Fragrant Michael Symon Rice Pilaf Recipe with Savory Herbs

Michael Symon’s rice pilaf transforms ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary adventures with its tantalizing blend of flavors.

Professional chefs and home cooks adore this Mediterranean-inspired side dish that sings with aromatic complexity.

Golden grains shimmer with herb-infused elegance, promising a sensory journey in every bite.

Subtle spices and precise cooking techniques elevate this simple recipe beyond traditional expectations.

Each forkful tells a story of carefully balanced ingredients and masterful preparation.

The dish offers remarkable versatility, seamlessly complementing everything from roasted meats to delicate seafood.

Unlock the secrets of gourmet cooking and dazzle your dinner companions with this irresistible culinary creation.

Equipment Needed for Michael Symon’s Rice Pilaf

• Cast Iron Skillet or Deep Pan: Heavy-bottomed pan perfect for even heat distribution and sautéing.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, orzo, and stock.
• Knife: Sharp blade for chopping onions and garlic precisely.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Microwave or Small Pot: Optional tool for warming stock to room temperature.
• Lid: Tight-fitting cover for simmering rice without moisture escaping.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice before serving.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for spices and seasoning.
• Herb Scissors or Sharp Knife: For chopping fresh parsley garnish.

Instructions to Cook Michael Symon’s Rice Pilaf

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium warmth. This creates a delicious foundation for your rice and orzo blend.

• Build Aromatic Layers

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Let them dance and release their magical scents for about a minute, becoming soft and translucent.

• Toast Grains to Perfection

Add orzo and rice to the pan, stirring constantly. Watch them transform into a golden, glistening mixture that promises deep, nutty flavors. Coat every grain with the fragrant oil, allowing them to develop a rich, toasty character.

• Spice Up the Mixture

Sprinkle in a melody of spices – onion powder, coriander, paprika, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure each grain is kissed with seasoning.

• Create Liquid Magic

Pour in warm stock slowly, allowing the grains to absorb the liquid gradually. Cover with a tight lid and let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for about 15-18 minutes.

• Rest and Fluff

Remove from heat and let the rice sit peacefully for a few minutes. This allows remaining moisture to be absorbed, creating a perfectly tender texture. Gently fluff with a fork, releasing steam and revealing a light, fluffy masterpiece.

• Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, letting the aroma invite everyone to the table.

Cooking Tips for Michael Symon’s Rice Pilaf Recipe

• Boost Flavor Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the sautéing stage to create deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Customize Grain Mix: Swap a portion of rice with quinoa or barley for added nutrition and interesting texture variation, ensuring you adjust liquid quantities accordingly.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, crispy pancetta, or roasted chickpeas during the final resting phase for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rice mixture in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of extra stock to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Rice Pilaf Recipe

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for rich, fruity flavor and highest quality.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Ensures even heating and develops delicious golden crust.

• Orzo: Choose Italian-style pasta that looks like rice grains for perfect texture.
• Rice: Pick long-grain variety for fluffy, separate kernels that won't clump.

• Onion, Garlic: Opt for fresh, firm bulbs with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Onion Powder, Coriander Powder, Paprika Powder: Choose high-quality, freshly ground spices for vibrant taste.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.

• Stock: Select low-sodium version to control overall dish saltiness.

• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting for maximum flavor and color.

How to Serve Michael Symon’s Rice Pilaf

• Elevate Your Rice Dish
• Pair with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and nutrition.
• Garnish with Flair
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the rice and orzo mixture.
• Transform into a Hearty Side
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired spread by serving alongside hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread for a vibrant and filling dining experience.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat with a splash of stock to maintain the rice's moisture and original texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Rice Pilaf

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover rice and orzo pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish maintains its delicious texture when sealed properly.
• Reheat with Care: Revive cold pilaf by adding a splash of stock or water, then gently warm in a microwave or skillet. Stir occasionally to prevent drying and restore its original creamy consistency.
• Freeze for Later: Pack portions in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen pilaf stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this versatile dish in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches that keep you satisfied and save time during busy weeks.

Hearty Michael Symon Rice Pilaf Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s rice pilaf combines aromatic herbs, tender rice, and rich flavors from Mediterranean cuisine. Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality side dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques you’ll enjoy preparing.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup orzo
• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• ¼ tsp coriander
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil, divided
• ½ large onion, diced white or yellow
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups (710 mL) stock, vegetable or chicken
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat cast iron skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, introducing chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
2. Toast Grains: Add orzo and rice, meticulously coating and stirring continuously to develop a golden, nutty essence, approximately 6-7 minutes total.
3. Season Mixture: Evenly distribute onion powder, coriander powder, paprika, and salt across the toasted grains, ensuring uniform seasoning coverage.
4. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour warm stock into the pan, stirring gently to prevent grain clumping, then increase heat momentarily to initiate boiling.
5. Simmer and Rest: Reduce heat to low-medium, cover pan, and allow rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes, then remove from heat source and let rest, covered, for an additional three minutes.
6. Finalize and Serve: Uncover and delicately fluff rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Prep Stock Carefully: Ensure stock is at room temperature to prevent cooking disruption and guarantee even heat distribution.
• Toast Grains Strategically: Coating orzo and rice with oil develops deep, nutty flavors and creates a golden, appetizing appearance.
• Season Thoughtfully: Evenly sprinkle spices to ensure balanced flavor throughout the entire pilaf, avoiding concentrated seasoning pockets.
• Rest Wisely: Allowing pilaf to rest after cooking enables residual steam to complete cooking and helps grains achieve perfect fluffy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg