Super Easy Yellow Rice

4.87 from 168 votes
128 Comments

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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!

Yellow rice in a bowl topped with cilantro

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 and do it that way. My family loves this light and fluffy side dish and you will too!

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.

Toasting the Rice

A part of what makes this recipe so delicious is toasting the rice. Toasting the rice in some butter before you boil it gives it an amazing, nutty flavor. You definitely don’t want to skip this step!

Rice toasted in butter


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.

  • Adding frozen peas or carrots to the rice while cooking is an easy way to add color, texture, and added nutrients.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • Add this dish to your Mexican feast by adding jalapeño and diced onion to the rice while sautéing, and sprinkle with a little cumin before adding the broth.
Yellow rice in a bowl topped with cilantro

More Yummy 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:

Yellow rice in a bowl topped with cilantro

How to Make Yellow Rice

4.87 from 168 votes
Super Easy Yellow Rice complements just about any meal! You can make this on the stove top or in the rice cooker. So tasty!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian, Mexican/Spanish
Servings 4

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and gently stir until rice begins to lightly brown.
    Rice toasted in butter
  • Add garlic, onion powder, and turmeric and stir until well mixed in.
    Toasted rice mixed with spices
  • 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.
    Cooked yellow rice in a pot
  • Remove from heat, add cilantro, and fluff with a fork. Serves 4.
    Yellow rice in a bowl topped with cilantro

Nutrition Information

Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 799mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 8.5mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.8mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This was so good! All that I did was add the onions and red and green bell peppers after I had toasted the rice and not sauteing them as I forgot. I’m going to try it the right way but this is at least a once a week side dish from now on.

  2. 5 stars
    Super easy and super good! Used my instant pot on saute, following the directions thru the addition of the chicken broth, salt, and pepper, and then just used the rice button. No more pre-packaged yellow rice for us, this recipe is so much better and just as easy! Thanks for sharing it!

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