Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf is a popular and tasty side dish that can complement any meal. Although it’s known as a restaurant recipe, you can easily make it at home in a small batch. This delicious rice dish is made with long-grain rice, orzo pasta, and simple seasoning. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to make Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf restaurant recipe in a small batch.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions

Follow the steps below to make Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf restaurant recipe in a small batch:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo pasta and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the pasta turns golden brown.
- Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan and stir for another 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent.
- Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan and add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Take off the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Enjoy your Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf as a delicious side dish to any meal.





Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf:
- Make sure you toast the orzo pasta and rice before adding the chicken broth. This will help to deepen the flavors and add a nutty taste to the dish.
- Use a tight-fitting lid for the saucepan to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the broth.
- Don’t lift the lid off the saucepan while the rice is cooking. This will release the steam and affect the cooking process.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this rice pilaf recipe.
Conclusion
Uncle Ben’s Rice Pilaf is a classic side dish that’s loved by many. Making it at home in a small batch is easy and quick, and the results are simply delicious. Follow the steps and tips we’ve provided in this article, and you’ll have a tasty and nutritious side dish that can complement any meal.