Wild Rice Burgers

Name: Wild Rice Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked wild rice (1 cup uncooked); 1/2 teaspoon celery salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup (3oz) shredded Parmesan cheese; 4 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 burger buns and toppings

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson August 6, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links.

This wild rice burger recipe is a hearty and delicious meatless burger that is easy to make! It has a rich, nutty flavor thanks to the wild rice. You only need a few pantry staples and spices to make this tasty recipe!

A few weeks ago, while my husband and I were visiting his family in Minnesota, we visited Margie’s. This scratch-kitchen restaurant was tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in a northwest suburb of the city. I was blown away by the food and we actually went back a second time during our trip because it was so good!

One of my favorite things I had there was a wild rice burger. Their veggie burger used wild rice as the base and had such a wonderful flavor and texture that I knew I’d have to recreate it when I got home. While I’m sure mine isn’t the same as theirs, I’m really pleased with how this recipe turned out! The burger is crispy on the outside with a hearty texture that would satisfy a meat eater. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and spices, but it’s really good.

If you’re looking for more veggie burger ideas, be sure to try my chipotle black bean burger and my pinto bean burger!

What is wild rice?

Wild rice isn’t your typical rice – it’s technically aquatic grass, common in Minnesota. Though it may look like regular rice, it’s got its own thing going with long, dark brown to black grains that pop open when cooked, revealing a white inner kernel. Native Americans have been using it for ages, and today we love it for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. It’s not just tasty; wild rice is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to salads, soups, and side dishes. So next time you’re looking to switch up your rice game, give wild rice a try!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Wild rice- Wild rice is the star ingredient, providing a nutty and chewy texture to the burgers.
Breadcrumbs– Panko breadcrumbs serve as a binder, helping to hold the burgers together and providing a crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese– Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami flavor and contributes to the burgers’ texture.
Herbs and spices -I used a combination of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. This adds lots of flavor to the burger.
Eggs– The eggs act as a binding agent, helping the burgers hold their shape during cooking.
Olive oil– The olive oil helps create a crispy crust when pan-frying. You can substitute with vegetable oil. If you use the air fryer, you do not need oil.

Where can I find wild rice?

Wild rice can be a little hard to find but you can always order it on Amazon! You can also find it at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and other specialty grocery stores. I’ve ordered this one on Amazon and it was cheaper than what I’ve found in-store. It does last for a long time, so go ahead and order a large bag!

How to Make Wild Rice

You can make wild rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot method is my favorite because it’s the fastest, but any method will work. One cup of uncooked rice will make 3 cups of cooked rice, the amount needed for these burgers.

Can I use brown rice instead?

No, this recipe requires wild rice, so be sure you’re using 100% wild rice and not a wild rice blend, black rice, or forbidden rice. These other types of rice are often marketed as wild rice, but you don’t want to use a blend since it mostly contains brown rice.

What else can I make with wild rice?

If you have leftover rice, try my Minnesota wild rice soup! I also have a vegan wild rice soup, if you want a dairy free option. You can also use wild rice in salads, like this butternut squash and wild rice salad.

Is wild rice healthy?

You betcha! Wild rice is a healthy choice! It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Plus, it’s low in fat and gluten-free, so it’s friendly for folks with dietary restrictions. You’ll also find some antioxidants in there to help your body fight off the bad stuff. So go ahead and stock up on wild rice to add a tasty and nutritious boost to your meals!