Out of Wild rice, one case
Good substitute for wild rice - reliable alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Brown rice
Same amount as the wild rice
Good substitutes for wild rice include brown rice, quinoa, farro, and barley. Brown rice is most accessible, quinoa provides protein, farro offers similar texture, and barley adds heartiness. All work well in most wild rice recipes.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- pilafs
One casethe full wild rice card
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 amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Farrograin bowls | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Barleysoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Wheat berriesgrain bowls | Same amountWorks | Works |
Brown rice
different taste and texture
Whole grain rice that provides similar nutritional benefits to wild rice
- Best for
- pilafs, side dishes, grain bowls, general cooking
Most accessible and affordable, similar nutrition.
Quinoa
different taste, similar texture
Complete protein grain with similar texture to wild rice
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, vegetarian dishes, when you want protein
Complete protein, similar texture, cooks faster.
Farro
similar taste and texture
Ancient grain with chewy texture and nutty flavor similar to wild rice
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, pilafs, when you want similar texture
Similar texture and flavor, chewy and nutty.
Barley
different taste, similar texture
Whole grain with chewy texture that adds heartiness to dishes
- Best for
- soups, pilafs, grain bowls, when you want hearty texture
Chewy texture, hearty feel, good for soups.
Wheat berries
similar taste and texture
Whole wheat kernels with chewy texture and nutty flavor
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, when you want hearty texture
Chewy texture, nutty flavor, hearty feel.
How it behaves in this recipe
Good wild rice substitutes are those that work reliably in most recipes and provide similar nutritional benefits. While they may not well match wild rice's unique characteristics, they offer practical alternatives that are accessible and affordable for everyday cooking.
Tips for substituting wild rice
5 tips- Brown rice is the most accessible substitute and works in most recipes
- Quinoa cooks faster than wild rice, so reduce cooking time by 20-25 minutes
- Farro provides the closest texture match to wild rice
- Barley works especially well in soups and hearty dishes
- Mix different grains together for variety and enhanced nutrition
Notes on wild rice
- Brown rice for accessibility
- Quinoa for protein content
- Farro for similar texture
- Barley for hearty dishes
- Mixed grains for variety
Questions
5 questionsWhat's a good substitute for wild rice?
Good substitutes for wild rice include brown rice (most accessible), quinoa (high protein), farro (similar texture), and barley (hearty texture). All work well in most wild rice recipes.
Is brown rice a good substitute for wild rice?
Yes, brown rice is a good substitute for wild rice. It provides similar nutrition and is more accessible and affordable, though it has a different texture and flavor.
What's the easiest wild rice substitute to find?
Brown rice is the easiest wild rice substitute to find. It's available in most grocery stores and is much more affordable than wild rice.
Can I use quinoa as a good wild rice substitute?
Yes, quinoa is a good wild rice substitute. It has similar texture and is higher in protein, making it especially good for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
What wild rice substitute has the most similar texture?
Farro has the most similar texture to wild rice. It's chewy and nutty, making it an excellent substitute when texture is important.