Yellow Rice

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, Lemon Rice, Mexican Rice, Garlic Butter Rice, Sticky 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

• Butter – We used unsalted butter
• Long-Grain White Rice – The brightest yellow will be achieved by using white rice. But you can also use brown rice, jasmine rice, or Basmati Rice Recipe.
• Fresh Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out
• Onion Powder – If you are out, see Best Onion Powder Substitutes
• Ground Turmeric – If you do not like Turmeric, you can use Saffron
• Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.