Pecan Wild Rice is a versatile side dish perfect for both easy weeknight dinners and holiday main courses. This recipe includes pomegranate, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this homemade meal is also rich in protein and fiber!
Pecan wild rice is the ultimate side dish!
This savory wild rice pilaf features sweet pomegranate arils and crunchy pecans. It's delicious and visually stunning—perfect for weekdays, special occasions, or holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. While wild rice takes about 50 minutes to cook, the rest of the recipe comes together quickly, making it great for busy weeknights or hosting guests. You can make it ahead by cooking wild rice 24 hours in advance. Serve it with roasted Cornish hens, flavorful chicken with apples and maple-lime sauce, or with pork chops and caramelized apples.
What kind of wild rice to use?
I recommend using pure wild rice, which I used in the recipe. Wild rice is a specific grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Alternatively, you can use a "wild rice blend," which combines wild rice with other types of rice, such as brown or long-grain rice. The wild rice blend tends to have a milder flavor and softer texture, often at a more affordable price. Pure wild rice, on the other hand, retains its unique nutty flavor and chewy consistency.
How to cook wild rice
- Rinse the rice. Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water to remove any debris.
- Boil water. For every 1 cup of wild rice, bring 3 or 4 cups (per your package instructions!) of water or broth to a boil in a medium pot.
- Add rice. Stir in the wild rice, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook. Cover and let it cook for 45 - 50 minutes (refer to the package instructions), until the rice is tender and most of the grains have split open. Check the texture; it should be soft but still chewy.
- Drain excess water. Once cooked, drain any remaining water and fluff the rice with a fork.
How do you know when wild rice is cooked?
Cook the rice until it's tender but not mushy and most grains have popped open. Avoid overcooking to prevent the rice from becoming tough and chewy. Be patient, and cook until it reaches the right level of softness. Once done, drain any excess water from the pan.
What to serve with pecan wild rice
Wild rice pairs well with so many dishes, including grilled meats like chicken, steak, and pork, roasted vegetables such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. It also complements seafood like salmon or shrimp. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Roasted Cornish Hens
- Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Lamb Chops with Mustard-Thyme Sauce
- Apple Cranberry Chicken
Other wild rice recipes you might like
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms
- Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Wild Rice Skillet with Green Peas
- Chicken and Wild Rice in a creamy Parmesan sauce
- Wild Rice and Sausage Pilaf
Pecan Wild Rice
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook wild rice
- Rinse it under cold water, then bring 3 or 4 cups of water (or broth) to a boil for every 1 cup of rice (refer to the package instructions!). Add the rice, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 45 or 50 minutes until tender and most grains have split. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork.
Toast pecans
- Toast pecans in the preheated oven at 375 F for 5 minutes.
Cook the veggies and assemble
- In a large, deep skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for five minutes. Add the cooked wild rice and ¼ teaspoon salt, then heat through. Stir in chopped pecans, and finish by topping with pomegranate arils and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
love all your recipes, I would make them all, but not feasible, so i try some, thank you so much for sharing.