Hearty Beef and Jasmine Rice Pilaf

Name: Hearty Beef and Jasmine Rice Pilaf
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 1.1 lb Meat Cubes; 2 cups Jasmine Rice; 1 medium Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 cup Corn; 1 piece Red Chili; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tbsp Beef Stock Powder; 1 tsp Cumin Powder; 0.5 tsp Cinnamon; 1 pinch Saffron; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper

High ProteinOne-Pot • StovetopDinnerComfort FoodLebanese/Arabic

Medium

50min

540kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A fragrant, one-pot Middle Eastern inspired meal featuring tender beef cubes, sweet corn, and fluffy jasmine rice.

This Hearty Beef and Jasmine Rice Pilaf is a masterful blend of textures and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy night in. If you are looking for a way to transform your meat cubes or beef cubes into a gourmet meal, this beef pilaf is the ultimate answer. We use freshly minced garlic, diced onions, and a rich blend of cumin powder, cinnamon, and saffron to infuse the jasmine rice with deep, earthy, and floral flavors. The meat cubes are seared in olive oil until perfectly golden-brown and then simmered until they reach melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, ensuring every single bite is succulent. This beef and rice pilaf is not just a meal; it is a full-bodied comfort experience. The use of olive oil or ghee adds a luxurious mouthfeel, while the beef stock powder creates a robust, savory base that ties the whole dish together. Adding a handful of corn provides a lovely sweetness and a pop of color, while a touch of red chili gives it a gentle, warming heat. This one-pot recipe is versatile and family-friendly, making it a staple for anyone who loves high-protein, satisfying dishes. The secret to a perfect pilaf lies in the gentle simmering process, which allows the long-grain jasmine rice to remain separate and fluffy while soaking up all the rich juices from the beef cubes. Whether you are serving this for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, the fragrant aroma of saffron and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make it feel like a celebratory feast.

Ingredients

500 g Meat Cubes (about 1.1 lbs)
2 cups Jasmine Rice
1 medium Onion
3 cloves Garlic
1 cup Corn
1 piece Red Chili
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Beef Stock Powder
1 tsp Cumin Powder
0.5 tsp Cinnamon
1 pinch Saffron
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1
Rinse the jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat cubes in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides.
3
Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4
Stir in the cumin powder, cinnamon, black pepper, and sliced red chili. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Add the beef stock powder and 750ml (3 cups) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the meat cubes are mostly tender.
6
Stir in the drained jasmine rice, corn, and the pinch of saffron. Ensure the jasmine rice is submerged in the liquid.
7
Bring back to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the jasmine rice is tender.
8
Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the jasmine rice with a fork before serving. Add salt to taste.

Chef's Tips

•Browning the meat thoroughly in the first step is essential for a deep, savory flavor in the final rice.
•If you have Ghee, use it instead of olive oil for a richer, more authentic pilaf taste.
•Do not open the lid while the rice is steaming; the trapped steam is what makes the rice perfectly fluffy.

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