Looking for a nutritious and delicious way to add some excitement to your meals? Look no further than wild rice! This nutty, slightly sweet grain is packed with nutrients and pairs perfectly with a wide range of flavors. From savory soups and stews to sweet breakfast porridges, we’ve gathered 20 mouth-watering wild rice recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick weeknight meals or a health-conscious foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, these recipes have got you covered. From classic comfort foods like casseroles and stuffed peppers, to international-inspired dishes like jambalaya and sushi rolls, we’ve included something for every taste and dietary preference.
So why not give wild rice a try? With its nutty flavor, satisfying texture, and impressive nutritional profile, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of wild rice and explore 20 delicious recipes that showcase its versatility and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf with Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful pilaf, bursting with the savory aroma of roasted vegetables and the nutty charm of wild rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add wild rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until grains are tender and fluffy.
3. Stir in thyme and parsley. Fluff with a fork to combine.
4. Combine cooked pilaf and roasted vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Warm up with this hearty and comforting soup made with earthy wild rice and a medley of sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring mixture to a simmer. Stir in cooked wild rice.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the sweetness of bell peppers, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix cooked wild rice with the skillet mixture.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the wild rice mixture and top with cheese (if using).
7. Place peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Garlic Wild Rice Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the brightness of lemon and the pungency of garlic, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Toss until the rice is well coated with the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time) + 0 minutes (cook time)
Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole
Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this hearty Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook wild rice blend according to package instructions using water or chicken broth.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
4. Add frozen peas and carrots; cook until thawed.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked wild rice, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese.
6. Dot top with melted butter and sprinkle with thyme.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Wild Rice Jambalaya
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this bold and flavorful Spicy Wild Rice Jambalaya recipe! This Southern-inspired dish combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with spicy sausage, juicy chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as Andouille or chorizo), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 7 minutes.
4. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cumin. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
This hearty fall dish combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with the earthy flavors of wild rice and tart cranberries. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squash
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, cranberries, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Divide the filling mixture evenly between the two squash halves.
5. Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice and Kale Buddha Bowl
This nutritious bowl combines hearty wild rice with tender kale, sweet roasted vegetables, and a tangy tahini dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
– 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite toppings (e.g. cherry tomatoes, avocado, nuts)
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Roast bell pepper and zucchini in a separate oven-safe skillet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the bowls by placing cooked wild rice on the bottom, topped with wilted kale mixture, roasted vegetables, and drizzle with tahini dressing.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Wild Rice and Black Bean Tacos
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the bold taste of black beans, wrapped in a crispy taco shell. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 taco shells
– Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked black beans and wild rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
6. Assemble the tacos by spooning the wild rice and black bean mixture into the shells and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Risotto
Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
This hearty risotto combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 2 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 1/4 cup wild rice
– 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet; roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large pot, heat broth over low heat. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
3. Add roasted squash, chopped onion, minced garlic, wild rice, and Parmesan cheese to the risotto. Stir to combine.
4. Continue cooking, adding warmed broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring frequently, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the nutty taste of wild rice with spicy sausage and crunchy bell peppers. Perfect for a hearty dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cooked wild rice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the sausage-wild rice mixture.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Wild Rice and Avocado Sushi Rolls
Elevate your sushi game with this unique and flavorful combination of nutty wild rice and creamy avocado, wrapped in a crispy seaweed sheet. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix cooked wild rice with mashed avocado and a pinch of sesame oil.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place the wild rice-avocado mixture in the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or a clean tea towel, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
6. Slice into individual pieces and serve with soy sauce (optional).
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Rice and Lentil Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the comforting warmth of red lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the wild rice, lentils, vegetable broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the grains are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wild Rice and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious dish featuring earthy portobello mushrooms filled with a savory wild rice and spinach mixture.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cooked wild rice, spinach leaves, and grated cheese.
3. Drizzle the mushroom caps with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the wild rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Rice and Blueberry Breakfast Porridge
Start your day with a nutritious and flavorful breakfast porridge featuring wild rice, blueberries, and subtle spices!
Wild Rice and Blueberry Breakfast Porridge Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice (cooled)
– 2 cups water or plant-based milk
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked wild rice, water or plant-based milk, rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the porridge has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in chopped blueberries and cook for an additional minute.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra blueberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty, flavorful side dish that combines the nutty goodness of wild rice with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, sweet potato cubes, olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Rice and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
This hearty salad combines nutty wild rice and creamy chickpeas with a tangy tahini dressing, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. With its mix of textures and flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice and chickpeas.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Rice and Shrimp Stir-Fry
This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines nutty wild rice with succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and savory soy sauce for a delicious and healthy meal. Perfect as a main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Add cooked wild rice and stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Return shrimp to skillet and stir-fry for another minute, until everything is well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wild Rice and Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes, this recipe combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the creamy richness of pesto.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 tbsp pesto
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
3. Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each stuffed tomato.
6. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Rice and Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
This recipe combines the savory flavor of pork chops with the sweetness of apples and the nutty taste of wild rice, making for a deliciously unique meal. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 large apples, diced (Granny Smith or sweet varieties work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, diced apples, melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay pork chops flat and divide the wild rice mixture among them, spooning it onto one side of each chop.
4. Fold the other half of each chop over the filling to form a pocket.
5. Place stuffed pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these 20 flavorful wild rice recipes! From hearty casseroles and soups to salads, stir-fries, and more, this collection has something for everyone. Try Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf with Roasted Vegetables or Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup for a comforting start. For a lighter option, whip up Lemon Garlic Wild Rice Salad or Wild Rice and Kale Buddha Bowl. With wild rice as the base, you can create endless combinations to suit your taste buds. Explore this variety of recipes and discover new flavors today!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
