Perfect Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend: Your Ultimate Guide to Fluffy, Nutty Perfection

Discover just how incredibly easy it is to prepare a magnificent Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend! This straightforward recipe primarily uses a high-quality wild rice blend, like the popular Lundberg brand, but it’s adaptable to your preferred variety. The result? A consistently nutty, wonderfully delicious, and impeccably cooked batch of wild rice every single time. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to perfect grains with minimal effort.

A beautifully presented bowl of perfectly cooked wild rice blend, resting on an elegant cloth napkin, ready to be served as a healthy and flavorful side dish. — Enjoying a bowl of perfectly cooked wild rice blend is a delightful experience.

The Instant Pot stands out as one of the most versatile kitchen appliances, especially when it comes to whipping up effortless and delectable side dishes. Far too often, the main course receives all the attention, leaving side dishes as an afterthought or a rushed, last-minute addition to the meal. This is precisely where the Instant Pot truly excels, transforming mundane sides into culinary highlights.

With your trusty Instant Pot, you can prepare an incredible array of dishes, from perfectly steamed frozen vegetables to fluffy white rice, pasta, and potatoes, all in mere minutes. The best part? Most of these preparations are almost entirely hands-free. This invaluable feature means you’re liberated to focus on your main dish, or even better, take a moment to sit down and relax before dinner is served. The Instant Pot genuinely revolutionizes dinner prep, making it significantly easier and more enjoyable for busy home cooks.

Sometimes, your meal calls for a side dish that offers a bit more character and excitement than the usual suspects. This Instant Pot wild rice recipe is exactly that. Its delicious, earthy, and nutty flavor profile makes it an ideal companion for a variety of proteins, such as succulent salmon fillets, crispy salmon patties, or tender chicken served with a rich, silky sauce (like my popular creamy red pepper chicken or my indulgent one-pan creamy garlic chicken skillet recipes). This dish isn’t just a side; it’s the ultimate healthy, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully textured rice dish that adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why we simply can’t get enough!

Why You’ll Love Cooking Wild Rice in the Instant Pot:

Effortless & Hands-Off Preparation: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. Simply add your ingredients to the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it! The pressure cooker handles all the work, allowing you to multitask or unwind while your perfectly cooked wild rice blend comes to fruition. It’s truly a game-changer for busy weeknights.
Versatile Pairing for Any Meal: Wild rice’s distinct nutty flavor and satisfying texture make it an incredibly versatile side. It complements a wide array of main courses, from delicate fish and robust chicken to various vegetarian and vegan entrees. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this wild rice blend fits right in.
A Healthy and Filling Choice: Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Wild rice is a whole grain, naturally rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals. It’s an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle, providing sustained energy and leaving you feeling full and satisfied.
Flavorful Alternative to Standard Rice: If you’re looking to elevate your meals beyond plain white or brown rice, wild rice blend is the answer. Its unique chewy texture and deep, earthy, nutty flavor provide a more complex and interesting base for your dishes. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in taste and experience.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Wild Rice

The simple and essential ingredients laid out for making Instant Pot wild rice: a bowl of wild rice blend, a glass of water, a salt shaker, and a bottle of avocado oil. — Only a few simple ingredients are needed for perfect Instant Pot wild rice.

Wild Rice Blend: The star of our dish! We are particularly fond of the Lundberg wild rice blend for its consistent quality and superb flavor, but don’t hesitate to use your favorite brand. Many excellent varieties are available at most grocery stores or bulk retailers. Look for blends that include various types of wild rice for a more complex texture and flavor profile.
Water: The crucial liquid for cooking. Always use cold, clean water. The most important tip here is maintaining a 1:1 ratio of water to wild rice for optimal texture and doneness. This precise ratio is key to preventing mushy or undercooked grains in the Instant Pot.
Salt: A small but mighty ingredient that significantly enhances the natural, earthy flavors inherent in the wild rice. It doesn’t just add saltiness; it helps to bring out the depth and nuances of the grain, making every bite more enjoyable. Feel free to adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Avocado Oil: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for an improved texture. Adding a touch of oil to the rice helps to separate the grains, preventing them from sticking together and resulting in a more pleasant, fluffy consistency. Avocado oil is a great choice due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but olive oil or another neutral cooking oil can also work.

