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Super Easy Yellow Rice complements just about any meal. You can make this on the stove top or in the rice cooker. So tasty!
This yellow rice recipe is one of our favorite side dishes. It truly is “super easy” and it seriously goes with almost anything! You can keep it plain or spice it up to go with different meals. If you are in a rush and don’t have time to make it over the stove, you can also throw all the ingredients in a rice cooker. My family loves this light and fluffy side dish and you will too!
🩷 Erica
What is Yellow Rice?
Yellow rice is basically white rice that is colored by the spices turmeric or saffron when prepared. This yellow rice recipe calls for turmeric, but you could easily substitute saffron and achieve the same bright yellow color and a slightly tangy flavor. Yellow rice is traditional in Spanish, Cuban, Indian and Indonesian dishes, plus many more. The flavor is mild enough that you can serve it with countless recipes.
Ingredients in Yellow Rice
- Butter – This is used to toast the rice giving it a nice golden, brown color.
- Long-Grain White Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice work great!
- Chicken Broth – Using broth instead of water gives depth and richness to the flavor of the rice.
- Seasonings – Garlic, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper season this rice perfectly.
- Fresh Cilantro – Stir this in after the rice has cooked for added flavor and color.
How to Make Yellow Rice
- Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice in some butter before you boil it gives it an amazing, nutty flavor. Melt the butter in a saucepan and gently stir the rice until it begins to lightly brown. You definitely don’t want to skip this step!
- Season the Rice: Stir in the garlic, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Add Chicken Broth: Once the chicken broth is added, raise the heat and bring it to a boil and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove the rice from the stove and use a fork to fluff the rice. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Reserve a little extra for garnish.
Yellow Rice Recipe Variations
The possibilities for this rice recipe are endless! Mix and match any of these to create the perfect, easy yellow rice side-dish for your next family meal.
- More Veggies: Adding frozen peas or carrots to the rice while cooking is an easy way to add color, texture, and added nutrients.
- Cajun-Style: Make this dish Cajun style by adding diced onion, red and/or green bell pepper, and diced jalapeño while sautéing the rice. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning before adding the chicken broth. After the rice is finished cooking, you can stir in grilled smoked sausage, shrimp or chicken. Red or black beans make the meal even more hearty and delicious.
- Indian Flavors: For a more Indian flair, add ½ teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, four cardamom pods, and a handful of golden raisins before bringing to boil. So yummy!
- Mexican Side Dish: Add this side to your Mexican dishes by adding jalapeño and diced onion to the rice while sautéing, and sprinkle with a little cumin before adding the broth.
How to Make Yellow Rice in a Rice Cooker
You can also throw all the ingredients in a rice cooker to make yellow rice that way. It’s a secret weapon for making the rice extra fluffy, and it can save up space on the stovetop. I like this one from Aroma Housewares that can make up to 6 cups of cooked rice, which is more than enough for this yellow rice recipe.
More Flavorful Rice Recipes
Rice is one of those easy to make, filling, and oh-so-delicious side dishes. After you try this Yellow Rice, try a few of our other favorites:
How to Make Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and gently stir until rice begins to lightly brown.
- Add garlic, onion powder, and turmeric and stir until well mixed in.
- Slowly stir in chicken broth and raise heat to medium-high. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mix to a boil then turn the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add cilantro, and fluff with a fork. Serves 4.
I normally wash my rice. How would you adapt the browning for that?
You can wash it but after washing put in a colander to dry for an hour or so until the rice is dry. It browns better if the rice is dry. Hope this helps!
Can I switch the butter fat to an veg. oil fat to make it vegan?
Yes, but you’ll want to use less oil than butter. Instead of 3 tablespoons butter, use 2 1/4 tablespoons oil. Enjoy the rice!
Wow! I’ve never made yellow rice in 59 years of marriage., but I will definitely make this again. And so easy. I will be looking at more of your tecipes.
I’m so happy you discovered it and it was a success for you – thank you for your comment! ❤️
Is it advisable to prepare this dish few hours ahead?
You can certainly prepare it a few hours ahead if you have a way to keep it covered and warm so it doesn’t dry out. In a crock pot on the warm setting would work well, or keep it warm in the rice cooker. Thanks for asking!