Beef Plov (Beef Rice Pilaf) Recipe

Authentic beef plov recipe featuring tender beef, fragrant spices, and fluffy long grain rice. This traditional Central Asian rice pilaf is cooked in one pot with onions, carrots, garlic, and a blend of cumin, paprika, and coriander. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty dish combines rich flavors with easy preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs beef chuck, sirloin, or stew meat, trimmed and cut into ½ to ¾-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup canola oil or light olive oil (avoid extra virgin)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks or grated
• 1 tsp salt (for meat and vegetables)
• 1 ½ tsp salt (for rice)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3-4 bay leaves
• 1 ¾ cups hot water (for braising meat)
• 3 cups long grain rice (Basmati or Jasmine work well)
• 4 cups hot water (for cooking rice)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 head of garlic

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef
   Trim excess fat and sinews from the beef. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and cut into ½ to ¾-inch cubes.
2. Brown the Meat
   Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the canola oil once hot. Add the beef and sauté uncovered for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until the meat is well browned. Preheating the pot ensures proper searing and prevents the meat from releasing juices and drying out.
3. Cook Vegetables and Spices
   Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrots, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and bay leaves. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until carrots soften.
4. Braise the Meat
   Pour in 1 ¾ cups hot water, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Prepare the Rice
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain.
6. Cook the Rice with Meat
   Spread the drained rice evenly over the braised meat. Add 4 cups of hot water and sprinkle 1 ½ tsp salt over the top. Do not stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let cook uncovered until most of the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
7. Add Garlic and Coriander
   Cut off the base of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head, cut side down, in the center of the rice. Sprinkle the rice with ground coriander.
8. Steam the Rice
   Poke 7-10 holes through the rice to allow steam to escape. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
9. Finish and Serve
   Remove the garlic head and bay leaves. Gently fluff and stir the rice and beef mixture to combine before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor Profile: Tender beef and aromatic spices create a hearty and flavorful dish.
• One-Pot Meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and rice for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
• Authentic Taste: Traditional preparation highlights Central Asian culinary heritage.

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Tips

• Preheat the Pot: Ensures proper searing for juicy, tender beef.
• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Removing starch prevents sticky, clumpy rice.
• Don’t Stir Rice During Cooking: Keeps the grains fluffy and separate.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Use lamb, chicken, or turkey instead of beef.
• Rice Types: Long grain, Basmati, or Jasmine rice all work well.
• Vegetables: Add peas, bell peppers, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
• Oil Choice: Substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or sunflower oil.

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FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, plov reheats well and flavors deepen overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use any heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

How do I keep rice from sticking?
Rinsing the rice and avoiding stirring during cooking help keep the grains separate.

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Serving

Serve Beef Plov hot as a main dish, accompanied by fresh salads, pickled vegetables, or yogurt for a balanced meal.

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Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad.
• Serve with a wedge of lemon or lime for added brightness.

This Beef Plov recipe is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings traditional Central Asian flavors to your table in a simple, one-pot meal.