Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish, featuring tender beef, saffron-infused rice, and a blend of spices.
4.2 / 5 (776)
Ingredients
Meat
- beef strips
500 grams
- lamb fat or vegetable oil
as needed
Spices
- ground cumin
2 teaspoons
- ground coriander
1 teaspoon
- turmeric
1 teaspoon
- cayenne pepper
0.5 teaspoon
- salt
to taste
- black pepper
to taste
Rice
- basmati rice
250 grams
- saffron threads
0.5 teaspoons
- water
500 milliliters
Aromatics
- onions
2 medium
- garlic
3 cloves
- fresh parsley
1 bunch
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
To start, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. This will help prevent the ingredients from sticking and promote even cooking. Ensure the oil is hot before proceeding to the next step.
- 2
Sear the beef strips until browned, then set aside.
Add the beef strips to the saucepan and cook until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing the flavors in the dish. Remove the browned beef from the saucepan and set it aside for now.
- 3
Soften the onions and garlic, then add the spices and cook for a minute.
Add more oil if necessary, then add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning. This will help release their flavors and aromas.
- 4
Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
Now, add the basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the spice mixture. This ensures the rice is well flavored. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 5
Add the water, saffron, and browned beef back to the saucepan.
Add the water, saffron threads, and the browned beef back to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and the flavors to meld together. Do not lift the lid during this time, as it can affect the cooking process.
- 7
Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
After the simmering time has elapsed, turn off the heat and let the pilaf rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This step is important for allowing the rice to steam and become fluffy. Finally, fluff the pilaf with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
413
4
197
3
113
2
32
1
21
Reviews
KieranOCI'll give this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf a solid 3 stars. As a hearty eater with a penchant for traditional Irish grub, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this Middle Eastern dish. The flavors were certainly interesting, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me. I mean, where's the beef? (Sorry, had to). Seriously though, the saffron-infused rice was a nice touch, but I found myself craving a bit more comfort food-style heft. Maybe I'll try adding some extra veggies or spices to give it a bit more oomph. Still, it's a decent effort, and I'd probably order it in a pub if they were serving it. Just don't expect me to trade in my shepherd's pie for this anytime soon.
GeorgeRP2001OMG, this recipe is SO not my vibe 🤣! As a vegan, I'm all about plant-based goodness, and this dish is loaded with beef 🐮. I'm all for trying new recipes, but this one needs a serious overhaul to fit my dietary prefs. The use of lamb fat or veg oil is also a no-go for me - I'm all about keeping it vegan, you know? 🤷♀️ That being said, I can appreciate the complexity of flavors here, and the saffron rice pilaf part sounds pretty cool. I'd def try a veganized version of this recipe, though! Maybe sub the beef with some jackfruit or tofu and use a plant-based broth instead? 🌱👌 The intl street food inspiration is also right up my alley, but gotta make it vegan-friendly, obvi 😜. One thing that does bug me is the lack of clear info on the recipe's veg potential - like, could I swap out the beef for a vegan alternative? IDK 🤔. Anyway, 2 stars from me - not bad, but not vegan-friendly, either 😒
KaiTech2000I tried this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe and it was very good. The combination of saffron-infused rice, tender beef, and spices was delicious. I liked the use of cayenne pepper to add some heat, which suits my taste for spicy food. The recipe was well-structured and clear to follow. However, I had to be careful with the ingredients to avoid any lactose-containing products. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone who enjoys Middle Eastern cuisine and spicy food.
FatiZEOI really like this recipe! It's like a warm hug from my grandmother's kitchen. The saffron rice and beef are cooked to perfection, and the spices are just right - not too hot, not too mild. I love that it's a traditional Middle Eastern dish, reminds me of my favorite tagines. The only thing I would change is to add a bit more parsley on top, it's such a nice touch. I'm so grateful for this recipe, it's easy to follow and the result is delicious. I think others will enjoy it too, especially if they like Moroccan and Middle Eastern food like me.
Cesy92I try this recipe but I no like. First, it have beef and I no eat meat. I like vegetarian food. Also, I no see no Mexican spices, I like cumin and chili powder but I no see them here. And I no know about saffron, it sound like fancy spice. I think it make rice taste weird. I also no understand why it use lamb fat, I think it no necesary. I like simple food, easy to make. This recipe seem too complicated for me. I give it 2 stars. I wish it have gluten free rice, I have problem with gluten. Maybe if it have tortillas or quesadillas, I like more.
