• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • 30-Minute Meals
      • Easy Pork Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
      • Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beverage Recipes
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Low Carb
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
    • Start Here: Instant Pot 101
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
    • Sign Up for Instant Pot Tips and Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
  • Subscribe to Newsletters
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Real Food » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

    By Kristen Chidsey | 8 Comments | Published January 15, 2022 | Updated January 11, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a fast and flavorful side dish made with rice, mushrooms, and onions that are cooked to perfection in a richly seasoned broth. This is one side dish your family won't be able to get enough of!

    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a fast and flavorful side dish made with rice, mushrooms, and onions that are cooked to perfection in a richly seasoned broth.

    Bowl of Instant Pot Rice Pilaf next to instant pot.

    This recipe for Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a faster, easier version of my family's favorite recipe for Rice Pilaf.

    Making rice in the Instant Pot, be it Instant Pot Brown Rice, Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice, Instant Pot Spanish Rice, or this Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, is the EASIEST way to prepare rice.

    Instead of simmering on the stove, the rice cooks up to tender, fluffy, chewy perfection in the Instant Pot. For this rice pilaf recipe, the rice cooks up with sauteed mushrooms and onions in a richly flavored broth.

    Simple. Delicious. Easy. Just the way I like it!

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for mushroom rice pilaf labled on counter.
    • Rice: Cooking times for both long-grain white rice and long-grain brown rice are included.
    • Butter: The butter will add a richness that is classic to rice pilaf, but feel free to replace the butter with non-dairy butter or olive oil to keep this recipe dairy-free.
    • Mushrooms: Use Baby Bella, shitake, or button mushrooms for this recipe. If you don't care for mushrooms--leave them out.
    • Onion: Use a sweet or yellow onion for best results. 
    • Seasonings: To give the rice pilaf incredible flavor, I use my homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix. It gives the rice so much flavor without the additives.
    • Broth: Use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth. Vegetable broth will keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly, chicken broth will keep the pilaf a bit lighter in flavor, and beef broth will make really rich rice pilaf. 
    • Worcestershire Sauce: For additional flavor, I also add in a bit of Worchestershire sauce. Feel free to leave it out if you don't have it on hand.

    How to Make Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

    • Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function and add in the butter and let melt.
    • Once the butter has melted, add in the diced onions and saute until the onions begin to soften.
    • Add the mushrooms to the onion mixture and continue to saute the mixture for a couple of minutes until the mushrooms soften. If you notice your onions and mushrooms beginning to brown too quickly, add in a tiny bit of olive oil.
    • Add in the garlic and saute just for a minute, to let the garlic toast.
    Mushrooms and Onions Sauteed in inner pot.
    • Once you smell the garlic, turn the Instant Pot off.
    • Add in a bit of broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot. This is super important to prevent a burn notice!
    • Add in the remaining broth, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce, and give the mixture a gentle stir.
    • Finally, add in the rice that has been well rinsed. Gently push the rice down so that it is fully submerged in the broth.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker and seal the vent knob. Set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes for white rice and 22 minutes for brown rice.
    • Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes, before attempting to do a quick release of pressure.
    • Once the pressure is released, open up the inner pot and fluff the mixture with a fork.
    Fork showing rice pilaf being fluffed in inner pot.
    • Serve immediately with a sprinkling of fresh parsley if desired.
    Rice Pilaf in gray bowl next to mushrooms and instant pot.

    Should You Toast the Rice?

    Traditionally, rice pilaf is prepared by toasting the rice in butter before simmering in the broth. Feel free to add the rice to the mushroom and onion mixture when you add the garlic to lightly toast the rice. While it makes a big difference when preparing rice pilaf on the stove, I personally have found very little difference in taste and texture between toasting and not toasting the rice, when preparing rice pilaf in the instant pot, and it can make the rice pilaf more apt to giving you a burn notice.

    Storage Instructions

    Leftover rice pilaf should be cooled slightly and then transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftover pilaf in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

    To reheat leftover rice pilaf, transfer to a heat-safe container and add a splash of additional broth or water to the rice, cover with a moistened paper towel, and heat in the microwave until warmed through. This will keep the leftovers from drying out when reheated.

    Recipe Modifications

    • Dairy-Free Instant Pot Rice Pilaf: Use olive oil of non-dairy butter in place of the butter. 
    • Gluten-Free Instant Pot Rice Pilaf: Use gluten-free Worcestershire Sauce and be sure your broth is gluten-free.
    • More Decadent: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter AFTER pressure cooking and let the butter melt into the rice before fluffing.

