Name: Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry rice (basmati or jasmine); 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp (. black pepper)

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A simple recipe for Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, this is a side dish and vegetable in one is simple to prepare and pairs well with just about any main dish!

several bowls of rice dish with one in the center.

Rice pilaf is a delicious and easy side dish that can pair well with just about any meal. While there are a lot of variations, the base generally remains the same-- jasmine or basmati rice, stock, and seasonings such as spices, herbs, or diced veggies. You can certainly mix up the veggies and seasonings to suit your tastes, as well.

Making rice pilaf in the Instant Pot is such a time saver because you can set it and forget it.

Speaking of which, have you tried my Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice? It's a great Chipotle copycat recipe and is perfect for enjoying with burritos, tacos, and as a base for burrito bowls.

If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can make this rice pilaf on the stovetop. The instructions will be similar to this buttery herb rice.

For more instructions for cooking grains in the Instant Pot, check out Instant Pot Wheat Berries and Instant Pot Black Beans.

Why you'll love Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

When making rice pilaf at home, you can know exactly what goes in it, no unnecessary ingredients. This is a naturally gluten free rice pilaf with just rice, veggies, and stock.
It takes only 30 minutes to make (and the majority of that is hands off time).
It's completely customizable. Choose the veggies, stock, seasonings, to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

basmati rice
chicken broth or chicken stock
olive oil
onion
carrot
celery
garlic
salt
pepper

How to make rice pilaf in the Instant Pot

Step 1. Dice veggies into consistently sized small pieces. Add oil to inner pot of the pressure cooker and turn it on to the saute function.

Step 2. Saute veggies for 3-4 minutes to soften.

Step 3. Add dry rice.

white rice toasting in the pressure cooker.

Step 4. Saute for an additional 2 minutes until the rice turns bright white and begins to toast ever so slightly.

stock added to rice and veggies in the instant pot.

Step 5. Add stock, salt, and pepper, and stir. Turn off saute function. Top with pressure cooker lid and make sure it is in the sealing designation. Turn on machine to HI pressure and set to 3 minutes of cooking time. It will take a few minutes to come up to pressure.

finished rice before it has been fluffed.

Step 6. Once the cook time is up, allow to natural release 15 minutes and then carefully quick pressure release the rest of the way until the pin drops. Carefully remove lid. Fluff rice with a fork and enjoy.

Variations and substitutions

Make this a buttery rice pilaf by using butter in place of the olive oil to saute the veggies.
Make it a vegan rice pilaf by simply swapping out the chicken stock for veggie stock or vegetable broth. I don't suggest water because it will be pretty bland, but it will still work.
Add more veggies. I went really simple vegetables here, but you can switch it up however you'd like. Peas, mushrooms, and corn would all be super tasty!
Add spices to spice things up! Spice blends or fresh herbs can add a lot of flavor. Something as simple as dried parsley adds color and a bit of flavor. Turmeric will give the overall dish a beautiful, rich yellow color.

up close of fluffy rice pilaf with veggies.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Totally. My sister makes double (or more) when she makes this for her family. It makes great leftovers. Double all of the ingredients, the cook time will be the same (3 minutes at high pressure).

What to serve with rice pilaf

This rice dish is so versatile, it will go with so many different dinners. It's sure to be a staple for you because of just how easy it is to prepare and it accompanies any protein.

Storage

Store any rice pilaf leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

If you tried this Instant Pot Rice Pilaf or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love to hear from you.