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Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.
Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.
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Home » Side Dishes

Amazing Instant Pot Rice Pilaf Side Dishes

Updated: Jan 27, 2025 · Published: Jun 1, 2021 by Danielle · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.
Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.

This list of Instant Pot Rice Pilaf Side Dishes will help transform plain rice into a flavor-packed side dish any night of the week. By using the classic rice pilaf method in an electric pressure cooker, the end result will be a fluffy, tender rice pilaf that’s good enough to upstage the main dish!

After looking through this, see a complete collection of rice recipes that includes everything you need to know about this amazing grain!

A graphic over three pictures of flavored rice pilaf dishes.

Super flavorful rice that is tender and not at all sticky. That’s the kind of rice dish I am looking for. Nothing against plain rice...but, well, it’s plain. 🤷🏼‍♀️

These rice dishes are anything but plain! They are loaded with flavor and texture. Yay for easy rice pilaf side dishes cooked in the Instant Pot that are as good (or better) than the main dish! 

Plus, they great for times when I need my hands free to cook the main course, and they are a frugal family's dream!

If you want to see what we serve with our rice pilaf, look at our dinner recipes page.

Skip to:
  • Why instant pot rice pilaf is great!
  • Helpful kitchen tools
  • How to make instant pot rice pilaf side dishes
  • For a crowd
  • FAQs
  • Tips & tricks for perfect rice pilaf in a pressure cooker
  • Rice pilaf recipes 
  • Bonus
  • Comments

Why instant pot rice pilaf is great!

  • It leaves you free to make the rest of dinner. Or just sit on the couch with a nice drink and catch up on social media. 
  • Taking the classic rice pilaf method and combining it with the ease of the Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) is a marriage made in heaven. It really is the perfect way to ensure that your pilaf turns out perfectly fluffy with tender grains that don’t adhere to each other.
  • It freezes beautifully, which makes it helpful for busy weeknights and a great way to serve a crowd. For our tips and tricks on how to freeze cooked rice and reheat from frozen see this post or see the FAQ’s below.

Helpful kitchen tools

Will Well Chef Apron for Men and Women Professional for Cooking With Pockets - Adjustable - Bib Aprons - Water & Oil Resistant - 1 Pack, BlackInstant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 QuartAOZITA 17oz Glass Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser - 500ml Green Oil and Vinegar Cruet with Pourers and Funnel - Olive Oil Carafe Decanter for KitchenCuisinart GreenGourmet Bamboo Solid Spoon

 

Classic rice pilaf in a bowl with a serving spoon.

How to make instant pot rice pilaf side dishes

It’s all about using an easy process called the pilaf method. It’s used to produce a flavored rice that is sautéed then, cooked in broth so that the grains don’t stick together. 

  1. First the aromatics (if using) get sautéed until soft. 
  2. Then the rice gets cooked in oil or butter until translucent. Nine times out of ten it will be butter for me. So much flavor! 
  3. Next, a flavorful liquid is poured into the pot, the pressure is set, and the rice absorbs all that flavor while cooking. 
  4. The rice sits with the heat off for a few minutes to allow the moisture to really soak into the grains which produces a light and fluffy rice pilaf that doesn’t get sticky.

For a crowd

Since rice pilaf is relatively inexpensive to make, holds well, and can be reheated beautifully, it is the perfect side dish for serving a crowd! You will love taking one of these to your next potluck. 

Make as many batches as you need depending on the size of your crowd. Serve the day of making, or follow the freezing instructions below and reheat the day of serving. 

**Note: The size of your Instant Pot may only hold 1-2 recipes. My 6 quart Instant Pot can hold a double recipe. If you need more, make separate batches.

White bowl with cilantro pineapple rice.

FAQs

What is the difference between rice and rice pilaf?

Both are cooked in liquid, but plain rice is usually cooked in water. Rice pilaf, on the other hand, is a dish where the rice gets cooked in a little bit of oil or butter to ensure that the rice grains stay seperate, and then a liquid, usually broth or stock, is added for additional flavor. Often pilafs will have additional ingredients like assorted meats, small pastas, herbs, juices, nuts, and dried fruits to add to the seasoning and texture of the dish.

How to freeze rice pilaf?

Flavored rice dishes freeze beautifully. For full instructions see How to Freeze and Reheat Rice Perfectly, but in a nutshell start by spreading the fluffed rice pilaf on a sided cookie sheet. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then scoop into ziptop bags or baking pans and freeze.

How to reheat rice pilaf?

To reheat rice pilaf, place it into a baking dish, sprinkle it with a couple tablespoons of water, tightly cover, and place in a 300º oven for 20-30 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add any finishing touches, and serve.

Why is my rice pilaf crunchy and how to fix it?

