How to Cook Pilau the Right Way Every Time

Most Kenyans like to have pilau, though it is not always what they get in terms of the authentic taste. What lands on the plate might have the right aroma and even some beef, but often it is just coloured rice.

Cooking pilau may seem hard at first, but once you get the base right, the rest becomes easy. This guide will show you how to cook pilau in four styles: vegetarian, pilau masala, pork, and goat. You will also learn what gives the dish its unique flavour and how to never go wrong again.

How to cook pilau and get the taste right

Pilau is more than just spiced rice. It is a celebration dish that brings people together in Kenya, especially along the coast.

The dish blends rice with bold flavours from garlic, ginger, and a unique spice blend known as pilau masala. Whether you’re using meat or going meat-free, the real trick lies in preparing the base and cooking it slowly to let the flavours come out.

The steps may look many at first, but once you go through them once or twice, it becomes second nature.

How to cook vegetarian pilau for a healthy option

Vegetarian pilau is light, flavourful, and perfect for both lunch and dinner. Here’s how to cook pilau without meat and still get a bold taste.

Ingredients for four servings

• 2 cups of rice
• ½ cup of green peas
• 1 cup of grated carrot
• 1 cup of finely chopped onions
• 1 cup of chopped green pepper
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium stick of cinnamon
• 2 green cardamoms
• ½ cup of tomato puree
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp pilau masala
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 4 cups of hot water
• Salt to taste

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat.
2. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom. Let them crackle.
3. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir until onions are soft.
4. Add green pepper, peas, and grated carrot. Stir for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and stir. Add pilau masala, turmeric, and salt.
6. Add rice and stir gently for 2 minutes.
7. Pour in hot water, cover the pan, and lower the heat. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes.
8. Once the rice is dry and cooked, remove from heat and serve.

This version is best served with kachumbari or plain yoghurt.

How to cook pilau masala with chicken for rich flavour

Pilau masala adds depth and warmth to any rice dish. When paired with chicken, it becomes a meal that will make guests ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 3 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 2 cups of chopped chicken breast
• ½ cup chopped onions
• ½ tsp green pepper
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• ½ tsp saffron or turmeric
• 2 cups hot chicken broth (or cube dissolved in hot water)
• ¼–½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp pilau masala
• Salt to taste

Steps

1. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until golden brown. Set it aside.
2. In the same pan, add oil, then the spices. Let them release their aroma.
3. Add onions and green pepper. Fry until soft.
4. Add ginger and garlic. Stir for 1 minute.
5. Add turmeric or saffron.
6. Return chicken to the pan. Add rice and stir for a minute.
7. Mix the chicken broth and coconut milk in a bowl. Pour into the pan.
8. Stir, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Serve once the rice is dry and fluffy.

The coconut milk adds creaminess while the masala gives it warmth.

How to cook pork pilau with a crispy twist

Pork pilau stands out for its deep flavour and golden-brown meat chunks. It’s perfect for weekend lunches or parties.

Ingredients

• 2 cups half-cooked rice
• ¼ kg pork
• 2 tbsp pilau masala
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 3–4 tbsp oil
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup chopped onions
• ½ cup chopped green pepper
• ½ cup green peas
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• Cashew nuts (optional)

Steps

1. Marinate pork with pilau masala, garlic, ginger, and oil for 30 minutes.
2. Sauté pork in a pan until golden. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, add onions. Cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots and peppers.
4. Stir in peas and fried pork.
5. Add rice and mix well. Pour in water. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with coriander and cashew nuts on top.

This method gives your pilau a sweet and spicy balance that is hard to beat.

How to cook goat pilau like coastal experts

Goat pilau is heavy, rich, and filling. It is the most famous version served during holidays and weddings.

Ingredients

• ½ kg goat meat
• 1 cup rice
• 2 chopped onions
• 2 potatoes, quartered
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Oil to fry
• 2 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp grated onion
• ½ tsp ginger
• Whole spices (cumin, cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon)
• 1 tsp chopped coriander

Steps

1. Boil goat meat with water, garlic, onion, ginger, and pepper until soft.
2. Reserve the soup and set the meat aside.
3. Soak rice for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a pan. Add whole spices. Let them crackle.
5. Add onions. Cook until golden or dark brown for deeper flavour.
6. Add potatoes and turmeric. Fry for a few minutes.
7. Add garlic paste, ginger, and coriander. Stir well.
8. Add goat meat. Stir everything together.
9. Add soup and salt. Taste and adjust.
10. Drain and add rice. Cover and cook on low heat.
11. Let it steam for 10 minutes once almost dry. Serve warm.

The soup from the meat adds natural richness that no cube can replace.