot. This precise ratio prevents mushiness while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Salt: A crucial seasoning that not only adds taste but also enhances the natural, earthy flavors of the wild rice. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Avocado Oil (Optional, but Recommended): Adding a teaspoon of avocado oil can improve the rice’s texture, helping to separate the grains and preventing stickiness, resulting in a fluffier consistency. Its neutral flavor and high smoke point make it an ideal choice, but any neutral cooking oil will work. The recipe is also perfectly fine without it for an oil-free option.
For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider substituting chicken or vegetable broth for the water. Just be mindful of the sodium content if you’re also adding salt.
How to Cook a Wild Rice Blend in the Instant Pot: Step-by-Step
Cooking perfectly textured wild rice in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a delicious and consistent result every time. Always prioritize safety when operating a pressure cooker.
- Add Ingredients to the Pot: Place the wild rice blend directly into the stainless steel inner pot of your Instant Pot. Unlike white rice, wild rice typically does not require rinsing.
- Pour in Liquid and Seasoning: Add an equal amount of cold water (or broth) to the pot, followed by the salt and avocado oil (if desired). This 1:1 ratio is key for pressure cooking wild rice.
- Stir and Seal: Give all the ingredients a quick stir to ensure the salt and oil are well distributed. Place the lid on your Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it locks. Ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Set Cooking Program: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function on your Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking time to 27 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the countdown begins.
- Perform Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the 27-minute cooking cycle completes, the Instant Pot will beep and switch to “Keep Warm.” Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This natural pressure release (NPR) is crucial for the rice to fully absorb moisture and achieve its ideal texture without becoming mushy. A timer on the display (e.g., L0:XX) will count the elapsed time during this stage.
- Quick Release Remaining Pressure: After the 10-15 minute NPR, carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to perform a quick pressure release. Stand clear, as hot steam will escape. Wait until the float valve (the small metal pin) drops completely, indicating that all pressure has been safely released.
- Fluff and Serve: Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Always open it away from your face to avoid residual steam. Use a fork to gently fluff the cooked wild rice. This helps separate the grains and releases any remaining steam, ensuring a light and airy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Wild Rice Success
Even though this recipe is simple, these expert tips can help you achieve consistently perfect results and make your Instant Pot wild rice even more enjoyable:
- Leverage the Warming Function for NPR: The Instant Pot’s “Keep Warm” function is a hidden gem for managing the natural pressure release (NPR). After cooking, the pot automatically switches to “Warm” and displays an elapsed time (e.g., L0:09). Use this timer to track your 10-15 minute NPR period without needing a separate stopwatch. This ensures you release pressure at the optimal time for texture.
- Smart Sourcing for Wild Rice: You can find quality wild rice blends in most grocery stores in the grains aisle. For better value, especially if you cook wild rice often, check warehouse stores like Costco. Bulk purchases often offer a significantly lower price per pound. Always check the label to ensure it’s a true wild rice blend and not mixed with other grains that might have different cooking requirements.
- Reheating for Optimal Texture: Cooked wild rice reheats beautifully. For microwave reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water (or a small ice cube) to the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. For stovetop reheating, place the rice in a pot with a splash of water, cover, and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. The added moisture prevents the rice from drying out and helps restore its fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Broth: For an enhanced flavor profile, consider using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This simple substitution adds a savory depth that complements the nutty notes of the wild rice.
- Altitude Adjustments: At higher altitudes, liquids evaporate faster and boiling points change. If you live significantly above sea level, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
The excellent storage and reheating capabilities of Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend make it an ideal choice for meal prepping and busy weeknights. Proper handling ensures both food safety and delicious taste.
Storage: Allow your cooked wild rice to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This crucial step prevents bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer the rice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For convenience, portion it out into individual servings.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, cooked wild rice freezes exceptionally well. After cooling completely, transfer the rice into freezer-safe plastic bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw the frozen rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheating your stored wild rice is simple and quick:
- Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon or two of water (or a small ice cube on top) to reintroduce moisture. Cover and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until evenly heated through and fluffy.
- Stovetop: Transfer the rice to a small pot or skillet. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth. Cover and heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is thoroughly warm and revived.
Adjusting Batch Sizes: For Small or Large Crowds
The Instant Pot offers flexibility in cooking quantities, but always remember to adhere to safety guidelines.
Larger Batches: You can easily increase the recipe by scaling all ingredients proportionally. However, it is critically important to never exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Rice expands significantly during cooking, so always leave ample headspace to ensure safe operation and proper pressure building.
