Easy Instant Pot Wild Rice

This Instant Pot wild rice recipe gives you perfectly tender, nutty wild rice without soaking or babysitting the stove. It’s hands-off, foolproof, and ready fast—great for meal prep, soups, salads, or easy weeknight sides.

Instant Pot wild rice is the no-stress way to cook this hearty, nutty grain without standing over the stove or waiting forever.

Toss it in the pressure cooker, walk away, and come back to perfectly tender wild rice that works for soups, salads, casseroles, or an easy side dish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• No soaking required – straight from the bag to the Instant Pot.
• Hands-off cooking – set it and let the pressure cooker do the work.
• Perfect texture every time – tender, not mushy, not crunchy.
• Great for meal prep – reheats well and freezes like a champ.
• Works in everything – soups, salads, casseroles, or a simple side dish.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Rice Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT CILANTRO LIME WHITE RICE, INSTANT POT GREEK LEMON RICE, and INSTANT POT CHICKEN FRIED RICE.

Ingredients Needed

• ​Wild Rice Blend: Hearty mix with nutty flavor and chewy texture
• Water: Helps rice cook evenly and absorb moisture
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and smooth, savory finish

How To Make Instant Pot Wild Rice

Step One: Start by rinsing the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water.

Step Two: You can add flavor by sautéing the rinsed wild rice in the Instant Pot for a few minutes. To do this, turn on the saute function, add a small amount of oil or butter, and sauté the rice for minutes until it becomes aromatic. This step is optional but enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.

Step Three:  Pour water or broth (vegetable or chicken). If you want to add extra flavor, consider using broth instead of water. Add salt to taste, if desired.

Step Four: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and select a cook time of around 25-30 minutes.  Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure for about 10-15 minutes naturally.

Easy Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe Tips

• Rinse the wild rice first to avoid gummy, starchy results.
• Use the natural pressure release so the grains finish cooking evenly.
• Stir in butter or salt after cooking for better flavor control.
• If it looks slightly wet, fluff and let it sit uncovered a few minutes.
• Add herbs, broth, or garlic to level it up without extra work.

Storing Instructions

• Store cooked wild rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep it from drying out.

Easy Instant Pot Wild Rice Recipe Faqs

Do I need to soak wild rice before cooking in the Instant Pot? Nope! The Instant Pot cooks wild rice perfectly without soaking, saving you time.

Can I use broth instead of water? Absolutely. Using chicken, vegetable, or beef broth adds extra flavor.

How long does it take to cook wild rice in the Instant Pot? Set the Instant Pot for 25–30 minutes on high pressure, then let it naturally release for best texture.

Why is my wild rice mushy or undercooked? Mushy rice usually means too much liquid; undercooked means not enough pressure time or quick release too soon. Stick to the recommended ratios and natural release.

Can I freeze cooked wild rice? Yes. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water.

Can I add seasonings or aromatics while cooking? Yes! Garlic, onion, herbs, or spices can be added before pressure cooking to infuse flavor.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT SWEET BELL PEPPER COUSCOUS (FIESTA)
• INSTANT POT HOMEMADE RICE PILAF
• EASY INSTANT POT CILANTRO LIME WHITE RICE
• INSTANT POT SPANISH RICE
• INSTANT POT GREEK LEMON RICE

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