Wild Rice Cooking Instructions

Wild rice takes more patience than white rice. But the payoff — that nutty earthy flavor and satisfying chew — is worth every minute.

Here's everything you need to know to cook it right every time.

Before You Start — Always Rinse

Rinse wild rice under cold running water before every method. Removes dust and debris. Takes 30 seconds. Never skip it.

Stovetop — The Standard Method

The most reliable way to cook wild rice. Works for every variety.

Ratio: 1 cup wild rice to 3 cups water or broth
Time: 45-55 minutes

Bring liquid to a boil. Add rinsed wild rice. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until grains split open and are tender but still slightly chewy. Drain excess liquid. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Pro tip: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Makes a significant difference in flavor.

Cook Times By Variety

Grade A — Long Grain: 45-55 minutes
Wood Parched: 15-20 minutes
Hand Harvested: 20-25 minutes
Soup Grade: 25-35 minutes
Wild Rice and Brown Rice Blend: 20-25 minutes

Crockpot — Slow Cooker Method

Set it and forget it. Great for soups and casseroles.

Ratio: 1 cup wild rice to 4 cups water or broth
Time: Low 4-5 hours / High 2.5-3 hours

Rinse rice. Add to crockpot with liquid. Cook on low or high until tender. Drain excess liquid. Fluff and serve.

Instant Pot — Pressure Cooker Method

Fastest method. Great when you're short on time.

Ratio: 1 cup wild rice to 1.25 cups water or broth
Time: 25 minutes high pressure plus 10 minutes natural release

Rinse rice. Add to Instant Pot with liquid. Cook on high pressure 25 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes. Manual release remaining pressure. Drain and fluff.

Cast Iron Over Open Fire — Camp Method

The best way to cook wild rice Up North. Nothing else comes close.

Ratio: 1 cup wild rice to 3 cups water or broth
Time: 45-50 minutes

Build a fire and let it burn down to hot coals for steady heat. Place a cast iron pot with a lid over the coals. Bring liquid to a boil. Add rinsed rice. Cover and simmer 45-50 minutes checking occasionally. Add water if needed. Grains should split open and be tender but firm.

Best meal you'll eat on any northern trip.

Jetboil — Backpacking and Camping Method

For when you're deep in the backcountry and weight matters.

Ratio: 1 cup wild rice to 3 cups water
Time: 40-45 minutes

Pre-rinse and pack dry wild rice in a sealed bag before your trip. Bring water to a boil in your Jetboil. Add rice. Reduce to a light simmer if possible. Cook 40-45 minutes. Strain excess water. Let sit a few minutes before eating.

Pro tip: Soup Grade wild rice cooks faster and works better for backpacking. Less cook time means less fuel used.