If you love simple, comforting meals bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this easy bulgur pilaf will become your new favorite side dish. Made with cracked wheat, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth, it's hearty, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes. Think of it as the savory, healthier cousin of rice. Light, nutty, and deeply satisfying.
In Turkey, this bulgur wheat pilaf (bulgur pilavı) often takes the place of rice, and once you taste it, you'll see why. The grains stay fluffy yet hearty, soaking up the tomato and stock like tiny flavor sponges. It's one of those bulgur recipes that proves you don't need a long list of ingredients to make something special. Serve it next to grilled chicken, veggies, or just a dollop of Greek yogurt, and you've got a meal that feels both rustic and comforting.
After testing many versions, I found the secret to perfect Turkish bulgur pilaf is to toast the grains before adding the liquid. That simple step brings out their nutty aroma and makes this dish irresistible. Whether you use chicken or vegetable broth, the result is a deeply comforting dish that proves healthy food can also taste amazing.
For similar recipes, don't miss this quick and easy Orzo rice (Turkish pilaf) made with just 5 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this Lemon Garlic Pearl Couscous, this warm and satisfying Moroccan rice pilaf and this lazy lemon orzo made in under 30 minutes.
📋 Ingredient notes
To make this bulgur pilaf (also known as bulgur rice) you'll need the following ingredients:
Bulgur: You will find this in different grind sizes. Fine bulgur (#1) is often used for Tabbouleh salad and needs only 1-2 minutes of cooking. Medium coarse bulgur (#3) and extra coarse bulgur (#4) take longer to cook. For this recipe, I suggest using medium-coarse bulgur wheat, but you'll find instructions for fine and extra coarse versions in the recipe notes below.
Olive oil: I prefer olive oil for this recipe, but another vegetable oil or butter will also work.
Broth. Chicken broth is my favorite. I usually make it with water and chicken bouillon granules or a cube, but homemade or store-bought chicken broth works just as well. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth or water.
Optional:
Fresh tomato, chopped. Use Roma tomatoes because they have more flesh and add them at the same time as the sweet pepper.
Cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or cooked chicken (cubed). Add them with the broth for extra protein and to turn this dish into a complete meal.
For the full list of ingredients with quantities, please see the recipe card ⬇️ at the end of this post.
👨🍳 Expert Tips
✅ Toast the bulgur with the olive oil. It intensifies the taste, giving this dish a nutty flavor you'll love.
✅ Let the bulgur sit for 7-8 minutes, covered, after you turn off the heat. This allows it to fully absorb the extra moisture and fluff up.
🎥 Bulgur Pilaf Video
Watch this short video for how to cook bulgur pilaf:
🎵 Music on Video: building a treehouse, Musician: as tall as a pine
📖 Recipe
Easy Bulgur Pilaf (Turkish Recipe)
Ingredients
For the basic recipe:
- 1 cups (210 g) medium coarse #3 bulgur wheat (see note#1 for other grind sizes)
- 2 tablespoon (25 g) olive oil (or butter)
- ½ (70 g) onion (finely chopped)
- ½ (50 g) sweet red pepper (or green, finely chopped)
- 1 cloves garlic (minced - double this if you love garlic)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups (480 g) low sodium chicken broth (or water or vegetable broth, boiling hot)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust this to taste)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 fresh Roma tomato (cut into small cubes)
- 1 ½ cups (250 g) cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken (cubed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (add two minutes before turning off the heat, and give a quick stir)
For serving:
- Fresh parsley or mint, Greek yogurt, dried chili flakes, sliced onion
Instructions
- Transfer the bulgur, olive oil and onion to a pan and sauté over medium-high heat until the onion is soft and the bulgur starts to change color and smell nutty (about 8 minutes).
- Add the pepper, garlic, cumin, black pepper, tomato paste and Roma tomato (if using) and sauté for 2 minutes more.
- Add the chicken broth (or water) and the salt, stir well, taste and adjust the seasonings.👉 At this step also add the chickpeas or chicken, if using.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid and simmer for 12-13 minutes until the juices have been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest (covered) for 7-8 minutes - this allows the bulgur to absorb the extra liquid and fluff up. Give your bulgur pilaf a stir with a fork and serve with fresh parsley or mint, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and thinly sliced onion.
Notes
More recipes with bulgur whea:
Nutrition
💭 FAQs
Bulgur (wikipedia link) is made from whole wheat kernels (usually durum wheat) that have been parboiled, dried, and cracked into different grind sizes. This process keeps most of the wheat's nutrients and fiber intact, giving bulgur its nutty flavor, chewy texture, and quick cooking time.
Yes, bulgur is very healthy. It's a whole grain rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. Because it's minimally processed and has a low glycemic index, it helps regulate blood sugar, supports digestion, and promotes fullness, making it an excellent choice for balanced meals and weight management.
Bulgur is generally healthier than white rice. It contains more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals because it's a whole grain, while white rice is refined and stripped of most nutrients. Bulgur also has a lower glycemic index, meaning it keeps you full longer and helps stabilize blood sugar. The only advantage of white rice is its softer texture and quicker digestion, which can suit people with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary needs. But overall, for nutrition and long-term health, bulgur wins.
🍳 More Side Dishes to Try
If you tried this Bulgur Pilaf Recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Efi says
It didn't think that such a simple dish could be so flavorful. Thanks Makos for this recipe
Makos says
You’re welcome Efi! Thanks for commenting!