Say hello to the fluffiest, yellow rice! No more gummy rice; this perfect yellow rice is a simple and flavorful way to jazz up plain white rice by adding a vibrant golden hue and rich savory flavors. With simple techniques, this yellow rice will turn out light and fluffy every time! Quick and easy to make, this rice is ready in 30 minutes.
I originally started making yellow rice as a way to incorporate more turmeric into my diet, and this yellow rice ended up being a favorite recipe of mine. I’ve made this recipe at least once a week to accompany the beans for my burritos or salads for many years now!
I have made a recent adjustment to make this rice extra fluffy and aromatic by first toasting in oil and I’m absolutely in love with this technique! The rice comes out perfect every time, restaurant-style with each grain separate and light. No more gummy, sticky rice!
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Originally, this recipe was oil-free until I discovered the rice could be even fluffier than ever before if first toasted in oil. But if you’re limiting oil in your diet, simply skip the toasting step.
Absolutely! For larger batches, just double the recipe.
Yes! Freeze rice for 1-2 months, defrosting by placing container in the refrigerator.
How to use this Perfect Yellow Rice
Burritos: This is usually how I use this yellow rice, along with black or pinto beans in my burritos. It’s so flavorful, you won’t go back to plain white rice! Need recipe inspiration? Check out my Black Bean and Yellow Rice Burritos.
Side dish: This flavorful yellow rice is a perfect side dish when cooking Central American or Caribbean cuisine, served alongside black beans as a side to a main course.
Salads: Most of my salads are topped with some variation of beans and grains, and this yellow rice is a perfect flavorful grain! I like to pair this rice alongside black beans or chickpeas to help make a hearty, healthy salad or power bowl.
Tips for Success
- Don’t soak the rice. Soaking will cause rice to become waterlogged and throw off the crucial rice-to-water ratio.
- Allow rice to rest. After simmering rice for 13 minutes, remove the pot from the burner and let is rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, don’t lift the lid! This allows the rice to steam and evenly absorb additional moisture.
- Fluff rice after 10 minutes of resting. Setting a timer is helpful so you don’t forget about it! At the 10 minute mark, lift the lid and gently fluff rice with a fork or rice paddle. This releases the steam so it doesn’t continue to cook and end up gummy.
- Buy rice grown in California, India, or Pakistan. Avoid buying rice from the southern U.S. such as Texas and Arkansas as the fertilizers of yore were arsenic-laced when growing cotton crops, now currently rice fields. There were 30,000 tons of arsenic dumped in the southern U.S. back in the day so even organically grown rice won’t be able to avoid contamination.
How to make Perfect Yellow Rice
Toast the Rice
Heat a large or medium-sized pot on medium heat with 2 tsp avocado oil. Once hot, add 1 cup of dry (un-rinsed) white basmati rice and stir to coat in oil. Toast rice until fragrant, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, being careful not to let it burn.
Add Water & Spices
Add 1½ cups water, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine. Turn the heat up to high. Once the water begins to boil, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and set a timer for 13 minutes.
Allow Rice to Rest
Once the timer goes off after 13 minutes, remove the pot from heat but don’t lift the lid! Allow rice to rest for 10 minutes undisturbed, setting another timer.
Once the 10 minute timer goes off, immediately lift the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle. Taste, adding more salt if needed. Enjoy!
More Rice Recipes
Love basmati rice? Check out:
- Fluffy Basmati Rice – Skip the seasonings for a simple, fluffy basmati rice! This recipe makes perfect rice every time.
- Mexican Rice – Incredibly flavorful and easy to make, this Mexican Rice is restaurant-quality and will easily become a household favorite.
- Costa Rican Gallo Pinto – This warm and savory rice and bean dish is the ultimate comfort food, a Costa Rican staple.
Perfect Yellow Rice
Equipment
- 1 Large or medium-sized pot with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1 cup dry white basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast Rice: Heat a large pot on medium heat with 2 tsp avocado oil. Once hot, add 1 cup of dry (un-rinsed) white basmati rice and stir to evenly coat with oil. Toast rice until fragrant, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, being careful that it doesn't burn.
- Add Spices + Water: Add 1 ½ cups water, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper, and stir to combine.
- Cook Rice: Turn heat up to high and once water begins to boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and set a timer for 13 minutes.
- Rest: After 13 minutes, remove the pot from heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes, setting another timer. Don't lift the lid!
- Fluff Rice: Once the 10 minute timer goes off, remove the lid immediately and fluff the rice gently with a fork or rice paddle. Taste, adding any more salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
- Remember to refrigerate leftover rice immediately! Rice (and beans) are very prone to bacteria that causes food-borne illness if left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Did you enjoy this Yellow Rice? Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
The rice is yummy & fluffy !!!!
Perfect !!!
Thanks for letting me know how it turned out, David! This is one of my favorite rice varieties to make; delicious, nutritious, and so fluffy!