BEEF PILAU RECIPE / HOW TO MAKE PULAU | BASMATI RICE PILAF | Chef D Wainaina

Pilau is a rice dish that's very flavorful and delicious , the spices that are used together with ginger ,garlic and deeply caramelized red onions makes the pilau dish just so tasty. Rice pilau is very popular in Kenya, the East African region and has its its roots from the Indian cuisine.
Pilau is a comfort dish easy to make and very popular during festive seasons and weddings, its a crowd pleaser but works very well for weeknight dinners too.
Am making a variation of my beef pilau recipe and all the ingredients are listed
down below and hopefully you can can give it a try in your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
For the Pilau Masala Spices
1 tbsp. whole cloves
2 Tbsps. .cumin seeds
3 Tbsps. coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 Cinnamon sticks
.5 tbsp. black pepper corns
.5 tsp chili powder
15 cardamom pods
Toast all the spices and grind to a powder using a spice a coffee blender or pestle and mortar. The recipe makes extra spice that you can keep tightly covered for future use,
For the Beef rice pilau recipe
2 c Basmati rice, rinsed and drained.
1.2 Tbs/ 540 G beef , cut into strips or dice
1/3 c Vegetable oill + 1 tbs for browning beef
1 Large red onion or 2 medium, sliced
1tbs Pilau Masala
2 Bay leaves or 1 large
1tsp Tomato paste
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs Ginger, minced
1 Tbs Garlic , chopped
1 Tsp brown sugar ( optional)
1 Tbs Rice wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c chopped cilantro and scallions to garnish.
For the Kachumbari salad
1 medium size ripe tomato, sliced thinly.
1 scallion / green onion, cut in bias
1 tbs cilantro chopped
1 tsp lemon juice + zest
1 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Serve with sliced ripe banana.

[@cordneyellis442]

I’ve never had a Kenyan or African dish. Followed this recipe complete just off the way the food looks. The food came out perfect and I’m more than impressed. Subscribed.

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much for trying the recipe and am glad you enjoyed it. Please try more of my other recipes on the channel. Asante sana { Thank you very much}

[@nelnj7447]

Sasa Wainaina, I saw this video last night and I made it today. You’ve made me a heroine in my household with this channel. My husband gets compliments at work for all the delicious meals he takes to work. This was by far the best pilau. Thank you for the simple ingredients and for simplifying these recipes so much that my 10 year old can make them. Keep going strong, we are here to support and cheer you on.

[@shaffinasugrim8210]

look so dèlicous

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you!!

[@GracefullyGracious]

I just made this recipe and I’m sooooo in love! I’ve always wanted to learn how to perfect pilau and I did it this time following your recipe! So freaking good! Wow! Thank you for this!

[@JoroukatheRecipeQueen]

The perfect beef pilau. Very detailed explanation, I sure can try this now. Thanks for sharing

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you for your comment, appreciate it. I feel giving is important as it helps to follow the recipe.

[@Pendorr91]

I tried this and it was absolutely yum. It was my first time making it and i didnt have all the spices . I had to pre boil my meat because our beef tends to be a bit tough and i didn't want to risk it. I liked it so much i went out and bought all the spices to make the masala...thank you.

[@poorjesuschrist8007]

Thanks chef for posting this. Very detailed instructions.

[@agnesturnmire]

Thank you for taking your time to post great Kenyan recipes

[@marhaban2012]

Ma sha Allah tabaraka Rahmane 😍😘😍💖👏👏👏🤝🤝🤝

[@myfoodjournalke]

Ooh pilau...its a perfect comfort food for me...delicious😋😋

[@chefwainaina]

Yes you do love pilau, and you are such a gifted cook.

[@MS-yu5cl]

My husband is American and has made many of your recipes as he loves cooking. He appreciates how easy you make your recipes and I benefit from it😜. Keep the recipes coming.❤️

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks so much, glad to hear that. Will keep recipes coming.

[@kaanthiperera6277]

You are an amazing chef. Your recipes are heavenly.. will certainly find time to cook this. So detailed and well explained thank you chef.

