Mexican Wild Rice Recipe

Name: Mexican Wild Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces wild rice ((a little over a half cup)); 5 cups water or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons oil; 2 cloves garlic; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 cup cilantro

Published: Nov 3, 2020 · Modified: Mar 25, 2021 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Mexican wild rice is a delicious alternative to a traditional Mexican rice recipe. The warm spices of the Mexican seasonings are complimented by the slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture of the wild rice.

Bowl of Mexican wild rice. Tomatoes and cilantro on a plate in the background.

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What is Wild Rice?
Is Wild Rice Healthier than Brown Rice?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

What is Wild Rice?

Wild rice is actually not even rice at all! It is an aquatic grass seed that grows in lakes and rivers. Minnesota is the primary producer of wild rice. It has a nutty, tea-like flavor, and a chewy texture.

Most wild rice that you find in supermarkets is a combination of authentic wild rice that is mixed with brown and black rice. But you can also get pure wild rice, and that is what we are using in this recipe.

This Mexican wild rice recipe is super simple to make. It uses cooked wild rice, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro! Once the rice is cooked, the rest comes together in just 5 minutes.

Ingredient flatlay: wild rice, tomato sauce, oil, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic.

Is Wild Rice Healthier than Brown Rice?

According to nutritionvalue.org wild rice has 30% fewer calories than brown rice, almost half of the carbs, and more protein! Wild rice can be a wonderful alternative to white or brown rice when you are looking to make a protein-rich meal.

How to Cook Wild Rice

Wild rice cooks in a similar manner as pasta, where it cooks in a lot of water! Because it is a very dense seed that takes a while to cook. After simmering on the stove for 50-60 minutes, the excess water is drained off.
Cooking the rice can be done ahead. Day-old wild rice works perfectly in this recipe.

Pot of wild rice, ready to add water and boil.

Saute with Sauce and Seasonings

Heat some oil in a large skillet, over medium heat.
Cook the garlic in the oil until it becomes fragrant.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the cilantro, and cook for a few minutes. Once the sauce has been mostly absorbed then the rice is done.

Pan of wild rice with tomato sauce, garlic, and seasoning added.

The final step is to add the cilantro. If you don't like cilantro then you can skip this step. But for me, I love cilantro, so this adds the perfect finishing flavor!

Pan of cooked Mexican wild rice with cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a standard water ratio when cooking wild rice?

Wild rice is a little tricky when it comes to how much water you need. Many recommend a 3:1 ratio. However, it can take 50-60 minutes for wild rice to fully cook so the amount of liquid needed may vary. Since you pour off excess liquid, I recommend a 5:1 ratio so that you are sure to have plenty of liquid for the full cook time.

Can I make this recipe with a different kind of rice?

This Mexican wild rice recipe can definetely be made with brown or white rice! Use 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice as a substitute.

This wild rice recipe goes perfectly with any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal! From fajitas to enchiladas, Mexican wild rice is a delicious accompaniment!

Wild rice in a white bowl. Garnished wtih tomatoes and cilantro. There is a wooden spoon on the side.

Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!