Rice Cooker Rice Pilaf

Rice Cooker Rice Pilaf ~ This homemade classic rice and pasta side dish is far more flavorful and delicious than anything you can get in a box. 

This post has been updated from its original 3/3/14 publishing with new photographs, updated recipe card, and new content. 

What is Rice Pilaf?

You’re all familiar with that boxed rice dish, that San Francisco treat?  Making things boxed items like that is how I learned to cook.   Rice Pilaf is a simple dish of rice and pasta cooked together.

I grew up eating the boxed version but when in my early 20’s, I learned how to make it homemade from my stepmom.

How to Make Rice Pilaf?

Making this delicious side dish is simple enough.

I first learned to make this rice dish homemade by browning the rice and broken spaghetti. Then add a packet of dried onion soup mix, some water  and set the rice on the stove to cook.  Delicious.

I no longer use the packet. 

Basic Rice Pilaf Ingredients

You will need: 

• Rice
• Broken spaghetti or other pasta like orzo
• Water/Beef broth
• Herbs, either fresh or dried
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh minced onions
• Fresh garlic

Rice Pilaf in the Rice Cooker

I love my rice cooker. I use it at least once a week. 

Start by browning the rice and pasta in a skillet. Towards the end of the browning process, add the onion so it begins to cook down. 

Toss the mixture into the appliance, add the rest of the ingredients, press cook, and let it do its thing. It’s literally that simple.

Rice Pilaf in the Instant Pot

I have yet to purchase one but a friend let me borrow hers. I think it was to attempt to lure me into getting one so I made more recipes with it. 

I haven’t acquired one simply because I am out of cupboard space! 

Use the sauté feature to brown the rice, pasta, and onion. Then simply add the rest of the ingredients, use the rice feature, and wait. 

Making Rice Pilaf on the Stove

Before I got all fancy with a rice cooker or even playing with the Instant Pot, making rice pilaf on the stove top was simple and efficient. 

Start with standard 4.5-5 quart pot. Brown the rice, pasta and onions like you would in the rice cooker steps. 

After that, add all the remaining ingredients and follow the directions on your packet of rice. Replace the lid, cook on medium where you can hear the high simmer for 5-8 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and cook 18 minutes or so on low. I do recommend checking the rice packet directions, as these minutes can vary based on brand. 

Tips for Making Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf can be as flavorful as you’d like. It’s completely adaptable to pretty much any cuisine type. 

I really like using all broth. If you use one 32 oz container, you’re all set. 

However, if you have two cans, you will want the total volume of fluid added to be equal to four cups. Typically broth cans are about 14.5 oz.  So if you are using 2 cans of 14.5 oz, (totaling 29 oz) you will want to add an additional 3 oz of water to get the total up to 32 oz. 

If you opt to not use broth at all, only water, add at least 2 tbsp of butter when adding the remainder of ingredients.

What to Serve with Rice Pilaf

• Mushroom Tarragon Roasted Pork Tenderloin
• Pork Chops with Glazed Apples and Vegetables
• Mediterranean Chicken
• Balsamic Glazed Pot Roast
• Orange Honey Hoisin Short Ribs
• Mississippi Pot Roast Roast from Dutch Oven Daddy

Thank you for sharing!