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@angelmbabazi2448]

Thanks chef the way you cooked this pilau even me i cook like that so yummy and delicious keep it up chef

[@mistersmoore2331]

Awesome! Something I will definitely try

[@prisfb]

I love rice pilau! My husband and I had some when we went to an African restaurant in Detroit. I’m gonna try this recipe. Thanks again chef! 🙏❤️

[@rashidajasat1633]

Thanks chef 👩🏼‍🍳 Apsolutely lovely Love your recipes 🌷💕

[@Real_Talk22]

I have eaten Pilau on more than one occation. Still yet this is the BEST looking Pilau - Iv'e seen. Tomorrow I plan to make it for dinner seeing that I will have to purchase the unique spices that you have that i don't have in my kitchen. ( Thanks a million ).

[@jamesmuthangia2287]

Amizing food i love it go on my friend,s you done supper food🇨🇭👍

[@mollykiyemba1195]

I got to this channel late but I tried it today and it's yummy Thank you chef

[@lizsyummycentre4739]

Very Yummy ...😋

[@mrmoneybagz]

Awesome! My mouth is watering just at the site of this meal. This pilau would go well with a few slices of chapati.

[@Faith-re2rh]

This recipe was the BOMB!thank you Chef ..I am now the best pilau maker in my State here in the U.S

[@chefwainaina]

That tells me we are not in the same State 🤣

[@GracefullyGracious]

Best pilau recipe!!!! Coming back for a second time! First try was successful and my family enjoyed

[@PreciousGems]

Awesome recipe Looks yum yum yummilicious Thank you for sharing!

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks for visiting

[@Wanyiha-G.1]

I loved the point at which you folded the beef in. The pilau looks very delicious.

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks for watching, it's very delish.

[@onneilekgowe8995]

I'm going to try this🙏🙏🙏, it looks delicious

[@InChrist2024]

Just found the channel afew minutes ago, I feel super blessed to have landed here!

[@namatovuhafiswa8065]

Ur the best chef i love it

[@solomonworshipkeys]

Fantastic video.. Will try it out!

[@mercynjambi2448]

Waoòh I love the details. Well cooked.

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you Mercy, I make sure to give as much as I can, it's important to me.

[@NicholasMutero]

I needed this recipe. Thankyou chef wainaina. Keep the recipes coming.

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks Nicholas, you got it, please try it and share the results with us here too 😋

[@fadzijuma7722]

Thank you chef, making this for my family for Christmas

[@Mimi-vb3sj]

Wow.. Great one chef. Will definitely try this one .God bless you and stay safe.

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you and blessings to you too, its worth trying .

[@marionritah8427]

Wow! Thanks Chef

[@nipbru92]

Wow this is amazing. In the Caribbean we cook pelau (Trinidad and Tobago) 🇹🇹we use the process the burning the sugar to get that brown color and flavor.

[@thelivingroom6172]

Correct, it's that African Influence but we made our own amazing version....by browning sugar and adding coconut milk and fresh seasonings.

[@red_vibe9984]

This looks so good

[@zahidabibi6054]

Yes Sir, Pilau is we are also make in our house, and you are a great Chef, it's very delicious, God bless you, (Amin) love from Pakistan 😋😋🇵🇰💖👌

[@olivecosbert5437]

Impressive my Dear. You are a great cook and teacher 😃

[@akelloevaline4755]

For sure I should try this

[@atumanyaraymond1465]

Thanks Mr chef...now am soughted

[@biiraharriet2523]

Wowoo nice pilau 🥰

[@annekariuki5194]

I love how you prepare your food it's easy to follow all the steps and prepare to some food

[@chefwainaina]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@meronkeleme8660]

Thanks a lot for sharing this beautiful recipe. I was missing home, so I am making it for my family today. Blessings to you brother.