How to Cook a Wild Rice Blend in the Instant Pot: Step-by-Step

A visual guide showing the initial steps of adding wild rice blend, water, and salt into the Instant Pot insert, followed by a stir to combine all ingredients. — Adding ingredients to the Instant Pot is the first step to perfectly cooked wild rice.

Prepare the Pot: Begin by adding the measured wild rice blend directly into the inner pot (insert) of your Instant Pot. Ensure your pot is clean and dry before adding ingredients.
Add Liquid: Pour in an equal amount of cold water. Remember, a 1:1 ratio is crucial for the perfect wild rice texture. For example, if you’re using 1.5 cups of wild rice, you’ll add 1.5 cups of water.
Season and Oil: Incorporate the salt and avocado oil (if using) into the pot. The oil helps to prevent sticking and improve grain separation.
Combine and Seal: Give everything a good stir to ensure the salt and oil are evenly distributed. Then, securely place the lid on your Instant Pot. Twist it until it locks, and make sure the steam release valve is set to the “sealing” position.
Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time for 27 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking timer begins counting down.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, allow it to perform a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure decrease on its own. The “L0:XX” timer will start counting up, indicating elapsed time since cooking finished.
Quick Release and Open: After the 10-15 minute NPR, carefully flip the steam release valve to the “venting” position to release any remaining steam. Once the float valve (the small silver pin) drops down, it is safe to open the Instant Pot lid. Always open the lid away from your face to avoid residual steam.
Fluff and Serve: Gently fluff the perfectly cooked wild rice with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and release any trapped steam. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your nutty, delicious wild rice is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

The Instant Pot open, revealing a beautifully cooked, fluffy wild rice blend inside the inner pot, ready for serving. — Perfectly cooked wild rice, right from the Instant Pot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Wild Rice

Utilize the Warming Function for NPR: An excellent hack for managing your Natural Pressure Release (NPR) without needing a separate timer is to use the Instant Pot’s built-in warming function. As soon as your Instant Pot finishes cooking and switches to “Keep Warm,” a timer will start counting up (displayed as L0:09, for example). You can simply wait until this timer reaches 10-15 minutes, then proceed with a manual quick pressure release. This ensures a consistent NPR every time.
Where to Buy Wild Rice Blends: High-quality wild rice blends are readily available at most standard grocery stores in the rice or grain aisle. For better value, especially if you cook wild rice frequently, consider purchasing from warehouse stores like Costco. They often offer larger bags at a significantly cheaper price per pound, making it a cost-effective choice for stocking your pantry.
Easy Reheating Solutions: Cooked wild rice reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. For quick reheating, simply place your desired portion in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For a stovetop method, add a tablespoon or two of water to the rice in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring until heated and rehydrated. The added water helps to restore its original texture and prevent dryness.
Rinse Your Wild Rice: While not strictly necessary for all wild rice blends, a quick rinse under cold water before cooking can help remove any excess starch or dust. This can lead to a cleaner flavor and slightly better-separated grains, though most modern blends are quite clean already.

A close-up shot of a bowl of fluffy wild rice blend, with a fork gently taking a portion, highlighting its inviting texture. — The perfect texture of wild rice, ready to be enjoyed.

Reheating and Storage for Instant Pot Wild Rice

Proper storage ensures your delicious Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend remains fresh and enjoyable for future meals.

Storage: Once your wild rice has finished cooking, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for food safety and preventing condensation. Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent component for meal prepping throughout the week.

Freezing: For longer storage, wild rice freezes exceptionally well. After allowing the rice to cool completely, portion it into plastic freezer bags. Press out any excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options. For microwave reheating, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Adding a small ice cube or a tablespoon of water can help reintroduce moisture and prevent dryness. Alternatively, for stovetop reheating, place the rice in a pot with an additional tablespoon or two of water over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the rice is heated through and regains its fluffy texture.

Making Larger or Smaller Batches of Instant Pot Wild Rice

The Instant Pot makes it easy to adjust your recipe to fit your needs, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.

