Yellow Rice Recipe

Looking for an easy and flavorful side dish? This yellow rice recipe is the perfect way to add a pop of color and a touch of warmth to your meal! Made with just a few simple ingredients, including turmeric for that beautiful golden hue, this rice cooker recipe is quick, delicious, and completely foolproof.

Even though many people think that yellow rice is a special kind of rice (like brown rice), in reality yellow rice is made from the plain old white rice :) Yellow rice side dish gets its yellow color from the spice turmeric.   Turmeric colors the rice and also flavors it, and all you need is a pinch of turmeric to make the whole pot of rice yellow!

Why You’ll Love This Yellow Rice Recipe

• Super Easy to Make – Just toss everything into the rice cooker, press a button, and let it do the work! No need to babysit the stove or worry about burning rice.
• Beautiful and Vibrant – The bright golden color from turmeric makes this dish visually stunning. It’s a simple way to make any meal look more exciting.
• Mild, Earthy Flavor – Turmeric adds a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters.
• Pairs Well with Everything – This yellow rice goes with so many dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to vegetarian curries and stir-fries. It’s a versatile side you’ll want to make again and again.
• Healthy and Naturally Gluten-Free – Turmeric is known for its health benefits, and this rice is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It’s a wholesome, nourishing addition to any meal.

Yellow rice looks impressive, but it is extremely easy to make!  Just cook the white rice the same way you’d normally do (I always use my rice cooker), and add turmeric to the water before cooking.  That’s it!  The mystery of the yellow rice has been revealed!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white rice – The base of this dish, providing a fluffy and tender texture.
• 3 cups of water – The base of this dish, providing a fluffy and tender texture.
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil – Helps coat the rice for a light, non-sticky texture.
• 1/2 tsp turmeric – The key ingredient that gives the rice its signature yellow color and a mild, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor, making the rice taste just right.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Yellow Rice

• Rice Cooker – The easiest way to cook perfectly fluffy yellow rice with minimal effort.
• Measuring Cups – To accurately measure the rice and water for the best texture.
• Measuring Spoons – Ensures the right amount of turmeric, salt, and oil for perfect flavor.
• Spoon for Stirring – Helps evenly coat the rice with oil and turmeric before cooking.

Directions:

Put rice in a rice cooker.  Pour oil over it and sprinkle with turmeric.  Stir with a spoon until all the rice is yellow and coated with oil.

Add water.  Press the “Cook” button on the rice cooker.

Note: you don’t have to use the rice cooker to make yellow rice.  You can use the conventional method of cooking rice on the stove.  Just coat the rice with oil and turmeric, add water and cook as usual :)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside Smoky Grilled Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks, Savory Black Pepper Beef Steak, or Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin for a flavorful and colorful plate.
• Complements dishes like Oven-Baked Everything Bagel Salmon, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, or Crispy Pan-Seared Tilapia perfectly.
• Use it as a flavorful foundation for Savory Chinese Stir-Fried Eggs with Tomato.
• Pairs well with Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Tender Green Beans, tofu, or Healthy Lentil Spinach Stew.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the Rice (Optional, but Recommended) – Rinsing white rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice with separate grains. If you prefer a softer texture, you can skip this step.
• Stir Before Cooking – Mixing the rice with oil, turmeric, and salt before adding water ensures the color and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving you a beautiful and flavorful dish.
• Use the Right Water-to-Rice Ratio – The 2:3 ratio (2 cups of rice to 3 cups of water) is perfect for soft, fluffy rice. If you prefer firmer rice, reduce the water slightly.
• Fluff the Rice After Cooking – Let the rice sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This helps separate the grains and enhances the texture.
• Enhance the Flavor – For extra depth, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for more seasoning.
• Store Leftovers Properly – Keep leftover yellow rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use Brown Rice – If you prefer a healthier option, swap white rice for brown rice. Just note that brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time in the rice cooker.
• Swap Turmeric for Saffron – For a slightly different flavor and a more traditional take, use a pinch of saffron instead of turmeric. Soak the saffron in warm water before adding it to the rice cooker for better color infusion.
• Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This pairs especially well with bold-flavored dishes.
• Add Aromatics – For extra depth, sauté some minced garlic and onions in the rice cooker before adding the rice and water. You can also toss in a bay leaf for a subtle herbal note.
• Cook with Coconut Milk – Replace half of the water with coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet version that pairs wonderfully with tropical or Asian-inspired dishes.
• Mix in Vegetables – Stir in peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers after cooking for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover yellow rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze yellow rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Flatten the rice in the bag to save space and allow for even thawing.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle a little water over it, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan, then stir in the rice over low heat. Cover and let it steam for a few minutes until hot.
• Reheating from Frozen: If frozen, let the rice thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Alternatively, microwave straight from frozen with a little water, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jasmine or basmati rice instead of regular white rice?

Yes! Jasmine and basmati rice work well and add a fragrant aroma. Just follow the same cooking instructions and water ratio.

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. It’s subtle in this recipe but adds a warm, aromatic depth to the rice.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes! Butter adds a richer taste. Simply replace the vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted butter before cooking.

Why is my rice too dry or mushy?

If your rice is dry, it may need a bit more water. If it’s mushy, too much water was used. Stick to the 2:3 rice-to-water ratio for best results.

Is yellow rice spicy?

No, this recipe is mild, but you can add spice by mixing in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your rice cooker is large enough to handle the extra rice and water. The cooking time remains the same.

Other Easy Rice Recipes

Protein-Packed Bone Broth Rice – This flavorful rice is cooked in nutrient-rich bone broth for a hearty and protein-boosted side dish.

Easy Mango Fried Rice Recipe – A sweet and savory fried rice dish bursting with juicy mango, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors.

Creamy Avocado Rice – A rich and buttery rice dish made with fresh avocado, lime juice, and seasonings for a healthy and delicious twist.

Instant Pot Brown Jasmine Rice – Get perfectly fluffy and aromatic brown jasmine rice in minutes using the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Coconut Rice – A creamy, slightly sweet coconut-infused rice that pairs beautifully with tropical and Asian-inspired dishes.

Savory Mushroom Rice Recipe – A comforting and earthy rice dish packed with sautéed mushrooms and rich umami flavor.

Chipotle-Style Mexican Rice Bowl – A homemade version of your favorite burrito bowl with seasoned rice, beans, veggies, and all the toppings.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Grilled Sweet Plantains Recipe
• Sauteed Red Cabbage Recipe
• Refreshing Edamame Salad Recipe