Making rice cooker orzo is an easy one pot method that gives you perfectly cooked, al dente orzo pasta in just 20 minutes. Use pantry staple ingredients for an extra boost of flavor and fragrance. This is a great busy weeknight dinner recipe for those who want a hands off approach for a versatile dish. Use orzo as a quick side, salad or make it a complete meal with added protein and vegetables.
Table of contents
Why you’ll love this rice cooker recipe
- Easy and hands off - no stovetop required and no constant stirring needed!
- Works in any rice cooker (one button or multi-function)
- No stovetop needed
- Quick and versatile - make a complete meal in 20 minutes or serve orzo as a side or add it to salads
What is orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like a large rice grain. It is traditionally made from semolina (a flour made from durum wheat). The taste of orzo is like any other pasta, it is very mild with an al dente, slightly chewy bite.
The cooking time for orzo is very quick since the grains are small.
Orzo can be used in a variety of dishes including but not limited to soups, salads, rice pilafs, casseroles, stews and much more.
Ingredients
Orzo - any orzo variety is fine, keep in mind some orzo grain size may vary depending on the brand.
Butter or olive oil - Gives it a more rich flavor and prevents the orzo grains from clumping.
Garlic - for extra flavor and aroma.
Chicken broth - Gives a deeper taste. If you want plain orzo, use water.
Kosher salt - to season.
Equipment
A single one button rice cooker like a Tayama rice cooker works well, however keep in mind it sometimes may have inconsistent results if it does not adjust the cooking time properly for the liquid amount.
A Cuckoo six-cup model can cook enough rice or pasta for a family of four like our or for large gatherings. While this rice cooker has multiple functions, I use the regular rice cooking function to ensure consistent results.
How to make orzo in a rice cooker
Add the orzo, butter, minced garlic, salt and chicken stock to the rice cooker pot. Give it a quick mix.
Press cook on a single function cooker or select the white rice setting if using a multi function cooker.
Set a timer for 20 minutes. When the timer is up, taste the orzo, if it is cooked to the preferred texture, stir the pasta and strain out any remaining liquid. For more well cooked, softer orzo, press cook again and let it cook for a few more minutes until desired texture.
❗️Note: There may be extra liquid remaining after cooking to al dente, when liquid is strained, it will continue to absorb into the pasta as it rests.
‼️ Note: orzo grain size may vary depending on different brands. If you like orzo al dente, keep an eye on it and remove from the rice cooker when it reaches its preferred texture.
What to serve with Orzo
This Rice cooker Orzo is so flavorful on it’s own or can be perfectly paired with a delicious protein like a reverse sear filet mignon, cast iron and oven steak, a roasted cast iron chicken You can also serve it cold as a base salad like on this cold orzo broccoli pasta.
Seasoning and variation ideas
This recipe is very versatile. Add complimentary ingredients for a one pot meal.
Spinach and sausage - for a satisfying hearty meal.
Cheesy Orzo - Top it off with parmesan or pecorino cheese for a decadent dish.
Mediterranean orzo - add feta cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes and top it off with some olive oil and squeeze of lemon.
Vegan orzo -use vegetable broth and my favorite vegan butter.
Tips and tricks
- No timer or unable to babysit your rice cooker? You can leave the orzo in the rice cooker and let it cook the full cycle, but the orzo will be much softer and a bit overcooked.
- Check early if you like the al dente texture.
- Butter or oil will help prevent the orzo from clumping.
Storage
- Store the cooked orzo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- Freeze the orzo in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the orzo overnight prior to reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! orzo is a type of pasta and cooks well in the rice cooker if you do not have a stovetop available or simply want a hands off approach.
No, cooking orzo is not the same as making rice. Unlike rice, there is no need to pre-rinse orzo. The water ratio to orzo is also much higher than rice, and orzo may require straining out some leftover liquid after it’s cooked.
The best water to orzo ratio is a 2:1, 2 cups liquid to 1 cup orzo.
The only time you may want to stir the orzo is when it is done cooking in the rice cooker. There is no need to rinse the orzo, we do not need to remove the starch.
Nutrition
Per serving, ½ cup orzo cooked in broth
- Calories: 209
- Carbs: 32 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 5 g
More Rice Cooker Recipes
How to Cook Orzo in a Rice Cooker
Equipment
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 tablespoon butter, salted
- 1 clove garlic, minced about 1 teaspoon
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the orzo, butter, minced garlic, salt and chicken broth to the rice cooker pot. Give it a quick mix.
- Press cook on a single function cooker or select the white rice setting if using a multi function cooker.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes. When the timer is up, taste the orzo, if it is cooked to the preferred texture, strain out any remaining liquid. If the orzo is not cooked through, close the lid and press cook again and let it continue cooking for a few more minutes until desired texture. Strain any liquid remaining as needed.
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