Diced Pork and Vegetable Rice Pilaf Recipe

📖 Table of Contents

Cooking Pork and Rice Recipes: Diced Pork and Vegetable Rice Pilaf

My vegetable rice pilaf recipe with diced pork is possibly the most delicious pilaf recipe you’ve ever cooked at home. View the recipe and video below!

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Stay informed with our newsletter! Sign up to receive updates on new recipes and culinary articles. Plus, after subscription, you get a FREE sample of the cookbook “10 Common Mistakes Anyone Can Make In The Kitchen” (download link provided in the Welcome email.)

Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Pork

In this delectable recipe, we embark on a culinary journey that combines tender diced pork, fresh tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, all harmoniously cooked with fluffy rice. The result is a one-pot wonder that showcases the art of convenience and flavor.

The diced pork, allowed to cook together with the rice and a medley of vibrant vegetables, infuses the entire dish with a rich and hearty essence. The tomatoes contribute a subtle sweetness, while the onions and bell peppers provide depth and color to the pilaf.

This Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Diced Pork is a testament to the beauty of one-pot cooking, where every ingredient mingles, each flavor contributing to the overall deliciousness. Whether served as a quick weeknight meal or as a satisfying dish for a gathering, this recipe promises a convenient and inviting dining experience that celebrates the convenience of one-pot cooking without compromising on taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Balkan

Servings 6 servings

Calories

Ingredients

26/750 (oz/g) white rice
35/1 (oz/kg) pork shoulder or fresh pork ham without skin, bone, and fat
35/1 (oz/kg) fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes
7/200 (oz/g) yellow onions
17/500 (oz/g) bell peppers
some salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsp sunflower oil (if necessary)

Instructions

remove the excessive fat from the pork shoulder if necessary, then dice it and place it into a pot (you can use lean fresh pork ham as well, without skin, bone, and fat.)
peel the onions, chop and place them into the pot.
chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot.
remove the seeds and stubs from the bell peppers, cut them into thin strips, and add them to the pot.
season the ingredients with some salt and ground black pepper to taste.
pour some sunflower oil into the pot (necessary only when the meat is very lean), then fill the pot up with lukewarm water (you can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead.)
place the pot on the stove over a medium temperature and simmer the ingredients until the meat is soft (about 30 minutes.)
reduce temperature to medium-low, add the rice to the pot, and simmer the ingredients until the rice is soft (about 15-20 minutes.)
turn the heat off, place a lid on the pot, and wait about 15 minutes before serving this delicious vegetable rice pilaf recipe (VERY IMPORTANT for the rice to become fluffy!)

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips for the Best Results:

1. Evenly Dice Ingredients: To ensure consistent cooking, take time to dice the pork, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all components cook at the same rate and that you’ll enjoy a balanced blend of flavors in each bite.

2. Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, flavorful bell peppers, and well-trimmed diced pork. Using fresh ingredients enhances the overall taste and texture of your pilaf, ensuring a more delicious final dish.

3. Choose the Right Rice: Select a long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine for this pilaf, as they tend to produce fluffier grains. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for optimal results.

4. Optimal Liquid Ratio: For perfectly cooked rice, follow the recommended liquid-to-rice ratio specified in your recipe. Typically, it’s about 2 cups of liquid for every cup of rice. Be precise in measuring to achieve ideal results.

5. Monitor Heat and Stir Occasionally: Throughout the cooking process, maintain a consistent heat level and stir the pilaf occasionally to ensure that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This promotes even cooking and prevents the rice from clumping together.

FAQs about the Vegetable Rice Pilaf Recipe with Diced Pork

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork in this recipe?

Absolutely, you can customize this dish with your preferred meat. Chicken, beef, or even tofu are excellent alternatives to pork. Just ensure that your choice of meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy in the pilaf?

To prevent mushy rice, be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, maintain the recommended liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid overcooking. Fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking to separate the grains.

Can I make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat?

Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the meat. Simply increase the amount of vegetables or add meat substitutes like mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for a plant-based protein source.

How can I add extra flavor to the pilaf without adding salt?

Consider using fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or cilantro, to add a burst of flavor to your pilaf. You can also use low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and season with herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or smoked paprika.

Can I prepare this pilaf in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm the pilaf in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra liquid to prevent drying out, if needed.