BEST Seasoned Wild Rice Recipe (2024)

Wild rice is a deliciously nutty chewy whole grain that can be served as a healthy side dish or even used as a stuffing in roasted bell peppers and squash. The secret to making it perfect is the seasoning, and this Wild Rice Recipe is the best ever!

Whether you are making basic wild rice or using a rice blend as I do, it really does all come down to the way it’s seasoned which can make or break the flavor of your dish. Let me show you how I do it to get the perfect taste and texture every time. I’ve included stovetop and Instant Pot cooking directions.

What is wild rice?

Wild rice is actually a semi-aquatic grass that is has a nutty flavor and firm chewy texture and is packed with nutrition. It is usually grown in the Great Lakes region of the US but it can be found growing wild (which is where it gets its name) in waterways all over the United States.

When cooked, the grains triple in size, so a half-cup of dry wild rice will yield 1.5 cups when cooked. It’s often used as a side dish or stuffing for other recipes, and it’s a great addition to soups and stews.

Personally, I like to use a blend of wild rice that also includes brown, red, and white rice. One reason is that a blend of rice makes a more colorful and beautiful display when I’m using it as a stuffing like in my Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe that we have during the holidays.

How to cook perfect wild rice

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the rice before cooking. I use a rice rinser bowl which is also great for washing other small grains such as quinoa. Set the clean rice to the side.

Next, dice up the onion and mince the garlic. Then gather the spices needed that include curry powder, cinnamon, sage, and cloves.

Heat 3 Tbsp veggie broth or water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Add more broth if necessary.

Add the rice, curry powder, cinnamon, sage, clove, and salt and stir for about 1 minute.

Next, add the rest of the veggie broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover and stir occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 30-45 minutes. Plain wild rice will take the full 45 minutes where a blend of rice like I use will take less time. Different blends of rice may vary in cooking times and broth or water requirements.

Remove lid and check to see if the rice is tender. I like to reduce the heat to low and allow any extra moisture to cook out for about 1-2 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat.

Instant Pot cooking directions

• Follow prep directions above for rinsing the rice and dicing onions and garlic.
• Use the Saute setting on your Instant Pot to cook the onions and garlic as described for the stovetop method.
• Add the rice, curry powder, cinnamon, sage, clove, and salt and stir for about 1 minute.
• Pour in 1.5 cups of veggie broth and lock the lid in place and move the valve to SEALING.
• Select MANUAL high for 25 minutes.
• When the cooking cycle has completed, allow for a slow release for about 15-minutes, then move the steam release valve to VENT to release any remaining pressure.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb any remaining broth.

Wild rice serving suggestions

• Side Dish- Wild rice is delicious and hearty served with meals like my Vegan Meatloaf or Seitan Roast.
• Stuffing- Use it as a stuffing for roasted bell pepper or even in baked squash like my Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
• Soups & Stews- Add the rice to vegetable soups and stews to make for a heartier delicious meal.

Want more rice recipes?

• Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Easy Stir-Fried Rice
• Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
• Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

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