The Recipe · No.857 · Rice Pilaf

Rice Pilaf, and Where to Source It

Brown the little bit of pasta and the rice in butter before the broth. That toasting is the whole character of pilaf — a nutty, golden base — and it keeps the grains separate and distinct instead of clumping.

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Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Greedometer ●●●●● Angel food Level Easy
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
Suits
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Straight Answers
Can you make Rice Pilaf in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Rice Pilaf? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Rice Pilaf ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Rice Pilaf gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Rice Pilaf vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
White rice
Long-grain, rinsed. A good long-grain rice.
1 cup
Source it →
Pasta and butter
A handful of broken thin pasta or orzo, toasted in butter. A good butter.
1/3 cup
Source it →
Broth
Chicken or vegetable broth for savor. A good bone broth.
2 cups
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. ToastToast the broken pasta in butter until golden, then add the rice and toast a minute more.
  2. SimmerAdd the broth, boil, then cover and simmer low 15–18 minutes.
  3. Rest and fluffRest covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Saucepan · Wooden spoon · Fork

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.857