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Yellow Rice is a great side dish that easily cooks on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Add simple spices for an easy rice recipe that has tons of flavor.

Yellow Rice in a large skillet
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We love to serve Instant pot White Rice Recipe with the majority of our meals because it is easy to make and budget friendly. This yellow rice is one of our favorites because of the flavor and fluffy it cooks.

If you love cooking rice as much as I do, you may also love Jasmine Rice Recipe, Mexican Rice, Garlic Butter Rice and Kimchi Fried Rice.

What is Yellow Rice?

Yellow rice is white rice has turned yellow because of the spices that have been added. Turmeric Spice gives the rice the bright yellow color and is traditionally served in Spanish, Cuban and Indian.

Even if you do not like the flavor of turmeric, you will like it in this recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Butter, white rice, minced garlic, chicken broth, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, pepper, fresh cilantro

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and full ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Add Veggies – You can easily add in bell peppers, carrots or frozen peas for a delicious variation.
  • Cajun Flavor – This is a great recipe to add in Cajun Spices to change the flavor. Add in black beans and shrimp for a complete meal idea.
  • Mexican Flavor – Add in diced jalapenos and diced onions for a twist on a Spanish Rice Recipe. Sprinkle in cumin with the broth for delicious flavors.

How to Make Yellow Rice

Rinse Rice in a colander

Step 1 – Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Melting butter with minced garlic in a large saucepan

Step 2 – In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Placing rice in a saucepan

Step 3 – Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Chicken broth and spices poured into the saucepan with the rice

Step 4 – Pour in the chicken broth, onion powder, ground turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Lid on the saucepan covering the rice mixture

Step 5 – Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Cooked yellow rice topped with chopped cilantro

Step 6 – Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

 

Expert Tips 

  • Keep Lid Closed – Do not remove the lid on the pan while the rice is steaming as this will cause the rice to not turn out properly. 
  • Toast Rice – After rinsing the rice, place in rice in the saucepan to toast for about 2 minutes. This helps to provide the best texture.
  • Rest Rice – After cooking the rice allow the rice to rest to finish absorbing the water.

How to Make in a Rice Cooker

We usually make this rice recipe on the stove top but you can also make in a rice cooker. All the ingredients get added to the rice cooker and then easily cooked for fluffy and tender rice.

3 Bowls of Yellow Rice

Serving Suggestions

Yellow Rice makes a delicious side dish to many recipes. Serve it with Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe, Grilled Teriyaki Steak and even Shake and Bake Pork Chops.

This rice is loaded with amazing taste and pairs perfectly with any grilled, baked, or air fry recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Make Yellow Rice Yellow?

The addition of the Ground Turmeric makes the rice a yellow color and with delicious flavor.

Do You Rince Rice Before Cooking?

Yes, we do recommend rinsing the rice before cooking. This helps to remove any starch from the rice.

How to Store Yellow Rice

Store the leftover Yellow Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Yellow Rice in a bowl with a serving on a fork

More Easy Rice Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Yellow Rice Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Yellow Rice

5 from 1 vote
Yellow Rice is a great side dish that easily cooks on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Add simple spices for an easy rice recipe that has tons of flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Let Stand 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 217

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, onion powder, ground turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Do not remove the lid on the pan while the rice is steaming as this will cause the rice to not turn out properly. 
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 217kcal, Carbohydrates 38g, Protein 4g, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 14mg, Sodium 618mg, Potassium 98mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 257IU, Vitamin C 0.2mg, Calcium 22mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    Tons of Flavor!