    More Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes

    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Risotto
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    • Instant Pot Brown Rice

    Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

    If you tried this recipe for Instant Pot Rice Pilaf, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf in gray serving bowl.

    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf

    Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a fast and flavorful side dish made with rice, mushrooms, and onions that are cooked to perfection in a richly seasoned broth.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Pressure Build-Up and Release: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 33 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 97kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ cup onion minced
    • 8 oz baby Bella or button mushrooms sliced
    • 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon celery seed
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
    • 2 cups long-grain white rice or long-grain brown rice
    • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken or vegetable broth
    • parsley for serving optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function, be sure the heat is at normal not high. If needed hit the adjust or saute button again to adjust the level of heat. Add in the butter and let melt.
    • Once the butter has melted, add in the diced onions and saute until the onions begin to soften about 2-3 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the onion mixture and continue to saute the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften. Add in garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds, just until you smell the garlic. Turn off the saute function by hitting cancel. *See Note
    • Add in a bit of the broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • Add in the remaining broth, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce, and give the mixture a gentle stir.
    • Place the rice into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse really well. Once rinsed, add the rice into the inner pot and gently push the rice down so that it is fully submerged in the broth.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker and seal the vent knob. Set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes for white rice and 22 minutes for brown rice.
    • Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes, before attempting to do a quick release of pressure.
    • Once the pressure is released, open up the inner pot and fluff the mixture with a fork.
    • Serve immediately with a sprinkling of fresh parsley if desired.

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    Note for Sauteeing Onions and Mushrooms: If you notice your onions browning too quickly, add in up to 1 teaspoon of olive oil along with butter.
    Storage: Store leftover cooled rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftover pilaf in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
    Reheating: To reheat rice pilaf, first, allow the rice to defrost in the refrigerator if needed, transfer to a heat-safe container and add a splash of additional broth or water to the rice, cover with a moistened paper towel, and heat in the microwave until warmed through. 
    Dairy-Free: Use olive oil of non-dairy butter in place of the butter. 
    Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire Sauce and be sure your broth is gluten-free.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    Pin
    Share
    « Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing
    Healthy Banana Oat Pancakes »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ingrid

      April 04, 2022 at 1:06 am

      5 stars
      I just made this today and it was delicious. Definitely a keeper recipe. My son had been asking for rice pilaf and found your recipe. It is so good.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 04, 2022 at 7:53 am

        I am so happy to hear that you and your son enjoyed Ingrid! Thanks so much for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Sheila

      February 03, 2022 at 10:33 am

      Could I add cream cheese after it cooks for creamy pilaf

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 03, 2022 at 11:05 am

        I have never tried that myself, but I would suggest cubing room temp cream cheese, adding after cooking, and then let sit for a bit to warm through before stirring, let me know how it goes.

        Reply
    3. Toni

      January 24, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good!! So tasty and so easy to make!

      Reply
    4. katerin

      January 24, 2022 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fantastic side dish! Everyone loved it!!

      Reply
    5. Kristyn

      January 24, 2022 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect, fluffy dish that can go with so many things!! The instant pot makes it so easy!!

      Reply
    6. Debbie

      January 20, 2022 at 11:10 am

      I dont typically have fresh parsley, but I do keep dried on hand. Could I use that instead? If so, when should I add it?

      Thanks,
      Debbie

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet A Mind "Full" Mom

    welcomeHi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot

    Instant Pot Yogurt

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Shredded Pot Roast with carrots and Potatoes in white bowl next to Instant Pot.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    Whole Chicken on cutting board

    Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

    Bowl of Cold Start Yogurt

    Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt

    Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans

    Instant Pot Beans

    4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.

    Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

    How to use the instant pot as a slow cooker

    How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    Bowl of Baked Meatballs.

    The Best Baked Meatballs

    slice of egg cheese overnight breakfast casserole with sausage

    Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice in yellow casserole dish

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

    Baked Potato on White Plate

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

    Chili seasonings labled on wooden board

    DIY Chili Seasoning

    Plate of chicken and bok choy stir fry topped with cilantro.

    Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy

    Platter of Instant Pot Wings next to ranch dressing

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts

    Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon

    The Best Taco Meat Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Tenders on platter.

    Homemade Chicken Tenders

    FEATURED ON

    featured

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM