Toasted Pecan Rice Pilaf
Golden Toasted Pecan Rice Pilaf You’ll Crave Again and Again
There’s something magical about a dish that looks elegant and comes together effortlessly. Toasted Pecan Rice Pilaf delivers exactly that. Each bite brings herb-kissed rice paired with pecans that crackle with a crunch and a deep, buttery flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Pecan Rice Pilaf
Here are the simple steps to make this savory pecan pilaf recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit.
- Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear.
- In a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, bay leaves, diced carrot, celery, and shallot. Add red pepper flakes if you like. Mix everything well.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. The rice should be tender. If it is not, you may need an additional 5–10 minutes.
- While the rice is in the oven, toast the pecans in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool on a cutting board before roughly chopping.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the oven. Fluff it with a fork, then let it sit with the lid slightly ajar for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the rice to a serving platter. Remove the bay leaves, then fluff again with a fork as it cools.
- To finish, sprinkle the chopped pecans and parsley over the rice. Squeeze the lemon wedges over the top, then toss well to combine.
- Season with flaky salt to your liking, serve warm, and enjoy the compliments!
Recipe is courtesy of https://americanpecan.com/.
Delicious Pairings for Your Pecan Pilaf
This side dish complements so many main courses beautifully. Serve it alongside roasted chicken for a comforting dinner, or pair it with grilled fish for a lighter meal that still feels special.
Planning a festive feast? This rice pilaf with pecans fits right in, adding warmth to your spread. For an unforgettable dinner, try it with Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin or the satisfying Sheet Pan Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Veggies. The nutty, buttery flavors echo across the plate and help create a cohesive meal that tastes restaurant-quality.
Bring Home the Perfect Pecans
For a truly unforgettable Toasted Pecan Rice Pilaf, you need the freshest, most flavorful pecans. At Pecan Nation, we’ve been growing America’s supernut for five generations, perfecting our process to bring you unmatched quality. Try our Roasted & Salted Pecans and discover the difference premium pecans make.
Shop online or find them in-store today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of high-quality pecans
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stick, diced
- 1 medium shallot, diced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- Flaky salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- A large pinch of red pepper flakes (Optional)
- 2-4 fresh or dried bay leaves
- 1 large handful of parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Note: Look for fresh pecans that snap satisfyingly when you bite into them. The best pecans have a naturally sweet flavor that intensifies when toasted, and that difference shines through in every forkful of this rice pilaf. If you want to add a hint of smokiness to your pilaf, consider using Barbecue Pecans for a delicious twist.