Larger Batches: To make larger quantities of this delicious Instant Pot wild rice, simply increase all the ingredients proportionally. The key guideline to always remember is that you must never exceed the maximum fill line inside your Instant Pot, which is typically marked as “Max PC” (Maximum Pressure Cooking). In fact, with grains like rice that expand significantly during cooking, it’s generally a good practice to stay well below this line to allow for expansion and prevent potential issues with pressure buildup or overflowing. Always maintain the 1:1 rice-to-water ratio.

Smaller Batches: When scaling down the recipe, be mindful of your Instant Pot model’s minimum liquid requirement to achieve pressure. A 6-quart Instant Pot typically needs a minimum of 1 cup of liquid to pressurize, while the larger 8-quart model requires a minimum of 1 ½ cups. If you own an 8-quart model, it’s best to stick to the recipe as written (1.5 cups rice, 1.5 cups water) to ensure it reaches pressure reliably. However, if you have a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can safely scale down to a minimum of 1 cup of wild rice and 1 cup of water, maintaining that essential 1:1 ratio.

A rustic bowl of cooked wild rice blend, artfully placed on an off-white cloth napkin, emphasizing its wholesome and inviting appeal. — Wild rice is a perfect side dish for any occasion.

What to Serve with Nutty Instant Pot Wild Rice

The versatility of Instant Pot wild rice makes it an ideal accompaniment for a vast range of meals. Its earthy, nutty flavor and satisfying texture can elevate both simple and elaborate dishes.

Salmon: The rich, oily flavor of salmon perfectly complements the robust earthiness of wild rice. A simple grilled or baked salmon fillet with a lemon-herb seasoning is a fantastic pairing.
Fish (General): Beyond salmon, any flaky white fish, like cod or halibut, benefits from the hearty texture and flavor of wild rice, creating a well-balanced meal.
Chicken: Whether it’s roasted chicken, a creamy chicken stew, or simple pan-seared chicken breasts, wild rice adds a wonderful depth that white rice can’t match. Try it with a chicken and mushroom sauce!
Steamed Vegetables: For a light and healthy meal, pair your wild rice with a medley of vibrant steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will tie it all together.
Corn: The sweetness of corn (especially roasted or grilled) offers a delightful contrast to the savory notes of wild rice. This combination is particularly good in a summer salad or a warm pilaf.
Soup: Wild rice is a fantastic addition to various soups, adding body, texture, and a hearty element. Think creamy mushroom soup or a rustic vegetable broth-based soup.
Chowder: Incorporate wild rice into hearty chowders, especially those with a seafood or chicken base, for an extra layer of richness and a satisfying bite.
Salad: Cooled wild rice makes an excellent base for vibrant grain salads. Toss it with fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a nutritious and refreshing dish.
Autumnal Fruits and Additions: For a more festive or seasonal touch, particularly during fall and winter, mix in dried cranberries, chopped apricots, diced apples, pears, toasted walnuts, or pecans. These additions introduce sweetness, tartness, and crunch, transforming the wild rice into a side dish that’s truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Wild Rice

What is a wild rice blend?

A wild rice blend is a curated mix of various types of wild rice, often sold together as a medley. These blends are specifically designed so that all the included varieties have similar cooking times, ensuring that every grain finishes cooking simultaneously, resulting in a perfectly textured and harmonious dish.

Do I need to soak wild rice before cooking?

Unlike some other grains, wild rice typically does not require soaking before cooking. This is because it doesn’t possess a tough outer hull, like traditional white or brown rice varieties, which often benefits from soaking to reduce cooking time. For this Instant Pot recipe, simply add the rice and water directly into the pot using your desired cooking method without any pre-soaking.

Why is my wild rice mushy?

If your wild rice turns out mushy, it’s most likely a result of being overcooked or using too much water during the cooking process. The 1:1 ratio for Instant Pot wild rice is quite precise. The next time you cook, try reducing the cook time by a few minutes or ensuring you’ve accurately measured your water. Additionally, ensuring a proper Natural Pressure Release (NPR) can also impact the final texture; a too-long NPR can sometimes lead to overcooked rice.

Can I add seasonings to my Instant Pot wild rice?

