Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Perfect Wild Rice recipe is simple, reliable, and delivers fluffy, flavorful grains every single time. It’s:

• Naturally gluten-free and plant-based
• Only 3 ingredients, with no need for a rice cooker
• Pre-soaked for better digestion and quicker cooking
• A versatile base for sweet or savory dishes
• Ready in under an hour, with most of the time hands-off

Once you taste wild rice prepared this way, you’ll never want to settle for mushy or undercooked grains again!

The Story Behind This Wild Rice

I first learned that all wild rice isn’t created equal while traveling in Central America, from a fellow American Aborigine from Orlando, FL. Apparently our Ancestors hand-harvested it from lakes, then parched, threshed, and dried it over fire.

Inspired by those traditional practices, I developed this method as a simplified, everyday approach that honors the grain while making it accessible for modern kitchens. The overnight soak softens the outer bran and makes for quicker, more even cooking, plus better nutrient absorption.

Health Benefits

Wild rice is more than a pretty grain—it’s a nutritional powerhouse:

• High in fiber – supports digestion and blood sugar balance
• Rich in protein – one of the highest among grains
• Full of antioxidants – even more than white or brown rice
• Good source of B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc

It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat more plant-based whole foods without sacrificing satisfaction.

Perfect Wild Rice

Recipe by Matthew Pure BradleyCourse: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: American AborigineDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

166

kcal

A simple, but patient method for the fluffiest wild rice. Soaked for better digestion, simmered to perfection, and super versatile.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry wild rice

• 3 cups water

• Pinch of sea salt

Directions

• Soak: Place wild rice in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak in the refrigerator overnight (8–12 hours). This improves texture and digestibility.
• Boil: Drain the soaked rice, add it to a saucepan with 3 cups fresh water and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  
• Simmer: Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 20 minutes.
  
• Rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest in the covered pot for 30 minutes. This step finishes the cooking without making the grains soggy.
• Drain & Fluff: Pour off any excess water. Fluff with a fork, serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Serving Suggestions
  This wild rice is incredibly versatile. Try it:
  • In a warm grain bowl with roasted veggies and tahini dressing
  • Tossed with cranberries and pecans for a seasonal salad
  • As a base for a hearty mushroom stew or curry
  • In a stuffed acorn squash for holiday meals
  • Chilled and mixed with herbs and citrus for a refreshing rice salad
• Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
  • Refrigerator: Store cooked wild rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water.
  • Meal Prep: Soak and cook in bulk, then portion out for easy meals all week.
• Reader FAQs
  Can I skip the soaking step?
  Technically, yes—but soaking cuts cook time and improves digestibility. It also ensures even cooking, especially for whole, wild-harvested rice.
  Can I use a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
  Yes! After soaking, cook wild rice with a 1:3 ratio in your rice cooker, or use the “Rice” setting in an Instant Pot.
  Why is my wild rice still chewy?
  Wild rice has a naturally chewy texture, but if it’s too firm, it likely needs more soaking or cooking time.
  Can I flavor it differently?
  Definitely! Add a our Yamz Ital Kitchen Adobo Seasoning while simmering, or stir in olive oil and herbs post-cook.

Nutrition Facts

3 servings per container

Serving Size150g

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• Amount Per ServingCalories166
• % Daily Value *
• Total Fat 0.6g 1%
  • Saturated Fat 0g 0%
• Sodium 110mg 5%
• Total Carbohydrate 35g 12%
  • Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
• Protein 6.5g 13%

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• Iron 1%
• Magnesium 52%
• Zinc 1.2%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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