Wild rice substitutes
Wild rice substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Brown rice
Same amount as the wild rice
Whole grain rice with similar nutrition.
The best substitutes for wild rice are brown rice, quinoa, or farro, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- pilafs
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of wild rice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown ricepilafs | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Quinoagrain bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Farrograin bowls | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Barleysoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Brown rice
different taste and texture
Whole grain rice with similar nutrition.
- Best for
- pilafs, side dishes, grain bowls, stuffing
Similar nutrition, different texture.
Quinoa
different taste and texture
Complete protein grain.
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, side dishes, pilafs
Higher protein content, cooks faster.
Farro
different taste, similar texture
Ancient grain with chewy texture.
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, soups, side dishes
Chewy texture, nutty flavor.
Barley
different taste, similar texture
Similar whole grain with chewy texture.
- Best for
- soups, pilafs, grain bowls, side dishes
Similar chewy texture, different flavor.
Questions
3 questionsIs wild rice actually rice?
No, wild rice is actually a grass seed, not true rice. It's the seed of an aquatic grass native to North America.
Why is wild rice so expensive?
Wild rice is hand-harvested from natural waterways, making it more labor-intensive and expensive than cultivated rice.
Can I cook wild rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, but it may take longer than regular rice. Use the brown rice setting and add extra water.
Tips for substituting wild rice
4 tips- Wild rice takes longer to cook than regular rice
- Use a 1:3 ratio of wild rice to water
- Wild rice is done when the grains split open
- Mix wild rice with other grains for texture variety