Rice Pilaf Recipe

Time30m

Serves4

Make Rice Pilaf Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Rinse the Rice
In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the long-grain white rice under cold running water. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well.
2
Chop the Aromatics
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic while the rice is rinsing. Set aside.

3
Sauté Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4
Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice in the oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is slightly toasted.
5
Add Liquid and Season
Pour in the water or chicken broth and add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6
Simmer the Pilaf
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7
Fluff and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the chopped parsley if using. Serve warm.