How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Wild Rice Pilaf
American · Easy · 60 min · 8 servings
This elegant wild rice pilaf is studded with tart dried cranberries and brightened with fresh orange zest for a festive presentation. It is a beautiful and unique holiday side that pairs wonderfully with turkey or roasted chicken.
Why this recipe works
This Cranberry Orange Wild Rice Pilaf recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups wild rice blend rinsed
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries
- 1 large orange zested and juiced
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Melt the butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed wild rice blend and toast it in the butter for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and fragrant. This step builds incredible depth of flavor in the final dish.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the orange juice and bring everything to a boil. Stir once to combine, then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Cook undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the wild rice has opened and is tender.
Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins
Remove the lid and fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork. Fold in the dried cranberries and the orange zest while the rice is still hot so the flavors meld together beautifully. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pilaf to a wide serving bowl or platter. Scatter the toasted pecans over the top just before serving to keep them crunchy. Garnish with a few extra strips of orange zest if desired for a polished holiday presentation.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dried cranberries → dried cherries or golden raisins
- pecans → walnuts or toasted almonds
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Lifting the lid while the rice cooks which releases steam and leads to undercooked rice
- Not rinsing the rice before cooking which can make it gummy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 5g protein, 36g carbs, 5g fat, 3g fiber.
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