Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Coconut Pilau with Spiced Beef

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

A rich, fragrant pilau featuring tender spiced beef simmered with coconut milk and aromatic Tanzanian spices over basmati rice. This african-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs basmati rice, beef chuck, cubed, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp pilau masala spice blend
• 1 stick cinnamon stick
• 4 pods cardamom pods
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear; soak for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the onions, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 1 lb cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until sealed and lightly caramelized.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp pilau masala spice blend, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, and 4 whole cloves, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 3 cups water, then add 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to tenderize the beef.
7. Step 7: Add the drained basmati rice evenly over the beef mixture without stirring. Cover tightly and simmer on the lowest heat for 20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and is fluffy.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes before gently fluffing with a fork and serving.