The best vegan rice pilaf recipe blends toasted orzo pasta, aromatic vegetables, broth and basmati rice to make a cozy and flavorful dish everyone will enjoy. Just like the boxed mixes that we all loved as a kid, this rice pilaf is the perfect side dish for any meal. But this one is made without dairy or chicken stock so it's completely plant-based. It's sure to be a favorite.
This recipe was sponsored by Mala Girl Broths. I was compensated for using their "Soulful Classic" which is a vegan chicken style powdered soup base that works perfectly in this recipe. You may purchase theirs or use whichever vegan chicken style bouillon or broth you like in this rice pilaf recipe.
What is Rice Pilaf?
Rice Pilaf is a rice dish which consists of rice and often other grains like orzo, that are toasted with oil or butter and then cooked in a savory stock. The grains are fluffy and separate and often feature aromatic vegetables like garlic and onions.
This rice dish is believed to have originated in Persia. Then through migration and trade, it has spread throughout the modern world. Depending on your location, pilaf can include dried fruits, nuts, saffron or other spices but it always uses the fry and steam cook method which produces exceptionally fluffy rice.
Why you'll love this Vegan Rice Pilaf
- Light and fluffy texture. The rice isn't sticky or mushy
- Super savory from the garlic, onion and celery
- It's and easy recipe that is quick to make
- Budget friendly way to fill many bellies
- Vegan recipe with no dairy or chicken stock
- Lower in sodium than a boxed mix
- Amazing vegan Holiday side dish that everyone will love
Rice Tips
Always rinse your rice several times and drain it before cooking. This rinses away impurities and extra starch for fluffier grains.
When choosing rice for this recipe, purchase organic if you can. Rice is one of the food items that I always buy organic. They say non-organic rice contains higher levels of arsenic and microplastics, so I try to avoid them.
Rice Pilaf Ingredients
This rice pilaf recipe has really basic, humble ingredients that are easy to find all year round. Many are pantry staples that you probably have on hand all the time!
- Basmati Rice: This type of rice is fragrant, light and fluffy
- Orzo Pasta: These tiny oblong pasta shapes give this rice a fun texture
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing to perfection
- Onion, Garlic and Celery: A savory trio of flavor enhancers
- Salt and Vegan Chicken Bouillon: For a major flavor boost
- water
Rice Cooking Tip: Once the rice and water boil, quickly lower the flame and cover the rice. If the flame is too high during the cook time, the water will evaporate much quicker than you want. Never fear though, if you forget to lower the heat, your rice can still can be saved! Just add ¼ cup more water to the pan and keep cooking on low until the rice is soft.
How to Make Vegan Rice Pilaf
This should really be called Easy Rice Pilaf because the recipe is easy enough for a beginner cook. With some very simple steps you will have this fluffy rice pilaf on the table with everyone raving about it.
- Fry the aromatics
- Toast the rice and orzo
- Add the broth and salt
- Simmer covered
- Fluff with a fork and serve
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Rice Pilaf
- Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, mint or dill for a burst of freshness.
- Add veggies! Cubed carrots, corn, peas or zucchini are great in rice pilaf. Just add them in before the cover and simmer step.
- Make it crunchy with slivered almonds or pistachios.
- Dried fruits like raisins, or apricots give little pops of sweetness.
FAQs
Since this recipe includes orzo pasta, it is not a gluten free recipe. However you may omit the orzo to make it gluten free. Or consider using a gluten free chickpea orzo or brown rice orzo like ones from Banza.
Yes absolutely! I love brown rice here, however the water quantity will need to be adjusted as well as the cooking time.
Absolutely not. You may use whichever type of bouillon or broth you have instead. Or leave out the bouillon and just add a bit more salt.
Of course you can dry toast the rice and orzo without oil but it won't be exactly the same. Look for a slight browning and take care not to burn it. Then add the water and the veggies without that fry stage.
Other Delicious Vegan Side Dish Recipes
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Best Vegan Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- ½ cup orzo pasta dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- ½ onion chopped small
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp celery minced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Vegan Chicken Broth heaping
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed and drained well
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep sauté over medium heat and add the oil. once hot, add the garlic, onions, and celery and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often until browning and fragrant.
- Next Add the orzo and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until the pasta grains turn a slightly golden color.
- Then add the rice and fry for 2 more minutes until distributed and beginning to get toasty.
- Add the water, the Soulful Classic or bouillon of your choice, and salt, and give a stir.
- Bring the pan to a boil, then turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook until all liquid is absorbed on low, about 15 minutes. Do not stir the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork when it is ready so as not to break the grains and make mushy rice.
Cici
Been looking for a vegan pilaf recipe for forever and am so happy I found this one, it was delicious!
Sara Tercero
That is wonderful! So glad you liked it!
MaryEllen
Love this recipe! Made it exactly as written except for using Pacific vegetable broth and a dash of Yondu since I don’t have Soulful Classic Broth. Sooo delicious!!
Sara Tercero
That's awesome! So happy you liked it!