Classic Bulgur Pilaf
A quick toast in butter gives the bulgur its gentle, nutty depth. The grains finish light and fluffy after simmering in broth, ready for an everyday supper.

Recipe link
Prep time5 min
Cook time20 min
Total time30 min
- Course
- Side Dish
- Cuisine
- Granny's Recipes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Est. calories / serving
- 240
Ingredients
Bulgur Pilaf
- 1 cup bulgur wheat — medium-grind
- 2 tablespoons butter — unsalted
- 1 tablespoon white onion — finely minced
- 2 cups chicken broth — low-sodium
- ¼ teaspoon oregano — dried
- ½ teaspoon salt — fine
- 1 pinch black pepper — finely ground
Garnish
- parsley (optional) — chopped
- lemon (optional) — wedges
- black pepper (optional) — coarsely ground
Instructions
- Toast the Bulgur: Melt butter in a medium skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add bulgur and finely minced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, until the onion softens and the bulgur smells nutty and becomes slightly deeper in color. Do not let the butter or onion burn.2 tbsp butter, 1 cup bulgur wheat, 1 tbsp white onion
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in chicken broth and stir in oregano, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a full boil, about 2 to 4 minutes.2 cups chicken broth, ¼ tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, 1 pinch black pepper
- Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer without stirring for 12 to 15 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the bulgur is tender but still has a slight chew. Remove the covered pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Uncover and fluff gently with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or coarsely ground black pepper, if desired.
Notes
- Toast for Flavor: Toast the medium-grind bulgur in butter until it smells nutty and becomes lightly golden. Fine bulgur cooks much faster, while coarse bulgur may require more time and liquid. Bulgur is a wheat product and is not gluten-free.
- Use Stock When Available: Homemade stock adds extra richness, though chicken broth works beautifully as written. If using fully salted broth, reduce the added salt and adjust after cooking.
- Avoid Excess Stirring: Once the bulgur is simmering, let it cook undisturbed with the lid closed. Rest it covered for 5 minutes before fluffing. If it is still too firm and the pan is dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons broth and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
- Freshen Before Serving: Parsley, lemon wedges, and coarsely ground black pepper brighten the pilaf but remain optional. Serve with Summer Lime Chicken Breasts, Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, or Braised Meat Stew.
- Leftover Tip: Refrigerate the pilaf in a shallow airtight container within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to 165°F.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Yield
About 3 cups — Serving size: about ¾ cup
- Calories
- 240
- Carbohydrates
- 37.5 g
- Protein
- 8.5 g
- Fat
- 7.5 g
- Saturated Fat
- 4 g
- Cholesterol
- 20 mg
- Sodium
- 470 mg
- Fiber
- 5.5 g
- Total Sugars
- 2 g
Equipment
- cutting board
- knife
- medium skillet or saucepan (with a tight-fitting lid)
- measuring cups and spoons
- wooden spoon or spatula
- fork