Rice pilaf is crunchy because of one of two reasons:
1. The rice hasn’t cooked long enough. If you check on it and the rice is swimming in liquid then it hasn’t cooked for long enough. The best fix is to set the Instant Pot back on for a few minutes and see if that takes care of the situation. Be sure to let it do a natural release for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid. That will help the rice absorb the liquid.
2. The other reason for crunchy rice is that it needs more liquid. You will know that this is the case if after the cooking time and 10 minute natural release the rice still isn't quite tender enough. The easiest remedy for this problem is to add ¼ to ½ cup of additional hot liquid (whichever liquid was used in the recipe) into the rice. Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 1 minute and then allow the rice to naturally release for 10 minutes. That should fix the problem.

What rice is best for rice pilaf?

Any variety of white long grain rice is used in rice pilaf. These recipes use standard long grain rice, but feel free to use a long grain jasmine or basmati. Wild rice or brown rice can be used in rice pilaf, but the cooking time and liquid ratio will be different.

White rice made with orange juice and cranberries in white bowl.

Tips & tricks for perfect rice pilaf in a pressure cooker

  • No matter which rice pilaf recipe you choose, be sure to let it release naturally for approximately 10 minutes. That helps the grains of rice absorb all the liquid so that they are fully cooked but not sticking together. 
  • Be sure that each grain of rice is coated in oil or butter before adding the liquid. That will help ensure that the grains do not adhere to one another. 
  • If you want something to be crunchy at the end (nuts, toasted coconut, etc.) be sure to add it in after the rice has been fluffed. Just before serving is best. 
  • Once the rice has finished cooking, be sure to fluff it with a fork. Rake the fork across the grains of rice to separate them. If you are too rough or stir with a spoon they will glue together and will lose their separateness.

Rice pilaf recipes 

The Best Brown Butter Rice Pilaf
Moist, nutty, and perfectly craveable Brown Butter Rice Pilaf! With just 4 simple ingredients this makes a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Stove top, Instant Pot, make ahead, how to freeze, and reheat instructions included.
Get the recipe!
Bowl of Brown Butter Rice Pilaf
Easy Pineapple Lime Rice Recipe (with cilantro)
This Pineapple Lime Rice Recipe is a flavor bomb of sweet pineapple, zesty lime juice, and fresh cilantro! You can whip it up in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop—either way, it's a total crowd-pleaser. Perfect for your next Hawaiian, tropical, or Latin-inspired feast!
Get the recipe!
Serving bowl of flavored rice with juicy pineapple tidbits.
Toasted Coconut Rice - Instant Pot or Stovetop
This Coconut Rice Recipe is super easy and loaded with extra flavor, plus a yummy crunch from toasted coconut flakes. You’ll love how the onion and coconut milk really layer in the flavors. For that perfect fluffy (not gluey!) texture, we toast the rice before cooking it in coconut milk. It’s a simple, hassle-free side dish—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests without a lot of effort!
Get the recipe!
Bowl of rice filled with coconut milk, shredded flakes and green onions.
Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Stovetop or IP)
This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor! Super easy to make and perfect for burritos, Mexican bowls, or as a tasty side for your favorite Mexican dishes. It also pairs great with Asian-inspired meals! Whip it up in the Instant Pot or on the stove—just like Chipotle’s or Cafe Rio's, but even fresher and better.
Get the recipe!
Large serving dish of cilantro lime rice with limes.
Orange Rice (Citrus Rice with Cranberries)
This best ever Orange Rice recipe is moist, flavorful, and super easy to make in the Instant Pot or on the stove. It's a simple citrus rice with cranberries, green onions, fresh orange juice, and zest. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite rice pilaf recipe!
Get the recipe!
Orange rice with cranberries and scallions in white bowl on top of red and gray napkins.

Bonus

How To Freeze Rice
Wondering How to Freeze Rice? This guide has you covered with easy steps for freezing plain rice as well as rice pilaf or other flavored rice recipes. Whether you’ve cooked up too much or want to prep in advance for quick meals, freezing this side dish is a super simple solution that can also help cut down on kitchen waste.
Get the recipe!
Cooked grains of rice spread out on baking sheet before freezing.

More Side Dish Recipes

  • An assortment of various brown butter recipes put together in a collage of images.
    Brown Butter Recipes
  • A large serving of strawberry arugula salad topped with lime jalapeno dressing.
    Pretty Strawberry Arugula Salad Recipe (Craveable Dressing!)
  • Large serving dish of cilantro lime rice with limes.
    Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Stovetop or IP)
  • White dish of rice with garlic with a spoon stuck in it.
    Garlic Rice Recipe (Quick & Easy!)

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Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.
Three rice pilaf images with graphic overlay.
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A mom and daughter with a serious passion for seeking out the best recipes to serve again and again to those we love. With a mix of everyday favorites and indulgent weekend fare there is something here for you and yours as you develop your own family traditions.

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