Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant jasmine rice cooked pilaf-style with toasted almonds and bright citrus zest for an elegant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs unsalted butter, shallots, jasmine rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add 2 minced small shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups jasmine rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2 minutes until grains are coated in butter and lightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 1/4 cups chicken broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil uncovered.
  4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork and gently fold in 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Citrus Zest?

Mediterranean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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