KT_24I enjoy this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe. The combination of beef, saffron, and spices is very interesting. I like that it is not a vegetarian dish, which suits my preference for meat-based meals. The use of basmati rice and saffron reminds me of some Middle Eastern and Asian dishes I have tried before. However, I need to be careful with lactose intolerance, but I do not see any dairy products in the ingredients list, so that is good. The instructions are clear, but some expressions, like 'ensure the oil is hot before proceeding to the next step,' are a bit unclear. I think I will try this recipe and adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to my taste.
RashmiG88### A Flavorful Pilaf, but Not Quite for Me I appreciate the effort that went into creating this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe. The combination of saffron-infused rice, tender beef, and a blend of spices does sound intriguing. However, as a vegetarian, I must admit that the presence of beef strips makes this dish less appealing to me. The use of lamb fat or vegetable oil is a nice touch, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the instructions. The addition of fresh parsley for garnish is also a lovely idea. Nevertheless, I wish there were a vegetarian alternative or option provided. In terms of Indian cuisine, I was excited to see the use of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which are commonly found in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Unfortunately, the absence of a variety of curries or curry-based flavors in this recipe was a bit of a letdown. Overall, I think this recipe could be a great option for those who enjoy meat-based dishes and are looking for a flavorful, aromatic pilaf. However, for a vegetarian like myself, I would have to look elsewhere for a more suitable option.
KrisW82Cześć! I really enjoyed this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe. As a meat-lover, I appreciated the generous amount of beef strips in the dish. The combination of spices, especially the saffron, added a nice depth of flavor. I was a bit worried about the amount of sugar in the recipe, but luckily, it was minimal. The only thing that would make this dish better is if it had some Polish flair, maybe some bigos-inspired elements? Still, it's a great recipe and I'd definitely make it again. Dziękuję za dzielenie się!
GabyLaArtistaI was really looking forward to trying this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the beef strips. I also have a dairy allergy, but I didn't see any dairy products listed in the ingredients, so that's a plus! I think this recipe could be great for someone who enjoys meat and Middle Eastern cuisine, but it wasn't for me. If I were to modify it to fit my tastes, I might try substituting the beef with a plant-based protein source and adjusting the spices to give it a more Mexican flair, which I love. I'd also consider adding some extra veggies to make it more colorful and nutritious.
GigiS90🌟 Ah, que delicia! 🤩 I just made this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf and I'm obsessed! 😍 As a flexitarian with a love for international cuisine, I was excited to try this Middle Eastern dish. The combination of tender beef, flavorful spices, and saffron-infused rice was absolute perfection! 👌 The best part? It was super easy to make and customize to my taste. I used vegetable oil instead of lamb fat and omitted the cayenne pepper to make it milder. 🌶️👍 I also added some extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. 🌿 The only downside was that I had to substitute the basmati rice with a dairy-free alternative, but it still turned out amazing! 🤩 Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars. It's a great addition to my culinary repertoire and I can't wait to experiment with more international flavors! 🌍👏
ZeyZey04### A Symphony of Flavors: Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf Review I must confess that the Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf has left me with a sense of wonder, a culinary journey that transported me to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. The aromatic dance of saffron-infused rice, tender beef, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric was nothing short of enchanting. Each bite was a testament to the beauty of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, reminiscent of the baklava and Turkish delight that I adore. The preparation process, though moderately challenging, was a labor of love. I appreciated the attention to detail, from heating the oil to the precise cooking times. The result was well worth the effort – a dish that was both nourishing and aesthetically pleasing, garnished with fresh parsley. My only concern was the absence of dairy products, which I'm mildly intolerant to. However, the recipe's dairy-free nature made it an excellent choice for my dietary needs. I must commend the creator for crafting a recipe that catered to various tastes and preferences. In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf to anyone seeking to explore the rich flavors of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. It's a dish that will leave you feeling satisfied, yet curious for more. **Rating: 4/5 stars**
RashmiD1979I appreciate the effort that went into creating this Beef and Saffron Rice Pilaf recipe. However, I must admit that as a vegetarian, I wouldn't be able to try it myself. The dish looks and sounds flavorful, and I can imagine it would be lovely for those who enjoy traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. If I were to suggest a modification, it would be to replace the beef with a vegetarian option, such as marinated portobello mushrooms or eggplant, to make it more inclusive for readers with dietary restrictions like mine. I wish the author all the best in sharing more recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.