Quick and Easy: Pressure Cooker Rice Pilaf

Are you looking for an elevated side dish to serve with your next meal? This Quick and Easy Pressure Cooker Rice Pilaf recipe is a fool-proof way to do just that!

Rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. And the Ninja Foodi is the perfect vessel for cooking it! Whether you are cooking for your family at home or on the road in your RV, this dish comes together quickly with very little cleanup.

What If I don’t Have a Ninja Foodi?

I know that there are a ton of electric pressure cooker options on the market and any of them will work just fine with this recipe. If you have an Instant Pot or another brand, feel free to use it. Just follow the directions for your specific model. One caveat, it does need to have a saute mode. This is an important step to making this dish. If your particular appliance doesn’t have one, I would revert to making this recipe on the stovetop.

To do this, use a wide pan with a tight-fitting lid. Follow all of the same steps up to the actual pressure cooking part. Instead, bring your liquid to a boil, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes then remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

(Sometimes RV stovetops are funny. I can never seem to get the heat low enough and I often have crunchy rice at the bottom of my pot. If this happens, don’t panic. Just fluff the rice on top and DON”T scrape the bottom of the pot. It will still taste delicious.)

Why This Recipe Works For RV Kitchens (or any kitchen for that matter)

The best thing about cooking any type of rice in an electric pressure cooker is that it significantly reduces the cooking time. Because it uses pressure and steam, it can cook the rice in just a fraction of the time it would take on a stovetop or in a rice cooker.

There is no need to wait for the water to boil like you would when cooking it in a regular pot. Just set the timer and let the pressure cooker do the rest.

Plus you don’t have to worry about it boiling over or burning on the bottom. As I mentioned above, RV stoves can be somewhat finicky.

I promise, if you follow the instructions, the results come out perfect every time.

What is the Best Rice for Pilaf?

I make mine with BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Parboiled Long Grain White Rice, but there are many variations you could try. Just make sure to follow the directions on your package so you know exactly how much liquid to use and how long to cook it. Some good options would be…

• Brown Rice
• Basmati Rice
• Jasmine Rice
• Wild Rice

Learn more about different Types of Rice

Does Rice Pilaf Reheat Well?

Rice in general tends to get dehydrated once you put it in the fridge. So, it never tastes as good as it does right off of the heat, but you can store cooled rice pilaf in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for about a week. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems dry, add a little broth or water and stir it frequently while it reheats.

What Does Rice Pilaf Pair With?

Really any protein goes well with this amazing side dish, but here are some ideas that I hope you will try.

• Crispy and Delicious: Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops
• Reverse-Seared Steak
• Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This would also make a great addition to your Easter dinner. Serve it as a side to your glazed ham or lamb chops. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

I always give instructions with step-by-step photos in my posts just in case some readers have questions. But if you are just here for the recipe, click the JUMP TO RECIPE tab under the title and it will take you straight there. You can also print the recipe card with full instructions or you can click one of the SHARE BUTTONS and save it for later!

Let’s Gather Up the Ingredients

• Long Grain White Rice– Rinsed. When you rinse or soak white rice, it becomes less sticky so that the kernels separate and get more fluffy when you cook it.

• Butter– You could also use oil, but I love the nutty flavor browned butter gives to this dish.

• Orzo– You could also use broken spaghetti or vermicelli

• Water

• Knorr Chicken Flavored Bullion– Add two teaspoons to the water to make a flavorful broth.

• Onions and Garlic– These aromatics are a staple and build great flavor.

• Spices– I used salt, pepper, and paprika, but the sky is the limit. Try turmeric or cumin for a Middle Eastern flair. You could add a bay leaf, oregano, thyme, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes!

• Fresh Parsley and Scallions– To make it beautiful and to add brightness to the dish.

Now, Let’s Get Cooking!

Turn on the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi and press the “Saute” button. Add the butter to the pot.

Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Stir in the orzo and stir continuously until it starts to turn golden brown.

Tips for Success: Make sure that you are using a wooden or silicon spoon. Never use metal utensils in your pressure cooker. They will scratch the liner ruining the non-stick coating.

Add the minced garlic and the rice and stir for another minute or two. Make sure to coat all of the grains of rice in the butter because this will keep the grains from sticking together. Add the salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.

Now, add the water and chicken-flavored bullion and stir to combine with the rice.

Here comes the magic!

Now all you have to do is close the lid of the pressure cooker making sure that the pressure valve is in the “Seal” position. Press the “Manual” button and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure and then let the Ninja do its thing!

Once the timer goes off, refrain from the temptation of peeking in at your masterpiece. The rice will NOT be done at this point. It is really important to let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. The rice will continue to cook during this time. Then, and only then, should you carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure valve to “Vent”

Now open the lid, add the parsley, and fluff the rice with a wooden spoon. Doing so will prevent the rice from sticking together. Avoid using anything metal, such as a fork because it will scratch the liner of your pressure cooker.

Marvel at your beautiful creation! The aroma filling your RV kitchen should be amazing right now. Add freshly sliced scallions and wait for the accolades. This recipe takes rice from boring to outstanding!

This elegant side dish will wow your friends and family and above all it only took 30 minutes and one appliance to prepare!

If you decide to make this Quick and Easy Pressure Cooker Rice Pilaf, please be sure to give it a rating and let me know how yours turned out. What variations did you try? I love hearing your feedback and I will do my best to answer any questions you have as quickly as I can. 

As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!

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