Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of rice pilaf. Fluffy grains infused with savory flavors, it’s the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. With the help of the Instant Pot, making rice pilaf becomes a breeze. No more standing by the stove, carefully watching your pot—just set it and forget it! This recipe blends wholesome ingredients to create a deliciously aromatic dish that pairs beautifully with meats, veggies, or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Top Reasons to Make Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time.
- Flavorful: A combination of broth, spices, and aromatics enhances the taste.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a base for your favorite protein.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Healthy: Packed with vegetables and whole grains, it’s a nutritious choice.
What Goes Into Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
To make your delicious Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 cup yellow onion, minced: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- 8 ounces baby Bella or button mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthiness and texture.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: For that aromatic kick.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base for cooking the rice.
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes: Enhances the onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth to the onion taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To amplify the garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon celery seed: Introduces a subtle, herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A touch of freshness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: To taste.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex umami flavor.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice or long-grain brown rice: The main ingredient.
- Parsley for serving, optional: For garnish and a pop of color.
Setup & Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools:
- Instant Pot: A multi-functional pressure cooker that simplifies cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing.
- Cutting board and knife: To prepare your vegetables.
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, Made Easy
Follow these simple steps for a perfect Instant Pot Rice Pilaf:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once hot, add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt, then add the 1 cup of minced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Next, toss in the 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once your vegetables are sautéed to perfection, stir in the 2 cups of low-sodium broth, 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Next, add the 2 cups of long-grain white rice to the pot. Gently stir to ensure all the rice grains are coated with the flavorful mixture.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the time to 4 minutes for white rice or 22 minutes for brown rice. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Using a fork, fluff the rice to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re in need of substitutions, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Rice: Substitute with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
- Butter: Use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Broth: Vegetable broth can replace beef or chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Mushrooms: Swap with diced bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor profile.
Cook’s Commentary
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a dish that invites creativity. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Adding a splash of lemon juice or zest can brighten up the flavors, while nuts like almonds or pine nuts can give a lovely crunch. This dish is also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables—just toss them in before pressure cooking. The versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own!
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Preparing your rice pilaf ahead of time can make meal planning a breeze. You can sauté the onions and mushrooms and combine them with the spices and broth in the Instant Pot. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if your ingredients are cold from the fridge. Once cooked, this pilaf keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes! If you choose to use brown rice, just remember to adjust the cooking time to 22 minutes instead of 4 minutes.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Rice Pilaf?
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even sautéed vegetables. It can also be served as a standalone dish with a side salad.
Can I freeze leftover rice pilaf?
Absolutely! Once cooled, portion the rice pilaf into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water.
How do I reheat rice pilaf without drying it out?
The best way to reheat rice pilaf is to add a little bit of broth or water to the rice before heating. Cover it with a damp paper towel in the microwave, or heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
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Serve & Enjoy
This Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is not just easy to make, but it’s also a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. With its rich flavors and fluffy texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian dish, each bite is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics - Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Once hot, add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt, then add the 1 cup of minced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Next, toss in the 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Step 2: Season the Mixture - Stir in the 2 cups of low-sodium broth, 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Add the Rice - Add the 2 cups of long-grain white rice to the pot. Gently stir to ensure all the rice grains are coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Step 4: Pressure Cook - Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the time to 4 minutes for white rice or 22 minutes for brown rice. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Step 5: Fluff and Serve - Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Using a fork, fluff the rice to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
