To cook wild rice, follow these general steps:
- Rinse the wild rice well under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil (use abundant water, about 6 cups per 1 cup of rice for stovetop cooking).
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook the rice uncovered for approximately 40 to 55 minutes until the grains are tender but still have a slight bite, and some grains may split open.
- Drain the excess water, return the rice to the pot off heat, cover with a clean towel and a lid, and let it steam for 10 minutes to fluff up.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Optional variations include cooking with broth instead of water or adding sautéed aromatics like garlic, shallots, or onions for extra flavor. The water-to-rice ratio can vary depending on the method, but typical ratios are around 2.5 to 1 or more water to rice, especially if cooking by simmering with a lid. Wild rice can also be cooked in an Instant Pot or rice cooker with slightly different times and liquid ratios, but stovetop cooking as described is common and effective. This method yields tender, fluffy wild rice with a slightly nutty texture and flavor.
