Print

The Ultimate Fluffy & Flavorful Rice Pilaf Recipe (Ready in Under 30 Minutes)

A mound of fluffy white rice pilaf recipe garnished with toasted onions and fresh chopped parsley.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make light, fluffy, and aromatic rice pilaf using simple techniques. This easy recipe uses sautéed onions, garlic, and chicken broth for maximum flavor, making it a perfect quick side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta (optional, for texture)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (like Basmati or converted rice)
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta, if using, and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown. This step builds flavor.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the saucepan. Cook until the onion softens, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Add the long-grain rice to the pan. Stir and toast the rice with the onions and butter for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges of the grains look slightly translucent.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
  9. Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use beef consommé instead of chicken broth.
  • To customize this savory rice side dish, stir in 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds or dried cranberries after fluffing the rice.
  • Rinsing the rice before toasting is optional; toasting is the key step for fluffy rice pilaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/rice-pilaf-recipe/