Zatarain’s rice pilaf is a popular pre-seasoned rice side dish that comes in a box and only requires the rice to be cooked. Many people wonder if it’s possible to prepare Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker instead of on the stovetop. The answer is yes, you can absolutely make delicious Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker!
Using a rice cooker to make Zatarain’s rice pilaf can be more convenient and foolproof than cooking it on the stove. Rice cookers are designed to automatically cook rice perfectly every time. They have precise temperature controls and will switch to warm mode when the rice is finished cooking. This takes the guesswork out of getting tender, fluffy rice pilaf.
In this article, we’ll explain how to cook Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker. We’ll go over tips for success, provide rice cooker Zatarain’s pilaf recipes, and answer frequently asked questions. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Benefits of Using a Rice Cooker
There are several advantages to making Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker compared to the stovetop method:
- More consistent results – Rice cookers cook rice evenly and prevent burning or overcooking. You’ll get perfect rice pilaf every time.
- Hands-off cooking – Just add the ingredients to the rice cooker, turn it on, and walk away. The rice cooker does the work for you.
- Automated process – Rice cookers switch to warm mode automatically when the rice is finished.
- Timer function – Many rice cookers have a built-in timer allowing you to delay cooking.
- Versatility – A rice cooker can be used to make all types of rice dishes in addition to pilaf.
- Portability – Mini rice cookers are compact, lightweight options you can bring anywhere.
- Easy cleanup – Rice cooker pots have nonstick coatings that make washing up easy.
Using a rice cooker takes the hassle out of making Zatarain’s rice pilaf. The rice will turn out perfect every time without needing to constantly monitor it.
How to Make Zatarain’s Rice Pilaf in a Rice Cooker
Making Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker is simple. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 TBSP butter or oil
- Zatarain’s rice pilaf seasoning mix
Instructions:
- Measure out 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice and add it to the inner pot of your rice cooker.
- Add 1 3/4 cups water to the rice cooker pot.
- Add 1 TBSP of butter or oil.
- Sprinkle the Zatarain’s rice pilaf seasoning mix evenly over the rice. Use the amount called for on the box based on serving size.
- Optional: Add any extra mix-ins at this point such as peas, carrots, chicken, shrimp, etc.
- Put the lid on the rice cooker and turn on the cook setting.
- Allow rice pilaf to cook until rice cooker switches to warm mode. Do not open the lid during the cooking process.
- After cooking, let rice rest on warm mode for 5-10 minutes before opening lid.
- Fluff rice pilaf with a fork before serving. Enjoy!
The rice to water ratios may vary slightly depending on your rice cooker model. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. Some tips are to use a bit less water for fuzzy logic or inductuction heating rice cookers.
You can experiment with adding different mix-ins like vegetables, meat, or seafood. Just stir them in along with the rice and seasoning before starting the cooking process. The Zatarain’s seasoning mix will add great flavor.
Rice Cooker Zatarain’s Pilaf Recipes
These rice cooker recipes use Zatarain’s rice pilaf seasoning mixes to create delicious one-pot meals:
Spanish Rice Pilaf
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 TBSP oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp Zatarain’s Spanish Rice Mix
- 1 cup frozen peas
Add rice, broth, oil, onion, jalapeno, and garlic to rice cooker. Sprinkle with Zatarain’s Spanish rice seasoning and stir. Top with salsa. Cook until done. Stir in peas before serving.
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pilaf
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tsp Zatarain’s Cajun Seasoning
- hot sauce to taste
Add rice, broth, and butter to rice cooker. Stir in sausage, shrimp, onions, bell pepper, celery, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until done. Add hot sauce before serving.
Chicken & Rice Pilaf
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 tsp Zatarain’s Chicken Flavored Rice Mix
- 1/4 cup peas
- 1/4 cup carrots
Place rice, broth, butter, chicken, and Zatarain’s mix in rice cooker. Cook until done. Stir in peas and carrots before serving.
Tips for Perfect Rice Pilaf
Here are some top tips for making flawless Zatarain’s rice pilaf in your rice cooker:
- Use long grain rice like jasmine or basmati. The grains remain fluffy and separate.
- Always use the exact rice to water ratio recommended for your cooker to prevent under or overcooking.
- Resist opening the lid during the cooking process. This releases steam and can make rice sticky.
- Add a little butter or oil to the rice for extra flavor and fluffy texture.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.
- Stir in extra ingredients after the cooking cycle is complete.
- Allow rice to steam on warm mode for 10 minutes before opening lid.
- Fluff rice with a fork just before serving.
Following these tips will give you restaurant-quality rice pilaf from your rice cooker every time.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker:
What is the best rice to water ratio?
Most rice cookers recommend using 1 cup rice to 1 3/4 cups water. This ratio can vary slightly depending on your model so check the user manual. Always use the exact water amount for the number of cups of rice.
How long does it take to cook?
White rice pilaf takes around 20 minutes once the cooker switches to cook mode. The total time will be about 30 minutes including the warm mode resting time. Brown rice takes up to 45 minutes.
Can you use broth instead of water?
Yes, broth adds extra flavor to the pilaf. Use chicken, beef or vegetable broth in place of water. Reduce the liquid amount slightly as broth contains salt.
Do you rinse the rice first?
It’s not necessary to rinse rice for pilaf dishes. The seasoning mix and broth provide plenty of flavor.
Can you cook brown rice?
You sure can. Use the brown rice function on your cooker and increase water to 2 cups per 1 cup rice. The cooking time will be around 40-50 minutes.
Do you have to adjust for altitude?
Most rice cookers automatically adjust for higher altitudes. But if yours doesn’t, reduce liquid by 3% for every 1000 ft above sea level.
Conclusion
Making delicious Zatarain’s rice pilaf in a rice cooker couldn’t be easier. Simply add rice, seasoning mix, butter, and liquid to the pot. Turn on the rice cooker and it handles the rest for you. Using a rice cooker results in light, fluffy rice pilaf every time with no monitoring required.
With the right rice to liquid ratio and a few simple tips, you’ll be able to whip up restaurant-worthy rice pilaf any night of the week. Try out flavors like Spanish Rice or Cajun Shrimp & Sausage for amazing one-pot meals. Rice cookers are so versatile and make cooking rice pilaf practically foolproof.
We hope this article gave you all the guidance needed to start enjoying homemade Zatarain’s rice pilaf from your rice cooker. Now you’ll never have to settle for bland, mushy rice pilaf again!