Name: Beef Plov Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Central Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks; 2 onions, diced; 4 carrots, julienned; 1 head garlic, sliced crosswise; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup canola oil; 3 cups Jasmine rice, rinsed; 4 cups water (divided)

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If you are craving a dish that bursts with hearty flavors and comforting textures, you must try this authentic Beef Plov Recipe. It’s a traditional Central Asian rice dish loaded with tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and fragrant spices that come together in a way that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. With each bite, the perfectly cooked jasmine rice soaking up the rich broth and spices delivers a soulful meal that’s as satisfying as it is vibrant. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this Beef Plov Recipe is an absolute winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a memorable Beef Plov. Each element in this recipe plays a crucial role—from the tender beef that provides robust flavor and texture, to the bright carrots adding color and subtle sweetness. The spices bring aromatic warmth, and jasmine rice ties everything together with its fluffy, fragrant character.

2 lbs beef chuck roast or beef stew meat: Chosen for its perfect balance of flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked.
2 onions (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed to golden perfection.
4 carrots (julienned): Brings a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
1/2 cup canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for browning meat and softening vegetables without overpowering the dish.
3 cups Jasmine Rice (rinsed): Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture make it ideal for plov.
4 cups water: Used to cook the beef and later the rice, infusing everything with rich flavor.
1 head garlic (sliced crosswise): Adds a gentle garlic aroma that flavors the rice as it cooks.
1 tsp ground coriander: Gives a warm, citrusy note that enhances the beef’s richness.
1 tsp ground cumin: Provides an earthy and slightly smoky background spice.
2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Elevates the overall seasoning with a balanced savory touch.
1 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
1 tsp paprika: Gives a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.

How to Make Beef Plov Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Preheat a heavy 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step is critical because it locks in flavor and builds a rich base for your dish. Once browned, add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and gently simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and juicy.

Step 2: Remove Beef and Reserve Cooking Liquid

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the tender beef chunks out of the pot. Pour the cooking liquid into a measuring cup and top it with additional water if necessary to reach a full 4 cups. Don’t discard this flavorful broth—it will be the secret ingredient for cooking the rice perfectly.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Carrots, Then Add Beef and Spices

Clean and dry the Dutch oven, then heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and julienned carrots, sautéing them for about 15 minutes until the onions soften and the carrots start to caramelize. This slow sauté elevates the sweetness and deepens the flavor. Return the beef to the pot, sprinkle in all the spices—ground coriander, cumin, Lawry’s seasoned salt, regular salt, black pepper, and paprika—and mix everything well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Add Rice, Garlic, and Reserved Beef Liquid, Then Cook

Evenly spread rinsed jasmine rice over the beef and vegetable mixture. Nestle the sliced garlic head right on top of the rice without stirring. Pour the reserved broth gently over the rice layer. To prevent the layers from mixing prematurely, lightly shake the pot instead of stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover it with a tight lid and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. The rice will absorb all the luscious flavors while becoming fluffy and tender.

How to Serve Beef Plov Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make a difference when serving your Beef Plov Recipe. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a burst of color and freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side offer a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness. Some toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or walnuts, sprinkle on top for a delightful crunchy texture.

Side Dishes

Beef Plov is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing side dishes. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil complements the rich flavors perfectly. You can also serve some warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra juices. For something heartier, a bowl of yogurt or a cucumber raita with garlic can cool the palate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, consider serving the Beef Plov Recipe in a large, colorful serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. Layer the rice over the beef with the whole garlic head on top and sprinkle it with garnishes just before serving. Another fun idea is to create individual portions in small bowls or ramekins, flipped out onto plates for an elegant presentation. These small touches make the experience feel special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Beef Plov tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rice and beef meld together beautifully when properly stored, making for convenient and delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to keep Beef Plov on hand for a longer period, it freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the Beef Plov on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to retain steam and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Beef Plov Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast or stew meat is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat becomes tender without drying out.

Is it necessary to rinse the jasmine rice?

Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy. It helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture plov is known for.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the Beef Plov Recipe for a slow cooker by browning the beef first, then cooking it with onions, carrots, spices, and water on low for several hours before adding rice. However, timing will vary, so keep an eye on the rice to avoid overcooking.

What level of heat does this dish have?

This Beef Plov Recipe is pleasantly mild with subtle warmth from black pepper and paprika. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I substitute jasmine rice with another type?

While jasmine rice gives an authentic aroma and fluffy finish, you can use basmati as a substitute. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time since basmati grains are longer and sometimes less sticky.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about making and enjoying this Beef Plov Recipe. The harmony of flavors, the tender beef mingling with fragrant rice, and the cozy, vibrant colors make it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration every time you take a bite. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

Beef Plov Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Beef Plov is a hearty and aromatic Central Asian rice dish made with tender chunks of beef, sautéed onions, and carrots, infused with fragrant spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika. This comforting one-pot meal combines succulent beef with fluffy jasmine rice and a whole head of garlic for a rich, flavorful experience perfect for family dinners.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Preheat a 6-quart heavy Dutch oven pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them until they are nicely browned on all sides to develop flavor.
Simmer the Beef: Pour in 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beef simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
Remove Beef and Reserve Liquid: Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef pieces and set aside. Pour the cooking liquid into a measuring cup, adding extra water if needed to make a total of 4 cups of liquid. Set aside for later use with the rice.
Sauté Onions and Carrots: Wipe out the pot to clean it, then heat over medium heat. Add canola oil, followed by the julienned carrots and diced onions. Sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add Beef and Spices: Return the tender beef pieces to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in ground coriander, cumin, Lawry’s seasoned salt, regular salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything well to combine evenly.
Add Rice, Garlic, and Cooking Liquid: Evenly spread the rinsed jasmine rice over the beef and vegetables without stirring. Place the sliced head of garlic on top, then gently pour the reserved beef liquid over the rice. Lightly shake the pot to distribute the liquid without stirring.
Cook Everything Together: Bring the pot contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the plov for 30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Notes

Use jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture which complements the beef and spices well.
Do not stir the rice after adding the liquid to prevent it from becoming mushy; shaking the pot gently helps distribute the liquid.
If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic head before adding it on top.
Beef chuck is ideal for this recipe due to its rich marbling that becomes tender with slow cooking.
The recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; ensure to use a bigger pot and adjust cooking times as needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering and Sautéing
Cuisine: Central Asian