Yellow rice is a truly global dish, with iterations throughout African, Arabic, Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. My recipe is based on the version popular in American Soul Food, and so simple to make. Let me show you how yellow rice from scratch will elevate your plate in under 30 minutes!
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my authentic Nigerian jollof rice, too!
Jump to:
❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy - You only need one pot and 30 minutes to bring this turmeric rice recipe to life. No fancy kitchen equipment or advanced-level technique needed!
Simple, Everyday Ingredients - Homemade yellow rice is made up of common pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Just grab three ingredients and a few spices and turn them into magic.
Simple side dishes can still have BIG flavor. Check out my southern fried cabbage, roasted curry carrots, hot honey brussels sprouts, and baked mac & cheese bites next!
I made this tonight exactly as written and it was delicious. So easy, too! Thanks for a great recipe!
-reader review from Deborah
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Long-Grain White Rice has more surface area to absorb flavor, which makes it perfect for infused rice dishes. Basmati and Jasmine rice are two common long-grain rice types that we use for this dish.
Chicken Broth or Stock instead of water for a satisfying, savory taste. This is what makes the rice really pop and stand out!
Turmeric is what gives this yellow rice its color. We coat the rice in it, along with other spices, to create deep flavor and a consistent, brighter yellow color compared to a saffron rice recipe.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Vegan - Use a vegetable broth and plant-based butter to make your yellow rice vegan.
With Vegetables - Add bite-sized, quick cooking vegetables like chopped broccoli florets, sweet peas, or diced carrots to increase the fiber, color, and variety in this dish.
With Brown Rice - You can use brown rice instead of white rice if you prefer. Just note that it will take about twice as long to cook. You may also need to add an extra cup or so of chicken broth.
How to Make Yellow Rice with Turmeric
- Step 1: Melt the butter, then cook the rice in it until it starts to turn golden brown.
- Step 2: Mix in the spices to coat the fried rice.
Pro Tip #1
You can use either a skillet or a saucepan for this recipe. Just be sure to use a pot with a lid so that you can cover the rice as it simmers.
- Step 3: Add chicken broth and bay leaf, then bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat, and cook the rice until it is fluffy and the liquid has dissipated.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, fluff, and serve.
Pro Tip #2
Sometimes, you'll have a concentration of spices and proteins from the broth at the top of your pot of rice. Use two table forks or spoons to mix and fluff the rice so that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store cooked yellow rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeps for up to seven days.
To freeze, cool the rice to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container before freezing. I like to use Souper Cubes to freeze in perfect portion sizes for easy reheating! Keeps for up to six months.
How to Use Yellow Rice
This rice is best served hot alongside your favorite main dishes--it's really good with crispy roasted chicken or cast-iron ribeye steak! I like to remix our leftover yellow rice into Soul Food power bowls or pair it with a quick-cooking protein like lemon pepper shrimp.
Southern Sunday Dinner idea: Southern baked chicken, and okra and tomatoes with sour cream pound cake for dessert!
Mediterranean-Inspired Meal: Moroccan chicken kabobs or harissa lamb meatballs with chopped cucumber salad and date snickers for dessert!
More Quick Side Dish Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I hope you'll enjoy this turmeric rice recipe soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Easy Yellow Rice from Scratch
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan or skillet
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Add butter to saucepan over medium heat to melt.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add rice to the pan, and cook it in the melted butter until fragrant and starting to turn golden brown (about six minutes).2 cups long-grain white rice
- Stir in the turmeric, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper until rice is coated in the spices.1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon white pepper
- Carefully pour in chicken broth, then add bay leaf and increase heat to medium-high. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid has dissipated and rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Magret says
The recipe helped me a lot, awesome recipe.
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your feedback, Magret! Glad it worked for you.
Marie says
Did you wash your rice prior to cooking it in the melted butter by chance?
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Marie! I don't wash the rice in this recipe, and haven't had any issues with stickiness or starchiness. But you can wash it if you prefer.
Tanya says
I’m never buying the bagged yellow rice again. This recipe is so quick and easy to to follow and the rice came out perfectly!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your note, Tanya! I also refuse to buy the bagged stuff now that I have this recipe. Glad it worked for you.
Deborah R says
I made this tonight exactly as written and it was delicious. So easy, too! Thanks for a great recipe!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your note, Deborah--I'm so glad you enjoyed the rice!