Easy Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli (Instant Pot & Stovetop Recipe)

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This Lebanese rice with vermicelli is a classic Middle Eastern rice pilaf made with fluffy long grain rice and toasted vermicelli noodles. It’s light, buttery, and the perfect base for so many meals, especially anything grilled, roasted, or marinated.

Fluffy Lebanese rice with vermicelli served warm and garnished with fresh parsley, a simple and authentic Middle Eastern side dish

What makes this recipe so easy is that you can make it in either the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Both methods give you fluffy rice and perfectly toasted vermicelli with very little effort.

It’s one of those staple recipes that goes with just about everything. Pair it with something like my Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma, Restaurant Style Lebanese Chicken, or even with my Middle Eastern Yogurt Chicken.

What Is Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli?

Lebanese rice with vermicelli is a traditional Middle Eastern rice pilaf commonly served alongside grilled meats, shawarma, kebabs, and stews. The vermicelli noodles are toasted in oil or butter before cooking, which gives the rice its signature nutty flavor and golden color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rice might look simple, but the flavor comes from one key step: toasting the vermicelli in olive oil until it turns golden brown. That’s what gives Lebanese rice its signature nutty flavor and slightly buttery depth.

The rice is lightly seasoned, soft, and fluffy without being sticky, making it the perfect side to soak up sauces, marinades, and juices from whatever you serve it with. This is the traditional way rice is served in many Lebanese homes, simple, versatile, and designed to complement a wide range of dishes.

The Instant Pot version makes the process completely hands-off, while the stovetop method gives you that traditional approach with the same delicious result.

Lebanese rice with vermicelli garnished with toasted pine nuts and parsley, a traditional and flavorful rice side dish

Either way, you end up with a reliable, go-to rice recipe that works every time. The grains stay separate and fluffy instead of sticky, which makes it ideal for serving with saucy dishes and grilled meats.

Ingredients

Long Grain White Rice

Vermicelli (durum wheat semolina)

Olive Oil (or Butter)

Salt

Water

See recipe card for quantities…

Instructions

Instant Pot Method

1. Rinse the rice:

Wash and rinse the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

2. Toast the vermicelli:

Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode. Add olive oil and vermicelli. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vermicelli turns deep golden brown (don’t walk away, it can burn quickly).

3. Toast the rice:

Add the drained rice to the pot and saute for another 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

4. Add water and cook:

Turn off Saute mode. Add water, salt and stir. Secure the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on Low Pressure (Rice setting) for 12 minutes.

5. Release and fluff:

Quick release the pressure. Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

6. Serve:

Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Light and fluffy Lebanese rice pilaf with golden vermicelli noodles and chopped parsley, perfect for pairing with chicken or grilled dishes

Stovetop Method

1. Rinse the rice:

Wash and rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. Toast the vermicelli:

In a medium pot over medium heat, add olive oil and vermicelli. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown.

3. Toast the rice:

Add the rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

4. Cook the rice:

Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed.

5. Rest and fluff:

Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Long grain white rice being rinsed in a bowl with water to remove starch before cooking Lebanese rice with vermicelli

Vermicelli noodles lightly toasting in olive oil in a pot, early stage before turning golden for Lebanese rice

Vermicelli toasted to deep golden brown in a pot, the key step for authentic Lebanese rice flavor

Rice, water, and toasted vermicelli combined in a pot before cooking on the stovetop for Lebanese rice pilaf

Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card!

Substitutions

Rice: Long grain white rice works best. Basmati can also be used for a slightly more aromatic result.
Vermicelli: Traditional thin vermicelli is ideal, but you can break up spaghetti in a pinch.
Oil: Olive oil is classic, but butter gives a richer, more traditional flavor.
Water: You can use chicken broth for extra flavor if serving with savory dishes.
Salt: Adjust to taste depending on what you’re serving it with.

Equipment

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker or Medium Pot with Lid (for stovetop method)

Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spoon or spatula

Close-up of Lebanese rice pilaf with golden vermicelli, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley, fluffy and perfectly cooked

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

To reheat, microwave with a splash of water and cover to steam, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

You can also freeze rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little water to bring back the texture. Follow safe storage and handling tips from USDA.

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip toasting the vermicelli, this is where all the flavor comes from.
Keep stirring while toasting so it browns evenly and doesn’t burn.
Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Let the rice rest after cooking before fluffing for the best consistency.
Use a fork (not a spoon) to fluff so the grains stay separate.

Authentic Lebanese rice with vermicelli topped with fresh parsley, showing perfectly separated grains and toasted noodles

FAQ

Can I use basmati rice?

Yes, basmati works great and gives a slightly lighter, more fragrant result.

Why did my vermicelli burn?

It cooks quickly, so make sure to stir constantly and keep the heat at medium.

Is this authentic Lebanese rice?

Yes, this is a classic Lebanese-style rice pilaf made with toasted vermicelli.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it reheats really well and is perfect to serve with chicken, beef, or veggie dishes throughout the week.

Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can double the ingredients, but keep the cooking time the same. Make sure not to exceed the max fill line.

How do I keep Lebanese rice fluffy?

Rinse the rice well, avoid over-stirring during cooking, let it rest before fluffing, and use the correct water ratio for the best texture.

Here are a few recipes that pair perfectly with this Lebanese rice with vermicelli:

Pairing & Make It a Full Meal

This Lebanese rice pilaf with vermicelli is the perfect base for so many meals. It pairs especially well with bold, marinated dishes and anything with sauces or juices that can soak into the rice.

Serve it with something like Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma, Restaurant Style Lebanese Chicken, or Lemon Garlic Chicken for a simple, flavorful dinner. It also works really well alongside dishes like my Dump and Bake Mediterranean Chicken and Potatoes if you want a full, comforting spread.

For a lighter plate, pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad or chickpea salad to balance everything out.