How to cook wild rice?

How to cook Wild Rice?

Boiling is a classic, some may say go-to way to get wild rice ready to eat. One of the reasons it's so popular, besides how easy it is, is that boiled wild rice tends to have tender, but intact kernels (perfect for dished like this Wild Rice Cranberry Salad). Boiling also gives the cook a bit more control over the texture than steaming, so it also is how the rice gets cooked to a comforting mush in this Wild Rice Congee.

How to Steam Wild Rice?

Steamed wild rice has many popped kernels and a very tender texture.

In a medium sauce pan, bring 1 cup wild rice, 3 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, and cook until the rice is tender and the kernels pop open, 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover the rice and fluff it with a fork. Simmer 5 additional minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess liquid, if necessary.

How to Bake Wild Rice ?

This is a great method that often gets used when making wild rice-based casseroles or this Wild Rice-Stuffed Squash, but works just as nicely (with a lovely hands-off element) when just cooking up basic wild rice.

Combine 1 cup wild rice with 2 cups boiling water or broth and salt to taste in a 2-quart casserole with a tight fitting lid.

Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Check the wild rice. Add more water or broth, if needed, and fluff the rice with a fork. Continue baking until the rice is tender and still moist, about 30 minutes.

How to Microwave Wild Rice?

I have to admit, this isn't my preferred method - it's not all that fast and it can be tricky to get the right texture. That said, sometimes a microwave is what's at hand, and one can certainly cook wild rice in one.

Combine 1 cup wild rice and 3 cups water or broth and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt in a covered 2-quart glass or other microwaveable container. Microwave on full power for 5 minutes. Microwave on 50 percent power for 30 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes and taste - the wild rice should be tender. If it's not, microwave in 2 minute increments until it is. Drain, if necessary.