Main Course · Dinner · Central Asian ·

Uzbek Plov

Name: Uzbek Plov
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g beef, cut into chunks; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and soaked; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 large carrots, julienned; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 3 cups beef stock; 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup fried onion, optional

A traditional Uzbek dish that combines aromatic spices, perfectly cooked rice, and succulent pieces of beef, making it a heartwarming and satisfying main course.

4.1(90 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 24, 2025

Uzbek Plov — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Rice

For the Cooking Broth

For the Crisp Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 527 kcal
Protein: 22.6 g
Carbs: 54.2 g
Fat: 23.7 g
Fiber: 2.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3159 kcal
Protein: 135.6 g
Carbs: 325.2 g
Fat: 142 g
Fiber: 13.6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g beef cut into chunks	1100	100	0	80	0
2 garlic cloves minced	9	0.5	2	0	0.1
1 tsp ground cumin	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
1 tsp paprika	6	0.3	1	0.3	0.7
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 cups long-grain rice rinsed and soaked	1360	28	290	2	6
1 large onion thinly sliced	46	1.2	11	0.1	1.8
2 large carrots julienned	50	1	12	0.2	3.6
1 tsp cumin seeds	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
3 cups beef stock	30	3	0	2	0
1/2 tsp saffron threads soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup vegetable oil	480	0	0	55	0
1/4 cup fried onion optional	56	0.8	7.2	2.4	0.8

These are estimates and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Beef

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the beef chunks with minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Coat the Beef
Toss well to coat the beef evenly.
3
Marinate
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Vegetables & Rice

1
Rinse and Soak Rice
Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: Ensure your rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
2
Prepare Vegetables
Thinly slice the onion and julienne the carrots.
Tip: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
3
Soak Saffron
Soak saffron in hot water and set aside.

How to Make Uzbek Plov

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Searing the Beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add marinated beef, and sear until browned.
2
Cooking the Vegetables
Add sliced onions and julienned carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
3
Incorporating the Rice
Drain the soaked rice and add to the pot, stirring to mix well, then pour in the saffron-infused water and beef stock.
4
Timing & Heat Guide
Searing Beef: 10 min; Cooking Vegetables: 10 min; Rice Cooking Phase: 25 min. Searing: Medium-high heat; Simmering the Rice: Low heat.