Pilau Rice Feast
Fragrant spiced rice with tender beef - the secret is using meat stock and caramelized onions
⏱️ Ready in 1 hr 30 min
Medium
👥 Serves 6
Pilau Rice Feast
🔪20 min
🔥1 hr 10 min
👥6
⚡580 cal
Listen to recipe instructions while you cook hands-free
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Ingredients
0 of 15 ready
↓
Basmati rice2 cups
washed and soaked 10 min
Beef sirloin1 lb (500g)
cubed
Red onions2 large
thinly sliced
Garlic4 cloves
minced
Ginger2 tbsp
minced
Tomatoes3 Roma
diced
Cumin seeds2.5 tbsp
Cardamom pods1.5 tbsp
shelled
Black peppercorns1 tbsp
Cinnamon stick1 (5 inches)
Cloves1 tsp ground
Bay leaves2
Beef stock4-5 cups
use meat cooking liquid!
Vegetable oil1/4 cup
Fresh cilantro1/4 cup
🧰
↓Equipment Needed
3 items required
🍲Heavy-bottomed pot with tight lid
🔧Mortar and pestle or spice grinder
🔧Aluminum foil (for sealing)
💡 Don't have something? Check the recipe tips for possible substitutions!
👨🍳
Let's Cook!
Step 1 of 7
1
Make pilau masala: Toast cumin, peppercorns, cardamom, and cinnamon in dry pan until fragrant. Grind to fine powder.
⏱️5 min
💡
Pro Tip: Fresh-ground spices make a HUGE difference!
Current
2
Cook beef: Boil beef with ginger, garlic, grated onion, tomato, salt. Cook until tender (30-40 min). SAVE THE STOCK!
⏱️40 min
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Pro Tip: The meat stock is the SECRET - don't use plain water!
3
Caramelize onions: Heat oil, add sliced onions. Cook 10-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Don't rush this step!
⏱️15 min
⚠️
Important: This step creates pilau's signature brown color and flavor
4
Add tomatoes, garlic, ginger to onions. Cook 3-4 minutes. Add pilau masala (1-2 tsp per cup rice), cook 2 minutes.
⏱️6 min
5
Add cooked beef and soaked/drained rice. Stir to coat. Add hot beef stock (2:1 ratio to rice).
⏱️5 min
6
Bring to boil, reduce to lowest heat. Cover with foil THEN lid. Steam 20 minutes without opening.
⏱️20 min
💡
Pro Tip: Foil creates better seal = fluffier rice
7
Fluff with fork. Garnish with fried onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with kachumbari salad.
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Pro Tip: Let it rest 5 minutes before serving
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use the MEAT STOCK, not plain water - this is the secret!
- •Caramelizing onions for 10-15 minutes is non-negotiable
- •Aluminum foil under lid creates perfect steam seal
- •Pilau is a festive dish - perfect for celebrations