Smaller Batches: When cooking smaller amounts, be aware of your Instant Pot’s minimum liquid requirements. A 6-quart Instant Pot generally needs at least 1 cup of liquid to come to pressure. An 8-quart model requires a minimum of 1 ½ cups of liquid. Therefore, if you have an 8-quart pot, stick to the recipe’s original quantities (1 ½ cups rice, 1 ½ cups water). If you have a 6-quart model, you can safely scale down to a minimum of 1 cup of wild rice and 1 cup of water.
What to Serve with Your Versatile Wild Rice Blend
The earthy and nutty flavor, combined with the satisfying texture of Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend, makes it an incredibly versatile side dish. Here are some inspiring ideas to pair it with:
- Seafood:
- Salmon (grilled, baked, or pan-seared)
- Any delicate white fish (cod, halibut, trout)
- Salmon Patties
- Poultry:
- Roasted or grilled chicken
- Creamy chicken dishes (e.g., red pepper chicken, garlic herb chicken)
- Turkey (especially for holiday meals or healthy weeknight dinners)
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, carrots, green beans)
- Sweet corn kernels
- Hearty soups and stews (lentil soup, vegetable stew)
- Creamy chowders (corn chowder, fish chowder)
- As a base for grain bowls or vibrant salads with chickpeas, roasted root vegetables, and a flavorful vinaigrette.
- Autumnal & Seasonal Additions:
For a festive or seasonal touch, try tossing your wild rice with:
- Dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates
- Diced apples or pears
- Toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds
- Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary
- Sautéed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake) for umami depth
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Wild Rice
A wild rice blend typically consists of various types of wild rice, sometimes combined with other long-grain rices like brown or red rice. These components are chosen because they have similar cooking times, ensuring a consistent texture when prepared together. Wild rice itself is actually the seed of an aquatic grass, not a true rice grain.
No, wild rice does not generally need to be soaked before cooking, especially when using an Instant Pot. Unlike some other grains, wild rice doesn’t have a thick hull or excessive starch that requires pre-soaking or rinsing. Simply add the wild rice and water directly to the Instant Pot as instructed.
Mushy wild rice is usually a sign of overcooking or using too much liquid. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method is very efficient, requiring less water than stovetop methods. For future attempts, try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes or shortening the natural pressure release (NPR) time slightly. Adjusting these factors should help you achieve perfectly chewy, separate grains.
Pure wild rice is naturally gluten-free as it is a seed from a water grass. However, if you are purchasing a “wild rice blend,” it’s crucial to check the ingredient list. Some blends may contain other grains, such as barley or rye, which do contain gluten. Always look for a “gluten-free certified” label if you have dietary restrictions.
Wild rice is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full longer. It’s also rich in plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, wild rice provides essential minerals like phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
Explore More Easy Instant Pot Side Dishes
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend, you’ll love discovering other effortless side dishes you can create with your pressure cooker. The Instant Pot is truly fantastic for making meal prep and daily cooking quicker and more convenient. Here are a few more recipes to expand your Instant Pot repertoire:
- Instant Pot White Rice: Master the art of perfectly fluffy white rice for any meal.
- Instant Pot Frozen Broccoli: Get tender, vibrant broccoli in minutes, perfect for a quick, healthy green side.
- Instant Pot Creamed Corn: Enjoy a rich and creamy classic side, made surprisingly easy in your Instant Pot.
- Instant Pot Mushroom Rice – Little Sunny Kitchen: A deeply flavorful and aromatic rice dish that makes for a heartier side.
- Instant Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf – Running on Real Food: A vibrant, nutritious pilaf loaded with vegetables and savory flavors.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend
A perfectly cooked, flavorful, and hearty wild rice blend that makes an excellent, versatile side dish for any meal. It’s wonderfully chewy and nutty!
Course: Side Dish, Instant Pot
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes (Natural Pressure Release)
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Dorothy Bigelow
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 Quart)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups wild rice blend
- 1 ½ cups cold water (or vegetable/chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (optional)
Instructions
- Add the wild rice blend, water, salt, and optional avocado oil to the Instant Pot inner pot. Stir gently.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 27 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 minutes.
- After NPR, perform a Quick Release for any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, carefully open the lid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.
Notes
Larger batches: Increase all ingredients proportionally, but never exceed your Instant Pot’s Max Fill line as rice expands significantly.
Smaller batches: For a 6-quart Instant Pot, use a minimum of 1 cup rice and 1 cup water. For an 8-quart, stick to the recipe’s minimum of 1 ½ cups rice and 1 ½ cups water.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 149kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 393mg
- Potassium: 171mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 8IU
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 1mg
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