Rice Pilaf is a wonderful dish to have in your cooking repertoire. It is a tasty one-pot side dish recipe consisting of rice and a sprinkle of veggies cooked in broth. The perfect side dish to Pork Tenderloin!
There are probably hundreds of ways to make rice pilaf, as this is a dish favored all over the world, and has many ethnic variations. It’s definitely a step up from white rice!
What is Rice Pilaf
Rice Pilaf is composed of rice cooked in chicken broth, wine or some other liquid other than just water. Herbs, vegetables, and often meat are also placed in the pot with the rice as it cooks. Usually, it is prepared in a saucepan on the stove top, but you can also make baked rice pilaf by placing it in a covered casserole dish and baking in the oven.
Rice for Making Pilaf
This recipe calls for basmati rice, which is practically a fool-proof, fragrant and flavorful rice, a perfect choice for rice pilaf. You can use any long grain white rice in this recipe (you may need to change the amount of liquid).
RINSE the rice: If using long grain white rice, be aware that it has a starchy outer layer that should be washed away. Rinse it repeatedly in cold water until the water runs almost clear and drain well. Basmati should be rinsed and well drained too, but does not need to be washed as thoroughly as standard white rice.
BROWN the rice: For rice pilaf, you want fluffy rice grains that don’t stick together. Sauteeing the rice in oil keeps it from sticking and of course adds great flavor.
How to Make Rice Pilaf
You will also use a bit less water than most rice recipe call for. Usually, recipes on the back of the bag recommend two parts water to one part rice. For pilaf, you should use less liquid for every cup of rice, as indicated in the recipe. This can vary a bit based on your cooking conditions. Give the rice only one quick stir after you bring it to a simmer. Cook it covered, on low heat.
Here’s how to make easy rice pilaf:
- Combine onion, garlic and butter in a pot and sauté until softened.
- Add the washed and drained rice and stir until it starts to turn golden (image above), or turns translucent.
- Add the liquid and veggies, give the rice one quick stir, then cover and simmer, until all the liquid is absorbed
Top with almonds and parsley if using and fluff with a fork.
Leftover Rice Pilaf
Refrigerate: Rice pilaf is best eaten hot and fresh from the stove but it keeps in the refrigerator 2-3 days.
Freeze: Be sure it is completely cool before freezing. It should keep 2-3 months in the freezer, and is best reheated in the microwave (I add a couple of teaspoons water when reheating).
Once you know how to make the basic rice pilaf recipe here, go ahead and create your own versions! Add peas, raisins, spices and seasonings. Play with varieties of rice or veggies. Rice pilaf is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your family’s taste!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cilantro Tomato Rice – perfect for taco night
- Chicken Rice Soup – super healthy
- Garlic Butter Rice – my daughter’s favorite
- Mushroom Barley Risotto – easy yet fancy!
- Spanish Rice – a delicious side
- Dirty Rice – a Southern classic
Easy Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¾ cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth
- ¼ cup white wine or water
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds toasted
- 1 tablespoon green onion or parsley
Instructions
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Rinse rice under cold water and drain well.
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Combine onion, butter, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat to soften, about 3 minutes.
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Add rice and cook until it begins to smell toasted and turn slightly golden, about 7-10 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients except green onions and almonds. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a low simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from the heat and allow to sit covered for 5 minutes.
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Fluff with a fork and garnish with almonds and parsley.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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REPIN this Easy Side Dish
Can you make this in a Rice Cooker? Just throw the ingredients in the cooker and cook it that way?
I have never tried this recipe in a rice cooker so I can’t say for sure but it is not intended to be made in a rice cooker.
You mention being able to bake this in the oven. How long and at what temperature?
Hi Judith, I have not tried baking this recipe but we have a delicious baked rice dish that should work well for you!
Has anyone tried this recipe with brown basmati? If so, how long did you cook it for? thanks
This recipe was the best! Very tasty and was a big hit with dinner guests! Followed the recipe only added a cup of frozen peas just because I love the little guys!
Thanks for a great recipe!
Best rice pilaf recipe I’ve ever come across. Quick and easy and taste is so yummy!
Glad to hear you loved it!
Easy to make and totally delicious. Will definitely make again.
One of the best ever rice pilaf recipe i have ever tried so far. Thanks for sharing this recipe with all of us. Also do check out my special rice pilaf recipe as well.
I didn’t have carrots or red pepper but went ahead and made this anyway. It was still fantastic! I’m not a big rice fan but loved this served as a side with cedar planked salmon. Highly recommended and will make this again!!!
This is the perfect side for salmon, so glad you loved it!
This was Delicious! It’s was enough for my husband and I.. A simple recipe… Thank you
This is an easy, delicious recipe! Thank you.
I am so confused with your rice pilaf recipe. In one place you say 3/4 cup of liquid for each cup of rice, and then in ingredients section you have 14.5oz of chicken stock with 3/4 cup of rice. Please help. I don’t want to mess this up.
Sorry for the confusion Jack, the recipe card is correct and the write up has been corrected! Enjoy!
Make sure you make a bunch if you are inviting me, otherwise I’ll eat everything lol, kiss
Double batch coming up! :)