Yellow Rice Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just rice, a few spices, and a bit of patience while it cooks. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Equipment
- Medium or Large Pot with Lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Cutting Board & Knife
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for extra depth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup frozen peas or diced carrots
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads for a richer, more aromatic version
- 1 small onion finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice (Optional but Recommended!)
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- This removes excess starch and helps the grains stay separate. If you like a slightly stickier texture, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Spices (2 minutes)
- In a medium or large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this helps release the flavors!
- Pro Tip: Toasting the spices in oil enhances their depth and richness, making the rice extra flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Rice & Coat It (1 minute)
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well, making sure each grain is coated in the flavorful spice mixture.
- This step helps toasting the rice slightly, which gives it a nuttier aroma.
Step 4: Add Liquid & Cook (18-20 minutes)
- Pour in the water or broth and add salt. Stir once to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Don’t stir the rice while it’s cooking—it can break the grains and make them mushy.
Step 5: Let It Rest & Fluff (5 minutes)
- After the cooking time is up, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes—this allows the steam to finish cooking the rice without making it soggy.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins & Serve
- If using peas, carrots, or other add-ins, stir them in now. The heat from the rice will warm them up nicely.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite protein!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~200-250
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Protein: ~4g
- Fat: ~3g (depending on butter/oil used)
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~400mg (varies based on broth and salt amount)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.