This easy flavorful Rice Pilaf is sure to become a side dish staple year-round in your kitchen
Why do we love Rice Pilaf? Because it makes the perfect accompaniment to any protein!
This simple and versatile side dish is easy to prepare and we’ll share tips to make it beautifully fluffy. It’s all made in one-pot which is always a bonus!
Jump to RecipeIt’s also much more flavorful than boxed rice pilaf that you’ll never look back. We love to pair it with our Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Baked Salmon, or Jerk Chicken for an easy delicious dinner.
What makes Rice Pilaf a pilaf?
Rice pilaf is actually a “method” for preparing long-grain rice. It includes sautéing a combination of aromatics for flavor (we use celery, onion, and garlic) and long grain rice in oil (we like olive oil best).
In our version, we also include orzo for added flavor and texture. The sauteing occurs prior to adding in liquid and spices. That’s what makes pilaf so very flavorful.
These are the first 2 steps in the pilaf cooking method. The first step is the sauté process. The second step is adding in long-grain rice.
Ingredients for Rice Pilaf:
This is a very easy recipe that will come together quickly. Don’t let the long ingredient list dissuade you from making the dish because it’s mostly basic pantry items and herbs. Easy Peasy!
- Long Grain Rice – long grain white rice is normally the best choice for pilaf due to its unique scent and longer length, but varieties such as basmati or jasmine are great too.
- Orzo Pasta – we love that it adds a gorgeous golden brown color to the rice
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Broth and Chicken Bouillon – so much more flavorful than water!
- Aromatics: Celery, Onions, Garlic
- Butter – we use unsalted butter, but salted works fine too
- Seasonings: dried Italian seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Salt
- Sliced Almonds: Lightly toasted because that really adds a nice depth of flavor
- Flat Leaf Parsley – for garnish and an added pop of color
How to make Rice Pilaf:
Every version is a little different, and you can easily add or delete the extras. However, the technique of making pilaf will always be the same.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the olive oil. Heat until lightly sizzling
- Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is a golden brown color
- Add the onions and celery and cook until the onions are translucent and the celery is softened. This will take just a few minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir constantly until the garlic starts to smell fragrant.
- Next, add the long grain rice, stirring to coat it well with oil. Once coated, add the chicken broth and bouillon, add seasonings: dried Italian parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Stir until well combined, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and gently cook for about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid will be absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and let stand, with lid on, for about 5 minutes. Do NOT uncover the pan.
- Remove the lid, stir in chopped parsley and almonds, and then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Taste for flavor and add additional salt if needed.
Above: the final 2 steps in the pilaf cooking process: (3) add in the broth, bouillon, and herbs. Step 4: add in the parsley and almonds and then fluff with a fork.
What is the difference between regular Rice and Rice Pilaf?
What makes pilaf different from regular rice is the actual cooking method. Plain rice is generally boiled in water until it is soft and creamy without any flavorings.
Rice pilaf is textured, with individual ingredients being sauteed, and then cooked with the aromatics in broth to make seasoned rice. It is not creamy but so flavorful.
What foods pair well with Rice Pilaf?
Rice Pilaf pairs especially well with poultry. We like to pair our pilaf with turkey, chicken, and seafood. Here are a few delicious main dishes that will make great pairings.
- Oven roasted turkey breast
- Asian Chicken
- Jerk Chicken
- Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Sauce
- Pan Seared Scallops
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Variations to this recipe:
- Substitute the almonds with toasted pine nuts
- Add carrots or green peas along with the other aromatics
- Substitute shallots or leeks for the onions
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Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup celery, small dice
- ½ yellow onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Long grain rice
- ½ cup Orzo pasta
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons chicken bouillon
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 Tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, stems removed, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the olive oil. Heat until lightly sizzling.
- Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is a golden brown color
- Add the onions and celery and cook until the onions are translucent and the celery is softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. The garlic will smell fragrant.
- Add the long grain rice, stirring to coat it well with oil. Once coated, add the chicken broth and bouillon, plus add seasonings: dried Italian parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until well combined, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan and gently cook for about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid will be absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and let stand, with lid on, for about 5 minutes. Do NOT uncover the pan.
- Remove the lid, stir in chopped parsley and almonds, and then fluff with a fork. Taste the seasoning and adjust, if needed.
TAYLER ROSS
I’m always looking for easy sides, and this rice pilaf looks perfect! Can’t wait to make it with dinner tonight!
Kristen
This pilaf turned out great. Served it with some chicken and a salad for dinner and it was the star of the show. Thank you!
Sandra
Love the flavours added to this rice pilaf recipe. Going to try this with the orzo have not used it before looks delicious.
Maayke
Thank you for this recipe! It turned out great and the kids loved it!
Katherine
Such a great idea to add Orzo for more flavor and texture! I adore pilaf rice.