Both brown rice and wild rice are whole grain rice varieties that offer nutritional benefits over white rice. However, there are some key differences between the two types of rice that impact their texture, flavor, and cooking method.
Cooking Time
One of the biggest differences between brown rice and wild rice is their cooking time. Brown rice generally takes much less time to cook than wild rice.
Brown rice only needs about 25-45 minutes of cooking to become tender. The exact cooking time can vary a bit depending on the variety, but in general brown rice cooks relatively quickly.
Wild rice requires significantly longer cooking than brown rice. Wild rice usually takes 45-55 minutes to cook. Some varieties of wild rice may even take up to 1 hour or longer to reach the ideal tender yet chewy texture.
The longer cooking time for wild rice is due to its tough, protective outermost hull. This rigid covering protects the rice during growing but also needs prolonged moist heat to soften fully during cooking.
Water Ratio
The amount of water used is another key difference between cooking brown rice versus wild rice.
For brown rice, the typical ratio is 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of rice. The liquid is usually water or broth, but can include coconut milk or other liquids depending on the recipe.
Wild rice requires more water compared to brown rice. The usual ratio for wild rice is 4 cups of liquid to 1 cup of wild rice.
The additional water helps to fully hydrate and steam the grains of wild rice during the longer cooking time.
Texture
Brown rice and wild rice yield grains with distinct textures.
Cooked brown rice has a soft, plump, and chewy texture. The grains have a subtle nutty flavor and stick together when cooked.
Wild rice produces an entirely different texture. Wild rice grains are smaller and firmer compared to brown rice. They have an elongated shape and a pleasant chewy bite.
These textural differences come from the molecular structure of brown rice versus wild rice grains. Brown rice contains more starch, which gelatinizes during cooking. Wild rice has less starch and more structural proteins that remain intact even when fully cooked.
Flavor
In addition to variations in texture, brown rice and wild rice differ in their flavor profiles.
Brown rice has an earthy, subtly nutty taste. Different brown rice varieties can be more nutty or sweet depending on the particular grain.
Wild rice has a distinct woodsy, mushroom-like flavor. It provides a rich roasted taste that is noticeably stronger than the milder brown rice.
These flavor differences come from compounds within the outer bran layer of each rice variety. For example, wild rice contains methoxypyrazines that give it an intense earthy flavor.
Nutrition
Both brown rice and wild rice provide nutrients and health benefits. However, wild rice tends to contain higher amounts of certain nutrients.
Here is a nutrition comparison of cooked brown rice and wild rice (per 100g):
| Nutrient | Brown Rice | Wild Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 101 |
| Carbs | 28g | 21g |
| Protein | 2.7g | 3.5g |
| Fat | 0.9g | 0.6g |
| Fiber | 1.8g | 3.2g |
| Thiamin | 4% DV | 15% DV |
| Niacin | 11% DV | 15% DV |
| Folate | 2% DV | 6% DV |
| Magnesium | 21% DV | 34% DV |
| Phosphorus | 20% DV | 35% DV |
| Zinc | 2% DV | 18% DV |
As shown, wild rice exceeds brown rice in protein content, fiber, thiamin, niacin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
These higher nutrient amounts come from wild rice’s outer bran layers that are removed to make white rice. The whole grain wild rice retains these beneficial compounds.
Cost
There is a significant price difference between brown rice and wild rice.
Brown rice is one of the most affordable rice options. It usually costs between $0.99 to $2.99 for a 1 lb bag.
Wild rice is substantially more expensive than brown rice. Wild rice can cost anywhere from $6 to $10 per pound. The higher cost is because wild rice tends to be foraged manually and takes longer to process.
Due to its high price, wild rice is often used more sparingly as an accent or blend with other rices. Brown rice can be used as a budget-friendly bulk ingredient.
Cooking Methods
Brown rice and wild rice need to be cooked differently to achieve the best results.
Brown Rice
Here is an easy method for cooking brown rice:
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- Combine the rinsed rice and cooking liquid (water, broth, etc.) in a pot. Use a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 25-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Wild Rice
For cooking wild rice, follow these steps:
- Rinse the wild rice in a mesh strainer.
- Add the wild rice and cooking liquid to a pot. Use a 4:1 liquid to rice ratio.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer.
- Cook for 40-60 minutes. Check a few grains toward the end to ensure desired tenderness.
- Drain any excess liquid if needed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Using the correct rice to water ratios and cooking times is key to achieving the right texture for each grain.
Storage
Here are some guidelines for storing cooked and uncooked brown rice versus wild rice:
Uncooked Rice
- Store brown rice and wild rice in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
- Uncooked wild rice lasts up to 2 years in the pantry.
- Uncooked brown rice lasts up to 6 months in the pantry.
- For longer shelf life, store rice in the refrigerator or freezer.
Cooked Rice
- Refrigerate cooked rice in a sealed container for 3-5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked rice for 2-3 months.
- Reheat frozen rice by steaming or microwaving with a bit of liquid.
Storing rice properly helps retain the texture and prevent spoilage or rancidity.
Uses
Brown rice and wild rice can both serve as side dishes or as ingredients in a variety of recipes.
Brown Rice Uses
- Serve as a base for curries, stir fries, or bowls
- Use in soups, salads, or rice bowls
- Make rice puddings or porridge
- Blend with spices and herbs for seasoned rice
- Use in sushi rolls, rice paper wraps, or onigiri
Wild Rice Uses
- Mix into salads, soups, or stuffing
- Combine with meats like turkey, duck, or goose
- Blend with mushrooms or nuts for pilafs
- Stuff into vegetables like tomatoes or squash
- Use in casseroles or rice-based dishes
Both rices can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory applications. Wild rice lends a more robust flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings.
Substitutions
Brown rice and wild rice can sometimes be swapped for one another. However, the different textures and flavors will impact the final dish.
Substituting Brown Rice for Wild Rice
- Reduce cooking liquid slightly (about 1/4 cup less per cup of rice).
- Cook for shorter time, checking for doneness after 25-35 minutes.
- Expect a softer, milder rice texture and flavor.
Substituting Wild Rice for Brown Rice
- Increase cooking liquid by about 1/2 cup per cup of wild rice.
- Cook for longer, up to 55 minutes.
- Rice will have a chewier bite and woodsy taste.
For best results, use each rice variety for their specific characteristics. But in a pinch, brown rice or wild rice can be swapped if adjusting cook times and liquid.
Conclusion
Brown rice and wild rice provide their own unique qualities when it comes to texture, taste, cooking methods, and nutrition. While they are both whole rices, there are distinct differences between them.
Brown rice has a soft and fluffy texture, subtle nutty flavor, and is quick-cooking. Wild rice is chewy and elongated, tastes woodsy and robust, and requires a much longer cook time. Wild rice also contains higher amounts of certain nutrients like zinc and magnesium.
The biggest factors when substituting one for the other are adjusting the rice to liquid ratio and cook times. With proper adjustments, brown rice and wild rice can be swapped in recipes calling for either grain. But the best results will come from utilizing each rice for their intended qualities and characteristics.
Both brown rice and wild rice offer their own merits as nutritious whole grain sides. Choosing between them depends largely on the taste, texture, and time available to prepare them.