[@mollys360kitchen7]

Yummy food 😋

[@sanmarino1531]

mouth watering Sir

[@kathleenlewis4757]

Wow I am Hunger now. I Like this

[@user-md6jy9wd8m]

(Larry's wife) My late mother, from low country South Carolina, taught me to make rice pulau as a teen. However. the recipe was basic with just onions and bell pepper. Cooking with spices was lost through the years of bondage. Even though my great grandfather became a rice farmer after Emancipation, there was no access to using these ingredients except for making fruit cake and sweet potato pies. I am so happy that there is now a way to enhance meals. Our diet still consists of the same foods, but without the spices. But I am slowing adapting how I season. thanks so much for the seasoning lessons and different ways to prepare meals. No more bland!

[@chefwainaina]

Glad to hear this!

[@zah1238]

Thank you chef wanaina! You are an inspiration for our young man, I Always watch your Delicious and Beautiful recipes.

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much, you guys inspire me as much too.

[@beatricechepkosgei3461]

Great 👍

[@abletasharnetwork]

Perfect pilao thanks chef👌🏻❤️

[@johnnjengawamedia6052]

Congratulations cheff Wainana ✅

[@azebmengistu3901]

I tried last night for dinner wow wow it's really delicious thank you for teach us how to Cook delicious food

[@chefwainaina]

Glad you liked it

[@hadjaadams5188]

Awesome 🥰🥰

[@varsityjebetkiplagat6822]

The best Chef!

[@gloriamaritim1498]

This absolutely good. I found this channel today and I am loving it already

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much, hope to more more content as the channel grows. Stay connected.

[@RosslynMamai]

hi Chef, from your intro alone I know I'm gonna enjoy being here. I just subscribed and il be back to finish watching, love it!

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you Rosslyn, welcome to my channel and hope you'll enjoy watching everything.

[@kwesigabo]

Thank u so much chef Wainana, my rice turned out perfect😊

[@peterjamesmmbago2773]

Shikamoo Njomba, lovely video.. Asante Sana

[@gladysgitau2713]

Thanx chef,nice pilau

[@wambuiwanyutu]

New Subbie from Canada mùndù wa nyùmba well done,you have revived our name we know how to cook without 20 litres of gathufu and waru🤣...Now my pilau will never be the same.

[@chefwainaina]

Asante sana , am glad you've got some tips and ideas.

[@anisabodle1178]

Watching from uk so yummy

[@isabeauskorski9961]

You ARE an inspiration to us! Thank you, Chef.

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you! Isabeau, am humbled and at the same time inspired too, to share more.

[@isabeauskorski9961]

@@chefwainaina Chef, if you ever travel to north central Florida, my husband and I will gladly offer to host your stay on our homestead, instead of staying at pricey hotels. And you wouldn’t need to cook! Just relax and visit Florida! Just a thought, if you are traveling.

[@queenv.713]

New subscriber here.. enjoying the simple recipes.

[@wanjikumwangi1]

Just found your channel,I will be following you.

[@SM-hm6bc]

Yummy

[@Nisi443]

The best chef ever spectacular wonderful bravo😊😊🎉

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much 😀

[@storm-rr6ff]

Thank you for this one

[@rinababy6526]

Nice. Thanks for teaching us this pilau

[@chefwainaina]

My pleasure 😊

[@nabbosabeldine8885]

Good cooking looks yummy 😋😋😋

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much

[@Bjersey1]

What can i say! Amazing recipes enjoying them here in the burgh! Reminds me of Nairobi

[@chefwainaina]

Glad you like them!

[@philipatkinson7039]

That's a fine looking pan of love and can't wait to try it. 😋. I've just subscribed and I've never eaten african food before but it looks like I'm going to be in the near future. 👍👌

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks for subbing!

[@leedear8379]

I make my own pilau spice... toast them using thermomix. 👌

[@soharajamal6651]

I have tried out your recipes and they were awesome. This is just one that I really love

[@chefwainaina]

Happy to hear that!

[@soharajamal6651]

😊

[@rosemutinda3076]

Salivary delicious dish 😋😋😋

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you for watching , please remember to subscribe if not yet.

[@politicalarticles]

Great work Mheshimiwa. I will definitely try this!

[@chefwainaina]

Hope you like it!, asante sana.

