Out of Wild rice, one case
Zatarain's long grain and wild rice substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Brown rice + quinoa
2 parts brown rice to 1 part quinoa
The best substitutes for Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice are brown rice + quinoa, brown rice + barley, or farro + black rice. Add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and garlic to recreate the seasoned flavor profile.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- pilafs
One casethe full wild rice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of wild rice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown rice + quinoapilafs | 2 parts brown rice to 1 part quinoaTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Brown rice + barleypilafs | 2 parts brown rice to 1 part barleyTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Farro + black ricegrain bowls | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Long grain rice + wild ricepilafs | 3 parts long grain to 1 part wild riceWorks | Works |
| 5 | Mixed grain blend + herbsgrain bowls | 1:1:1 (brown rice, quinoa, barley)Tweak it | Tweak it |
Brown rice + quinoa
different taste, similar texture
Combination of brown rice and quinoa with added herbs and spices to mimic Zatarain's flavor
- Best for
- pilafs, side dishes, grain bowls, when you want variety
Good texture contrast, similar nutrition, add herbs for flavor.
Brown rice + barley
different taste, similar texture
Combination of brown rice and barley with herbs and spices for Zatarain's-style flavor
- Best for
- pilafs, soups, side dishes, when you want hearty texture
Good texture contrast, hearty feel, similar to Zatarain's blend.
Farro + black rice
similar taste and texture
Premium combination of farro and black rice with herbs and spices
- Best for
- grain bowls, salads, special occasions, when you want premium quality
Premium combination, similar texture and flavor to Zatarain's.
Long grain rice + wild rice
similar taste and texture
Traditional combination of long grain rice and wild rice with herbs and spices
- Best for
- pilafs, side dishes, when you want closest match
Closest to original, if wild rice is available.
Mixed grain blend + herbs
different taste, similar texture
Three-grain combination with herbs and spices to mimic Zatarain's seasoned blend
- Best for
- grain bowls, pilafs, when you want maximum variety
Maximum variety, good nutrition, add herbs for flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice is a seasoned blend that combines different grains with herbs and spices. The best substitutes recreate both the grain variety and the seasoned flavor profile. This requires combining different grains and adding appropriate herbs and spices to match the original's taste.
Tips for substituting wild rice
5 tips- Add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and onion powder to recreate Zatarain's flavor
- Cook grains separately for best texture control, then combine with seasonings
- Zatarain's blend is seasoned, so don't forget to add herbs and spices to your substitute
- Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for enhanced flavor
- Consider adding a small amount of butter or oil for richness
Notes on wild rice
- Brown rice + quinoa + herbs for nutrition
- Brown rice + barley + herbs for heartiness
- Farro + black rice + herbs for premium quality
- Mixed grain blend + herbs for maximum variety
- Long grain rice + wild rice + herbs for closest match
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice?
Good substitutes include brown rice + quinoa, brown rice + barley, or farro + black rice. Add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and garlic to recreate the seasoned flavor.
How do I make Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice substitute?
Combine 2 parts brown rice with 1 part quinoa or barley. Add herbs like thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and onion powder. Cook in broth instead of water for enhanced flavor.
What's in Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice?
Zatarain's blend contains long grain rice, wild rice, and seasonings including thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and other herbs and spices.
Can I use just brown rice instead of Zatarain's blend?
Yes, but you'll lose the texture variety and seasoned flavor. Consider mixing brown rice with other grains and adding herbs and spices for better results.
What herbs should I add to recreate Zatarain's flavor?
Add thyme, bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a small amount of butter or oil for richness.