Gusto TV Wild Rice Pancakes Recipe - A Savory, Crispy Twist on a Hearty Grain Classic

Wild Rice Pancakes Recipe

This Wild Rice Pancakes recipe blends nutty, tender wild rice with a savory pancake batter, chipotle heat, and fresh vegetables for a bold, hearty dish that’s perfect for brunch, appetizers, or creative entertaining. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines wild rice, red pepper, green onions, and a zesty cilantro sour cream for a comforting yet exciting dish that’s easy to recreate at home.

The Inspiration

Wild rice, long treasured in North American Indigenous cuisine, brings a deep, earthy flavor and satisfying texture to recipes that celebrate heritage and authenticity. Host Lauren Gulyas draws inspiration from this history, transforming the grain into a fun, unexpected pancake that highlights its nutty richness. This recipe from A Is For Apple shows how wild rice can shine in innovative forms—from breakfast dishes to savoury snacks—while remaining approachable for everyday cooking. Viewers will love its crispy edges, soft center, and the smoky kick from chipotle that elevates the pancake into a uniquely flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Wild Rice

1 cup of rice
4 cups of water or stock

Pancakes

1 cup (250ml) cooked wild rice cooled (follow manufacturer instructions) or see note
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter
1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
2 cups (500ml) whole milk
2 teaspoons (10ml) finely minced canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce
1.5 cups (375ml) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 red pepper small dice
6 green onion thin sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Cilantro sour cream dipping sauce

1 cup (250ml) sour cream
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60ml) cilantro leaves roughly chopped
Salt and pepper
green onion

Method

Cook rice at a simmer for 45 minutes.
Combine eggs, butter, honey, chipotle and milk in medium bowl.
Sift the baking powder, garlic powder and flour.
Add the dry to the wet ingredients.
Fine dice the red pepper. Mince the green onion.
Add the cooked and cooled rice, green onion, red pepper to batter and season with salt and pepper.
Pre-heat a non-stick sauté pan to medium heat.
Add oil and lightly coat the pan.
Scoop ¼ cup (60ml) portions of batter and place in pan leaving 1 inch (2.5cm) space between each cake.
Cook without moving until tiny bubbles appear on the surface and the edges of the pancake. The rim of the pancake will start to lose its gloss.
Flip and continue to cook 2 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove. Continue cooking pancakes with remaining batter.
To make dipping sauce in a small bowl combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green onion, zest and lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt and pepper.
Makes 10 – 4 inch (10.5cm) pancakes

Note: Wild rice can vary in cooking times pending if you are using wild or cultivated. Also it is graded by grain. Some lower grades have broken grains which affect the cooking time. As a general rule it’s a 3:1 ratio. I like to add a little more water for safety then drain the excess. For 1 cup (250ml) of rice I will add 3 ¼ cups (415ml) of water. Also wild rice takes well to absorbing flavorful liquids replace the water with a stock like chicken stock for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Wild Rice Pancakes make a unique savory dish perfect for brunch spreads, family gatherings, or appetizer platters. Serve them warm with the citrusy cilantro sour cream for dipping, which complements the pancakes’ smoky chipotle flavor and hearty texture. These pancakes pair well with grilled meats, fresh salads, or soups, making them a versatile addition to any meal. For breakfast, serve alongside eggs, roasted tomatoes, or breakfast sausages. For entertaining, arrange them on a platter with lime wedges, fresh herbs, and additional chipotle sauce for guests who enjoy extra heat. Their crisp edges and tender centers make them an irresistible crowd‑pleaser.

Final Thoughts

This Wild Rice Pancakes recipe is a celebration of creativity and heritage, blending traditional wild rice with bold flavors and a comforting pancake base. With their rich texture, vibrant vegetables, and smoky chipotle heat, these pancakes offer a fresh way to enjoy wild rice beyond classic pilafs or soups. Whether served as a hearty brunch, a snack, or a party appetizer, these savory cakes are versatile, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Enjoy experimenting with toppings, sauces, or extra spices to make them your own.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!