Absolutely! While salt brings out the natural flavors, feel free to get creative with additional seasonings. A bay leaf, a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder, a dash of black pepper, or even a vegetable or chicken bouillon cube (instead of salt, or in addition to, adjusting for sodium content) can add wonderful depth. You can also cook it in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for an even richer flavor profile.

Is wild rice gluten-free?

Yes, genuine wild rice (which is actually a semi-aquatic grass seed, not a true rice) is naturally gluten-free. This makes the Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend a fantastic and healthy option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. Always check labels on wild rice *blends* to ensure other added grains are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.

A delicious bowl of wild rice blend, perfectly cooked and presented on an off-white cloth, inviting you to savor its wholesome goodness. — A simple, yet elegant side dish for any meal.

More Easy Instant Pot Side Dishes to Love

If you’re looking for more ways to make your weeknight meals easier and more flavorful with your Instant Pot, check out these other fantastic side dish recipes:

Instant Pot White Rice: Perfectly fluffy white rice every time.
Instant Pot Frozen Broccoli: Quick, vibrant, and perfectly cooked broccoli from frozen.
Instant Pot Creamed Corn: A creamy, comforting classic made in a flash.
Instant Pot Mushroom Rice – Little Sunny Kitchen: A savory and aromatic rice dish.
Instant Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf – Running on Real Food: A colorful and nutrient-rich pilaf.

An overhead shot of a bowl of wild rice blend, with a fork on the side, showcasing its texture and readiness to be enjoyed.

Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend

This Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend recipe consistently delivers perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully textured wild rice. Its slightly chewy, nutty, and hearty qualities make it an outstanding side dish that can effortlessly complement a wide variety of main courses or even stand proudly on its own as a light meal!

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Instant Pot

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 149kcal

Author: Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

▢ 1 ½ cups wild rice blend
▢ 1 ½ cups water
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ 1 teaspoon avocado oil

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add the wild rice blend to the inner pot of your 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot.
Carefully pour in 1 ½ cups of cool, fresh water. Then, add the salt and avocado oil (if desired). Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Securely place the lid onto the Instant Pot, twisting it to lock. Ensure the steam release valve is positioned to “sealing”. Select the manual pressure cooking function and set the timer for 27 minutes.
Once the Instant Pot reaches full pressure (indicated by a beep), the 27-minute cooking cycle will begin. After cooking, the pot will automatically switch to its “Keep Warm” function.
Allow the Instant Pot to perform a 15-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR). You can track this by observing the internal timer on the “Keep Warm” function, which counts up the elapsed time since cooking finished.
After the 15-minute NPR, carefully flip the steam release valve to the “venting” position to quick release any remaining pressure. Allow all the excess steam to escape completely.
Once the float valve (silver pin) drops, indicating that all pressure has been released, it is safe to open the Instant Pot lid. Always open the lid away from your face to avoid residual steam.
Gently fluff the perfectly cooked wild rice with a fork. Taste the rice and adjust the salt to your preference, or add any additional desired seasonings for enhanced flavor.
Your delicious and healthy Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

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Notes

Larger batches: You can easily make larger batches of this Instant Pot wild rice blend by proportionally increasing all of the ingredients. A vital consideration is to never exceed the maximum fill line within your Instant Pot. For grains like rice that expand considerably during cooking, it’s advisable to stay well below this line to ensure safe operation and prevent overflow or improper cooking.

Smaller batches: The minimum liquid required to build pressure varies by Instant Pot model. For 6-quart Instant Pots, a minimum of 1 cup of liquid is needed. For the larger 8-quart models, the minimum is 1 ½ cups of liquid. Therefore, if you have an 8-quart model, it’s recommended to follow the recipe as written. If you own a 6-quart model, you can safely scale down to a minimum of 1 cup of wild rice and 1 cup of water, maintaining the crucial 1:1 ratio.

Nutrition

In conclusion, mastering the art of making Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend is a truly rewarding experience for any home cook. This recipe offers a hassle-free method to produce consistently perfect, nutty, and flavorful wild rice that rivals any stovetop preparation, all while freeing up your valuable time. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy side dish, a versatile component for meal prep, or simply a delicious alternative to your usual grains, this Instant Pot method will become your go-to. Embrace the ease and enjoy the rich, satisfying taste of perfectly cooked wild rice with every meal!

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