Rice pilaf in the Instant Pot is a tasty side dish for almost any meal. It’s fluffy and has a great texture. This rice pilaf has turned into one of my favorite comfort food recipes. I just love rice done in the pressure cooker.
If you are a fan of regular rice in the pressure cooker then you will absolutely love this Instant Pot Rice Pilaf recipe. The best part about it is it so easy. Everybody loves side dishes that are simple to make.
Once you start making this recipe regular white rice is going to take a backseat to this most of the time. Every grain is just infused with that buttery chicken flavor.
The orzo rice sized pasta makes it even better. Toast it all in butter and boom it’s well…I was going to say flavor town but that’s somebody else’s line. I’m just gonna say this rice is FANTASTIC!`
What is Rice Pilaf?
I did a little searching around the Internet because I was curious what the actual definition of “Pilaf” was. I came across a couple of things. Some definitions say Pilaf is a dish of rice and meat. Another definition said that Pilaf was rice cooked in broth and seasonings.
This was inspired by my Balsamic Brussel Sprouts, and pairs well with this Oven Roasted Tri Tip. I am always trying to come up with new side dishes that complement each other.
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Ingredients
- White Rice ( I used Basmati Rice)
- Orzo
- Chicken Broth
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Fresh or Dried Parsley
Jump to recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
I am going to walk you through how to cook Rice Pilaf in the Instant Pot. I am including process photos of each step to make this really simple. There is also a video on how to make this dish. This is actually easier than using a rice cooker.
Step 1 – Melt the butter in the Instant Pot. I used 1/4 cup of butter for this recipe. Oil can be used as well but as they say “Everything is better with butter.” Make sure that the bottom of the liner is cover well.
Step 2 – Toast the Orzo in the butter. The object is to toast the orzo to a light golden brown. This gives the dish a great flavor and also a great color. Add the Orzo to the foaming butter and toast in the butter for 3-4 minutes or until the Orzo is a light golden brown.
Step 3 – Add the Rice when the Orzo is nice and lightly golden brown. I used Basmati Rice because that was what I had available.
Any type of long grain white rice can be used in this recipe. Toast the rice for a minute or two. The rice actually should get a bit brighter white in color.
Step 4 – Add the Chicken Broth once the Rice and Orzo are toasted. I used Better than Bullion Organic Chicken Base for the broth. Once the Chicken broth is added stir to mix everything well.
Step 5 – Add the Spices to the broth. This includes Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Smoked Paprika. Hold off on the Parsley to stir into the Rice AFTER cooking.
Step 6 – Pressure Cook the Rice. Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place. Turn the valve to the SEAL position. Pressure cook the rice on HIGH PRESSURE for a cooking time of 3 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete DO NOT do a quick release. Let the rice finish cooking and wait for the pressure to release naturally.
This can take up to 30 minutes or so. Another thing I do is TURN OFF the KEEP WARM function. I find this makes the pressure release a bit quicker.
Step 7 – Add in the Parsley once the pressure has released. Turn the valve to the OPEN postion and remove the lid of the pressure cooker.
Fluff the Rice a bit and stir in the Parsley to the rice. Fresh or dried Parsley can be used. For dried parsley use a teaspoon of Parsley. If using fresh Parsley add about a Tablespoon finely chopped.
Hint:I use Kerrygold Grassfed Butter in this recipe. I find it makes a difference in the flavor (affiliate link) of the recipe.
Substitutions
If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know here. Don’t fake it – only provide guidance on topics you have actual experience with.
- Oil – Oil can be used in place of Butter. Somthing like Olive Oil or even Avocado Oil
- Vermicelli Pasta– can be used in Place of Orzo Pasta. It is delicious as well.
Variations
Below are a few ideas for changing it up a bit with this recipe or making some delicious additions.
- Sauteed Mushrooms – add sauteed Mushrooms for an added flavor and texture.
- Toasted Almonds – add toasted almonds that are sliced or chopped.
- Peas and or Carrots– add Peas and or chopped Carrots.
- Brown Rice – This can be done with Brown Rice. Omit the Orzo and up the cooking time to 21 minutes with a 10 minute Natural Release. This recipe is Gluten Free if Orzo is omitted.
Equipment and Essentials
Below is what I used to create this recipe. I will link to these items. Yes, some of these are affiliate links but they are no cost to you.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Whole Foods Market, Organic Orzo
365 by WFM, Rice Indian Basmati White Organic
Storage
Store Rice Pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rice will be Good for 4-5 days.
Reheating
Rice Pilaf can be reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a couple tablespoons of water and cover. It takes about 20-25 minutes to reheat.
Top tip
Toasting the Orzo and Rice is an important step. Saute orzo until lightly brown. Saute rice until bright white.
Instant Pot Recipes and More to Enjoy
Balsamic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
Brown Basmati Rice Instant Pot
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Rice Pilaf Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/3 Cup Orzo
- 1 Cup White Rice I used Basmati
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth I used Better than Bullion Organic Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 3/4 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp. Dried Parsley If using fresh use 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
- Step 1 – Melt the Butter – Add Butter and swirl to melt and spread evenly.
- Step 2 – Brown the Orzo – When the butter begins to foam add the orzo. Saute until lightly brown. This usually takes 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 3 – Add Rice – After browning the Orzo add the rice and sauce about 1 minute. Rice will become a bit brighter white in color when done.
- Step 4 – Add Chicken Broth – Stir in the Chicken Broth.
- Step 5 – Add Spices – Add Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Smoked Paprika and stir to combine. Omit Parsley until the end.
- Step 6 – Pressure Cook the Rice – Place lid on the Instant Pot and turn valve to the SEAL position. Pressure Cook HIGH Pressure 3 minutes. I also turn off the keep warm function. Allow pressure to natural release. This took close to 30 minutes. When pressure has released remove lid.
- Step 7 – Add Parsley – Stir the parsley into the rice and let rice sit for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