[@footballtv4891]

You are saving some marriages chef😂

[@tillythuku1000]

Never a dull moment in all your cooking!!! Thank you for the simple yet detailed explanations on all your recipes! I'm learning how to cook chapatis from you ..for the first time in over 50 years..😂. My kids will now be eating chapatis at home not when they go visit families and friends. You inspire me so thank you Chef and Happy Cooking!🥂

[@chefwainaina]

You welcome Matilda, so happy for you. Keep cooking and enjoying your happy meals.

[@sylvianaliaka4258]

wow yammmy food

[@edgarohito4662]

Subscribed watching in MN. Bless 🇰🇪

[@carolinekariu4822]

New here...awesome!

[@childofgod8365]

Yes. 😂 am following your recipe for the birthday party tomorrow

[@faizakhalifa6483]

Thanks, l like it

[@debuchy413]

Well informative.kudos chef wainaina.

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks so much Josh

[@kalim5046]

Very nice

[@loisegitau4897]

I love pilau with kachumbari.

[@valarycomedian9106]

I promise to be a good chef because of your procedure....I like your english

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you! 😃

[@everyngyna5957]

Thank you so much for this recipe

[@chefwainaina]

Most welcome 😊

[@thembimakosso3986]

Thanks chef this looks so scrumptious! The sound goes a bit low when you turn away from the camera. Looking forward to the next vid!💗🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks so much Thembi for watching, yes had a glitch with sound at some point, working my way through it all. appreciate your and will definitely work on fixing it.

[@thembimakosso3986]

@@chefwainaina Thank you so much for starting the channel and sharing your treats. I appreciate the love and excellence in your technique! I feel like I'm learning how to cook the best version of your cuisine!💝 Keep going!🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@clarionogada2446]

I love the african beats😍😍

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you, setting the mood.

[@wambui3554]

New subscriber i love the dish

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you and welcome aboard Esther, you'll find plenty to enjoy and try too.

[@staisyleganda6925]

Hello, today I'm the first one to comment.Wainaina the best chef👍👍👎 I always love your recipe kudos

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you so much for watching, kudos to you too for being the first one to watch the video 👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿👍🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@nigelodhiambo9287]

Good morning Chef Would you kindly tell me what the spices entails that you grounded together Your pilau is mouth watering

[@estherwalsh4658]

Looks delicious although Mombasa we don't use soy sause and dania

[@wendykatto]

Wow. Yummy in my tummy . I will try this receipe of yours . 😋😋😋😋😋😍😍😍❤️🙏🏽

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks Wendy, its such a delicious recipe and am sure you'll enjoy it.

[@rachelngaira9494]

so yummy

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks a lot

[@priscanambela893]

My favourite food

[@annayoyetabalyeku4376]

You are good at your work 👌🙏

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ann-marie4252]

It looks lovely!....yummy!

[@chefwainaina]

Thank you Anne Marie

[@bettykimani-maina6004]

Hi Chef. I'm new to your channel. Thank you so much for all the videos. Love them! I followed your recipe. At the end my rice was a bit too crunchy (for my young kids) and my pot was sticking so I put my rice in the oven on low heat to cook a little bit more. Ultimately, it was well cooked and very tasty but came out dry. What should I do different next time?

[@chefwainaina]

Thanks and welcome aboard, the general rule for cooking rice is to use 2:1 water to rice. If you your rice comes out crunchy or undercooked you can always splash it with some water and give it more time more time to finish cooking. Hopefully this works if ever needed. Thanks again.

[@bettykimani-maina6004]

@@chefwainaina Thanks Chef. I appreciate it

[@estherkibui2371]

Wow so nice wainaina can you give names ya spices 👍

[@grannyddaljeet8791]

Hi Chef. From Canada. This pilau makes me hungry, I never thought of purchasing the whole spices, then heat it up and grind it. It must be so flavourful. Did you make the broth from scratch ? Or bought it? Can I use beef cubes instead? Thank you chef. Your recipes are appreciated.

[@chefwainaina]

Greetings from Boston!, thanks for your nice words, whole spices give you more fresher spices and you can make your own blends too. I make stocks from bones I save but you can also use store bought and yes you can use beef cubes too just be aware of their saltness.