Instant Pot rice pilaf is a tasty side dish to any dinner! Serve this versatile rice as-is, or spruce it up with any vegetables you have on hand. This easy vegan recipe also includes stovetop instructions!
My Spanish rice is another great recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot.
I used to think rice pilaf got its name from those "big puffy rice” pieces. I had no idea what the definition of “pilaf” was until I looked it up.
Pilaf is actually rice cooked in broth with seasonings. It has nothing to do with those big puffy pieces. Those puffy pieces are a pasta called orzo.
What Makes This The Best Instant Pot Rice Pilaf?
Because it's...
- made in the Instant Pot (affiliate link), and we love IP recipes.
- seasoned with spices you have on hand keeping the recipe simple.
- colored with turmeric, adding health benefits.
- a delicious side to complete any meal.
- easy to turn into a meal by simply mixing in veggies and a protein.
To toast or not to toast?
I say toast!
…The rice and orzo that is.
If you want to achieve what I consider a "classic rice pilaf look", then toasting the rice and orzo before pressure cooking them is a must.
How to toast the rice and orzo
Sauté the white rice and orzo pasta in your Instant Pot using the sauté feature. With frequent stirring, it should only take 7-10 minute for everything to brown.
Thats it! The rice and orzo are toasted. Toss in the reming ingredients and pressure cook everything for 8 minutes.
Serving Ideas
This recipe is fuss-free when it comes to add-ins. Try mixing one of the below suggestions into the cooked rice. Or feel free to use any leftover veggies you may have on hand.
- peas
- sautéed onions
- sautéed mushrooms
- toasted almond slivers
- chopped kale
For an easy and delicious weeknight dinner, serve this Instant-Pot rice pilaf alongside my grilled lemon tofu, a baked potato, and steamed vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orzo is rice-shaped pasta. Yes! It's a PASTA! And it can be found in the pasta section of your local food market.
Yes! You can purchase gluten-free orzo from Amazon (affiliate link), or it can sometimes be found at your local health food stores. Otherwise, you can keep this easy side dish gluten-free by replacing the orzo with rice.
I’ve found that rice pilaf is best with long-grain white rice. I prefer basmati or jasmine rice. If you'd like to use brown rice, increase the cooking time to 24 minutes.
We'd love to hear from you!
If you enjoyed this vegan recipe, please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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See ya there!
Recipe
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup long grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine
- ¼ cup orzo
- 1-2 Tablespoons neutral oil for sautéing
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon pink salt, use ¼ to ½ teaspoon if you’re not using low sodium broth
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley, or 1 Tablespoons fresh chopped
- ⅓ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Instant-Pot Instructions
- Add the oil, rice and orzo to the IP. Sauté until the rice and orzo begin to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Once browned press cancel on your IP and mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Set the IP to pressure cook for 8 minutes on high pressure. Then allow for natural pressure release.
- Carefully open the lid and mix/fluff the rice before serving.
Stovetop Instructions
- Add the oil, rice and orzo to a large lidded pot. Sauté over medium heat until the rice and orzo begin to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Once browned turn the heat down and mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover and allow the rice to a simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it's fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the lid and mix/fluff the rice before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
**Nutritional info is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients I used and for convenience and as a courtesy only.**
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Aprilann Passeck
This came out just awesome! Thank you! Thank you!!
Marlena Luna
That's so great to hear Aprilann!!
Sherry
Has anyone tried this substituting Orzo with gluten free Arborio rice? Would you toast/brow the arborio rice?
Marlena Luna
Hi Sherry! DeLallo sells a gluten free orzo. Maybe you can find it somewhere local? The arborio rice should work fine. I would suggest toasting it first for more flavor. If do you give it a try, let us know how it turns out!
Belinda
Made this tonight. It was very flavorful. Used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. After it was done, I added grilled chicken, peas and carrots and sauteed mushrooms. Next time I will cook it for a shorter time. Eight minutes seemed a little too long. Even though the flavor was perfect, rice was a bit mushy. I added a cup of liquid before I took it out of the IP just to loosen it up enough to spoon it out.
Marlena Luna
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe Belinda! It could be a difference in the rice. I usually use basmati, but I've noticed different brands of rice can sometimes yield different results. Let me know how it comes out next time! :)
Amber Miller
This was delicious! Subbed out the oil with butter and used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. Easy and well seasoned. Thanks for the recipe!
Marlena Luna
I'm so glad you enjoyed the rice Amber! :)