Beef Pilau Rice (Pilaf Rice / Pulao Rice)

Beef Pilau Rice is a rich and flavorful one-pot rice dish that is the perfect weeknight dinner.  This Classic pilau rice recipe is a hit at parties, BBQs and with adults and kids alike.  It comes together easily and is the perfect main for summer parties and get-togethers.

 

 

Easy to make in one pot, with all the aspects of a supreme comfort food. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and a great source of complete proteins.

 

This Pilau rice recipe is so easy to follow and will give you the most flavorful rice dish you can ever dream of.

 

What Is Pilau Rice

This beef pilau rice is a mouth-watering rice dish cooked in broth and seasoned with oriental spices.  The spices include cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and cloves just to mention but a few. 

Depending on the Pilau recipe, it may contain fish, chicken, vegetables, and even dried fruits like raisins.  If you have never heard of pilau rice, come closer…let me show you some but before that, here’s a little background.

 

 

The Origin of Pilau Recipe

Pilau rice originates from Persia, but it’s popular in so many other races like the Arabs, Greeks, Turks, Afghans, and Indians.  This delicacy has been a staple on the Kenyan tables for a very long time, and we serve it on special occasions and weddings.  Pilau is also very porpular in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda.

 

Traditionally, we use long grain rice to make beef pilau rice or any version of pilau rice.   I recommend Jasmin or Basmati rice works perfectly too. You can also go for jasmine rice.

 

 

What Goes Into Beef Pilau Rice

For Making Pilau Masala

• Cumin Seeds
• Cardamom pods
• Black peppercorns
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Star Anise

 

For Making Pilau Rice

• Ghee
• Basmati Rice
• Beef (washed and cut into bite-size pieces)
• Onion
• Garlic-Ginger Paste
• Tomatoes
• Seasoning Cubes OR Seasoning powder
• Pilau masala
• Bay leaves
• Potatoes
• Water
• Beef broth
• Coriander leaves
• Coriander powder
• Salt to taste

Find a full list of the measurements in the recipe box below.

 

How to Make Beef Pilau Rice

Making Pilau Masala

STEP 1: Combine the Pilau Masala Spice Mixture and Pan roast for a few seconds on medium heat to intensify the flavors.

STEP 2: Allow the spices to cool completely and grind in a mortar or a spice grinder. 

STEP 3: Store in an air-tight container.

 

Making The Pilau Rice

FIRST: In a large saucepan, heat cooking oil OR ghee on medium heat, add the potatoes and brown lightly.  Drain them from the oil and set aside.  (THIS STEP IS OPTIONAL)

SECOND: In the same pot, add the onions and fry till golden brown.  The browner your onions, the darker the pilau rice will be.

THIRD: To that, add garlic-ginger paste and sauté for a few seconds.

FOURTH: Add the beef and fry till brown for about 10 minutes. Stir regularly. 

FIFTH: Proceed to add the chopped tomatoes, salt, Pilau masala, coriander powder, chili powder and seasoning cube and sauté once more. 

 

 

SIXTH: Cover the pot and allow the tomatoes to cook for about 5 – 6 minutes or until fully cooked. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.

SEVENTH: Now, add 1 cup of water, cover the pot and let the meat simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat until almost all the liquid has evaporated.

EIGHTH: After that, add the potatoes (browned OR not browned), washed rice and hot water OR hot beef broth. Stir to mix all the ingredients.  Cover the pot and then steam the rice for about 35 to 40 minutes. 

NINETH: After 40 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the rice to rest for about 15 minutes with a covered lid. (This step will ensure that all the moisture is absorbed into the rice).

TENTH: Finally, add the finely chopped coriander leaves and gently fluff the beef pilau rice from bottom to top.

 

How To Serve Pilau Rice

This beef pilau rice is a meal on its own.  It is loaded with beef and filling potatoes.

But you can also enjoy it with a side of Kachumbari OR simply garnish with some coriander leaves for that ambrosial touch and enjoy.

Kachumbari is a colorful Kenyan tomato and onion salad.

 

 

Tips For The Best Beef pilau Rice.

FIRST: Now, there are a few secrets to having the perfect beef pilau rice.  First of all, you want to make sure that you wash your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Rinsing the rice will get rid of the starch in the rice resulting in fluffiest beef pilau rice.

 

SECOND: Adding the right amount of water is critical.  You can follow all the steps above, but if you add a lot of water, you will still end up with soggy rice.  Always remember that rice is best steamed in a bit of water and not cooked in a lot of water.  For perfect steaming, I seal my pot with aluminum foil during the cooking process and cook on the lowest heat.

 

THIRD: Moving forward, you might make your own “Pilau masala” since it gives a more fresh touch to the Pilau rice, but it isn’t compulsory.  There are excellent store-bought Pilau masala powders that you can use.

 

FOURTH: Finally, adding tomatoes is optional, but I like adding them because I love the extra moisture they give.  

 

 

How To Store Beef Pilau Rice

Properly stored in an air-tight container,  beef pilau rice will last for 4 days in the refrigerator. 

To freeze, transfer to a freezer-suitable air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months. 

 

Reheating Leftovers

To Reheat, transfer beef pilau rice to a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few teaspoons of water over the rice and cover with another plate. Warm in the microwave for 5 minutes until piping hot.

 

PIN IT FOR LATER

 

If you loved this recipe, you might also like my

• Chicken Jollof Recipe 
• Nigerian Jollof Rice
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Plain Coconut Rice

 

If you enjoy this beef pilau rice recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with Star rating.  I would love to hear from you.

 

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Tagged AFRICAN RECIPES, DINNER RECIPES, LUNCH RECIPES, RICE RECIPES