Cook orzo directly in the pan by submerging it in stock until absorbed
Add orzo and stock to the pan, make sure the pasta is fully submerged, then simmer until the liquid is gone to cook it without a separate pot.
After building your sauce and adding vegetables, stir in orzo and pour in stock. Mix so the orzo is fully covered by liquid, then boil/simmer on medium heat until the stock has been absorbed/evaporated and the orzo is cooked.
The short version
- Submerge the orzo before simmering
- Cook on medium heat until the liquid is gone
What you need
- stovetop pan or skillet
- spoon or spatula
How to do it
- 1
After your meat/sauce base is in the pan, add the orzo.
Watch this step - 2
Pour in stock and stir so the orzo is fully submerged.
If any pasta is sticking up above the liquid, it may cook unevenly.
Watch this step - 3
Boil on medium heat until the liquid is gone and the orzo is cooked.
Stir as needed to prevent sticking as the pan dries out.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Leaving some orzo above the liquid level
Stir and add enough stock so all pasta is submerged before simmering.
Cooking too hot so the pan dries before the orzo cooks
Use medium heat and stir; add a splash more stock if needed.
Why it works
Keeping the pasta submerged lets it hydrate and cook evenly while absorbing flavorful liquid, reducing extra steps and dishes.
Put it to use
Learn next
Make a one-pan meal by browning aromatics first, then simmering grains until the liquid is absorbed
Start by browning onion and garlic for flavor, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer your grains in stock until the liquid is gone.
How to make overnight oats by soaking oats in the fridge
Mix oats with milk and yogurt, cover, and refrigerate overnight so the oats hydrate and set into a ready-to-eat breakfast.
Portion cooked rice into equal servings for meal prep
Cook rice, then divide it into a set number of portions to create consistent meals.
Brown and break up minced beef in a pan for better texture
Add minced beef to a hot pan, break it into small pieces, and cook until browned before adding other ingredients.