This Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Filled with fresh mushrooms, zesty seasonings, and wild rice, this dish serves as an easy side dish or main course that is sure to please everyone!
You must know by now that I’m all about easy recipes around here. Breakfasts, desserts, dinners, drinks…you name it, and I love finding ways to simplify or make my own easy version.
But, sometimes I get so caught up in main dishes or desserts that I often neglect side dishes when I’m rushed for time during the week. I may make a deliciously simple dinner for the hubster an I, but the side may be boxed noodles or canned veggies. And while that’s not a bad thing, I need to focus more on side dishes.
Specifically side dishes that can also serve as a main meal. Because those are the best, aren’t they?
Does that ever happen to you? You make a side dish, and after one bite, you silently vow that it will become your entire dinner, no need to cook anything else! Well, it happened to me after I whipped up this Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf. One bite and I ate it for lunch and dinner!
This Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Filled with fresh mushrooms, zesty seasonings, and wild rice, this dish serves as an easy side dish or main course that is sure to please everyone!
Now, you know how much I loooove mushrooms (see here, here, and here…just to name a few recipes), so I think it’s pretty obvious as to why I made a Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf.
The garlic, onion, and chives all pair beautifully with fresh, baby bella mushrooms. And the wild rice is cooked in a chicken broth base that gives this dish even more flavor.
So, if you’re in need of that perfect side dish or light dinner, this Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is made for you! I guarantee you’ll love the ease of the recipe and the savory taste!
Ingredients in Wild Rice Pilaf
The ingredients list for this easy rice pilaf is simple:
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Onion
- Baby bella mushrooms
- Garlic
- Wild rice
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh chives
How to Make Rice Pilaf
Like most of my recipes, this Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is so easy to make!
- Simply saute the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a large skillet.
- Then, add in the rice and chicken brother and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Toss in some fresh chives for color (if you desire) and this deliciously simple recipe is ready to be devoured.
Can I Prep This in Advance?
If serving to guests, I recommend enjoying this homemade rice pilaf immediately. But if you want to meal prep for the week and make this recipe in advance, go for it! The rice will dry out a bit after being reheated, but it will still taste good.
Can I Use Instant Wild Rice?
No, you need to use dry wild rice to make this recipe. Instant or pre-cooked rice won’t work.
Tips for Making Wild Rice Pilaf
- I used a wild rice blend to make this recipe, but you’re welcome to use any variety you’d like. Just make sure it’s wild rice, not regular!
- To keep this dish vegetarian, you’re welcome to use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
- This mushroom rice pilaf also serves as the perfect main dish! If you need a fast meatless Monday meal, then look no further! Or, top the rice with some grilled chicken for a light meal.
Looking for more rice side dishes? I’ve got you covered!
Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ white onion , diced
- 1 pound fresh baby bella mushrooms , sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 2 cups dry wild rice
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives , if desired
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, add chives, and fluff with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
We LOVE a good rice pilaf in my house but especially if it’s loaded with tons of goodies! Seriously loving those pretty mushrooms. This would be such a pretty side dish…or main dish!
Gayle says
Thanks, Sarah!
Sues says
This looks delicious! I might add a little chicken and call it my meal!
Gayle says
Sounds like a good plan to me! 🙂 Thanks, Sues!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Mmmm, this will be perfect with the pork chops I have planned!
Gayle says
Good idea, Annie!
marcie says
I’ll admit that I’m neglectful of side dishes a lot of the time and need to branch out. This is a side that we would love! I’m a huge rice lover and the mushrooms just sweeten the deal. This looks incredible Gayle!
Gayle says
Thank you, Marcie! Mushrooms are such a good veggie to add to rice!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Side dishes are the bane of my existence!! haha I have about three that I make on the regular and that’s it! I LOVE a good wild rice pilaf and this sounds fantastic with the mushrooms!
Gayle says
I need to get better at side dishes! Thanks for the kind words, Ashley!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Gayle, you are talking my language with all these mushrooms! I could definitely see myself eating this side as a main and be a happy girl! Mushrooms + garlic + onions = the trifecta of yumminess! Mushrooms are one of my favourite veggies too and, plus, they are so good for you. I love all varieties! Pinned, of course. Thanks for another easy and super tasty recipe, my friend 🙂
Gayle says
This definitely makes a delicious main dish…those mushrooms are the star of the show! Thanks for the rice love and pin, friend!
mira says
My side dishes often turn into a dinner, because I can’t stop eating! This rice pilaf looks amazing! Wish I had it for lunch today 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Mira! I love side dishes that double as dinner! 🙂
Kelly says
Side dishes are my favorite and I totally make a meal out of them haha. This wild rice pilaf looks amazing, Gayle and I love how easy it comes together!
Gayle says
Thanks for the rice love, Kelly!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Yep, I agree — I would totally eat this as a main course! I think mushrooms are such a great replacement for meat, too…they’re hearty and satisfying! Perfect spring dish!
Gayle says
Thanks, Blair! I agree, mushrooms definitely double as meat too! 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I’m a sucker for anything with mushrooms. . I love them so much, I often double them in any recipe I’m making! 🙂 LOVE this mushroom wild rice pilaf!
Gayle says
Aren’t mushrooms the best? Thanks, Alice!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Lol! That does happen to me all the time!!! Often I make a side dish and JUST have that for dinner multiple days in a row. And this mushroom pilaf looks totally delicious and I would definitely make this a meal! The mushrooms are so meaty, I bet this is plenty filling! Great side, Gayle! Pinned of course! Cheers!
Gayle says
Thanks for the mushroom love and pin, Cheyanne!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
This is probably the best rice pilaf I’ve seen, Gayle! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Gayle says
Thank you, Agness! It’s a new favorite of mine!
Mary Ellen says
Enjoyed this recipe. The picture of then dish looks like it was made with a wild rice blend. Is that correct.? I made mine using The amount of wild rice stated and the Baby Bella’s And it was a very dark colored dish. That’s why I’m questioning what kind of rice was used in the picture. Thank you.
Gayle says
Glad you enjoyed this, Mary Ellen! Yes, it is a wild rice blend as stated per directions. There are different kinds, which is why mine may have been lighter than yours. As long as it tasted good, that’s what should matter!