Small Batch Wild Rice (2 Servings)

Name: Small Batch Wild Rice (2 Servings)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup wild rice blend (); 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; pinch sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar

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This easy wild rice recipe makes just two servings and works well with any main dish, veggie side or grain bowl. It's a simple, hearty side that features pantry staples and just five minutes of prep time.

A white bowl filled with cooked wild rice sits on a blue and tan plaid napkin on a white marble countertop.

Ooooh I couldn't wait to share this simple little recipe. 🙂 Unlike regular rice, wild rice has the most delightfully chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor that is honestly so worth the extra cooking time. I love it because it's filling yet not heavy, and with a flavor that's well…not boring.

My secret ingredient in this recipe that gives it a pop of flavor? A splash of red wine vinegar added just after cooking. Actually, I can't take credit for this; I got the idea from Sweetgreen and their famous Harvest Bowl. It's so simple, but this small addition of a little acidity makes the rice bright instead of flat. And this extra pop makes it amazing for pairing with other sides like roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli.

🌿 Ingredients

If you don't have olive oil or red wine vinegar, feel free to leave either or both out.

Pro tip: For even more flavor, substitute vegetable or chicken broth for the water.

See recipe card below for exact quantities.

📝 Instructions

A stainless steel pot filled with uncooked wild rice blend, showing a mix of brown, black, and red rice on a white marble countertop. — Combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil and a little salt, and bring to a boil.

A stainless steel pot filled with cooked wild rice, being stirred with a wooden spoon, sits on a white marble countertop. — Reduce the heat, simmer for 45 minutes, rest for 10, and mix in the vinegar.

🥧 Serving suggestions

Wild rice works plays well with almost any simple side dish as well as baked salmon, walnut chicken, or your favorite main dish. It also words great in grain bowls with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

💭 FAQ

Why did my wild rice split open?

That's actually what you want! When wild rice cooks, the outer shell splits and reveals the tender inside.

Can I cook wild rice faster?

Yes. A pressure cooker or Instant Pot can cook it in about 25 minutes.

🍳 Recipe

A white bowl filled with cooked wild rice sits on a tan napkin with a dark blue plaid pattern.

Small Batch Wild Rice (2 Servings)

Allison Campbell

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Learn how to cook wild rice with this easy stovetop recipe. Perfect fluffy wild rice every time with simple ingredients and bright flavor.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1

Servings: 2

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 205

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

½ cup wild rice blend
1 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
pinch sea salt
½ teaspoon red wine vinegar

Equipment

fine mesh strainer
medium pot with lid

Method

Place the wild rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds.
½ cup wild rice blend
In a medium pot, combine the wild rice, water, olive oil and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
1 cup water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, pinch sea salt
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes (see notes). The grains will split open when done.
Remove the covered pot from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes before stirring.
If there's any extra liquid, drain it off. Add the vinegar and stir gently to incorporate and fluff the rice before serving.
½ teaspoon red wine vinegar

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 171mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg