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Garlic Turmeric Rice ( Video)

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This garlic turmeric rice is soft, fluffy and easy to make. It’s aromatic and absolutely delicious. All you need is some garlic, onion, and butter to form the base of this delectable flavor palate. It’s a one-pot Middle Eastern rice extravaganza! Perhaps best of all, you’ll only need about 20 minutes on the stovetop to get this yellow rice together!

Garlic Turmeric rice served in a bowl with chicken drumsticks

What Is Turmeric Rice?

Turmeric rice is also known as middle eastern rice or Indian rice. It’s made in many Asian countries and in various Asian communities around the world. There are plenty of regional variations, too.

In this recipe, we’re adding ground turmeric to the rice to add plenty of color and flavor. Turmeric is a key ingredient in a lot of Indian meals. It’s earthy and a little bitter in flavor, and is linked to a broad array of health benefits, too.

We’ll only need a teaspoon of this powerfully flavored spice to add a touch of delectable earthy flavor to the rice. This works in symphony with the garlic, butter, and onion to form the flavor palate of this delicious rice recipe.

Yellow rice in a large pot with a serving spoon

Garlic Turmeric Rice Recipe

By fragrancing this recipe with these awesome aromatics and some chicken stock, we create a wonderful-tasting rice dish. The rich, garlicky flavors will elevate and complement even the most powerfully flavored curries, meats, and other dishes.

Our favorite thing about this recipe, however, is how quickly and easily it all comes together. It needs only twenty minutes in a single pot to take your rice game to the next level. It’s so easy and so quick you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making rice this way all along!

This turmeric rice is really versatile. It pairs well with pretty much any dish, but especially so with any Indian or Middle Eastern style dishes. Our recommendation is a marinated chicken kebab or Air Fryer Chicken Legs. It goes really well with tofu, veggies, Sautéed Mushrooms, and really any dish you can think of.

A close up shot of Turmeric Rice in a serving spoon

What Do I Need To Make Turmeric Rice?

The best part of this recipe is how well it uses simple kitchen staples to make something truly special.

  • We’re using ghee or butter to add flavor to the rice. It also helps us to achieve that perfectly soft, fluffy texture we all love about rice. We believe unsalted butter works best in this recipe, but you can use salted butter if you’re happy to reduce the amount of salt you’re using to taste.
  • Our key aromatics are onion and garlic. We’re sauteeing these pantry classics in butter to maximize their flavor and aroma before we add them to the rice.
  • We’re also using turmeric powder, a pungent, yellow powder that is responsible for this rice dish’s flavor and color. This is a key ingredient in the recipe, and you could use saffron if you prefer. Saffron is far more expensive than turmeric, however.
  • Chicken stock (or vegetable stock) ensure that every grain of rice is imbued with plenty of flavor. It makes a huge difference to your end result.
  • Salt and pepper are here to season the rice to your personal preference.
  • Lemon juice really helps to add more flavor.
Ingredients to make turmeric rice

How to Make Turmeric Rice

  • In a medium saucepan or pot, melt butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 
  • Add turmeric powder and stir to combine. Mix in the rice and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute or until lightly toasted.
A collage shows how to make garlic turmeric rice
  • Add the stock, salt and pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
  • Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
A collage shows how to make garlic turmeric rice
 A close up shot of yellow rice

Tips and Tricks For The Best Yellow Rice

This turmeric rice recipe is SO easy and so fun to make. Like any recipe, there are a few tricks you can deploy to truly take it to the next level.

  • Rinse the rice prior to cooking. So many cooks forget to rinse their rice! This helps remove any extra starch from the rice grains. This starch can cause your rice to stick together and become claggy rather than fluffy.
  • To rinse your rice, use either a bowl or a colander. The colander method requires you to put your uncooked rice in a colander and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear, or at least less cloudy.
  • The bowl method requires you to put your uncooked rice in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover all the rice, stir it, and pour out the water. Do this until your water runs clear or less cloudy, drain in a colander, and your rice is good to go.
  • You should saute your vegetables before adding them. Sauteeing your garlic and onion in butter really helps to bring out all the aromatic goodness. You want to be able to smell the heavenly aroma of cooking garlic and onion. An easier method of doing this is to use powdered alternatives, but we strongly recommend that you use fresh garlic and onion. You won’t be able to do this with a rice cooker, but it’s worth the effort!
  • Cook your rice in a stainless steel sauté pan and taste the difference for yourself.
  • Be sure to let your rice rest for five minutes before fluffing with a fork. What you’re going to do is, when your timer goes off, remove your rice from heat and leave covered for about five minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork. This allows your rice grains to absorb any residual moisture rather than leaving the moisture on the outside of the rice. This helps it get softer and fluffier.
  • Resting is a really important step in cooking the perfect rice dinner. In fact, rice cookers build a resting period into their cooking process! That’s why rice from the cooker often tastes so fluffy and delicious.
An overhead shot of the pot of turmeric rice with fresh cilantro leaves

This garlic turmeric rice recipe really is as easy as it is tasty. Armed with these tips, why not try it for yourself?

Storing Instructions

  • Fridge: Store this yellow rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: This turmeric rice freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
An overhead shot of 2 bowls of turmeric rice with fresh cilantro leaves and chicken drumsticks.

More Delicious Rice Recipes

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Hibachi Shrimp Fried Rice

Mushroom Fried Rice

Basmati Rice in Instant Pot

Shrimp Fried Rice

How to Cook Brown Rice in Instant Pot

Tofu Fried Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

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If you make this garlic turmeric rice be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

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Garlic Turmeric Rice


★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

  • Author: chefjar
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

This garlic turmeric rice is soft, fluffy and easy to make. It’s aromatic and absolutely delicious. All you need is some garlic, onion, and butter to form the base of this delectable flavor palate. It’s a one-pot Middle Eastern rice extravaganza! 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced ( about 1 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 cups ( 370 g) basmati rice or any long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish

Serving

  • Roasted Chicken
  • Air Fryer Lamb Chops
  • Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan or pot, melt butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 
  • Add turmeric powder and stir to combine. Mix in the rice and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute or until lightly toasted.
  • Add the stock, salt and pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
  • Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Rinse the rice prior to cooking. This helps remove any extra starch from the rice grains. This starch can cause your rice to stick together and become claggy rather than fluffy. To rinse your rice, use either a bowl or a colander. The colander method requires you to put your uncooked rice in a colander and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear, or at least less cloudy. The bowl method requires you to put your uncooked rice in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover all the rice, stir it, and pour out the water. Do this until your water runs clear or less cloudy, drain in a colander, and your rice is good to go.

You should sauté your vegetables before adding them. Sautéing your garlic and onion in butter really helps to bring out all the aromatic goodness. You want to be able to smell the heavenly aroma of cooking garlic and onion.

Cook your rice in a stainless steel sauté pan and taste the difference for yourself.

Be sure to let your rice rest for five minutes before fluffing with a fork. What you’re going to do is, when your timer goes off, remove your rice from heat and leave covered for about five minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork. This allows your rice grains to absorb any residual moisture rather than leaving the moisture on the outside of the rice. This helps it get softer and fluffier.

Resting is a really important step in cooking the perfect rice dinner. In fact, rice cookers build a resting period into their cooking process! That’s why rice from the cooker often tastes so fluffy and delicious.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store this yellow rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: This turmeric rice freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave. 

  • Prep Time: 3 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Side dishes
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 372kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 691mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 121g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: turmeric rice, garlic turmeric rice, yellow rice

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Monica says

    November 27, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    First time to cook this and it was delicious and very easy to follow. Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      November 28, 2022 at 4:12 am

      Hey, Monica! I am glad you liked this yellow rice recipe!

      Reply
  2. Tatsi says

    November 30, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    This was delicious and my kids enjoyed it too! Thanks for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 01, 2022 at 8:38 am

      That is amazing to hear, Tatsi! Glad you enjoyed this yellow rice recipe.

      Reply
  3. Erin says

    December 02, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    Looks so delicious and what a beautiful presentation!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 03, 2022 at 12:20 pm

      Thank You, Erin!

      Reply
  4. Mish says

    December 05, 2022 at 8:57 pm

    This meal is delicious, fairly quick and easy. Great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. Meghan says

    December 14, 2022 at 11:07 pm

    This was an awesome recipe and pretty simple to make. Came out really good. My family was pleased.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 17, 2022 at 9:22 am

      Thanks so much for the great review!❤️ Glad you liked the recipe!

      Reply
  6. Kesha says

    December 15, 2022 at 9:52 pm

    Loved it. Added it to my menu list, I will definitely make it again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 16, 2022 at 10:22 am

      Thank you, Kesha!

      Reply
  7. Allison says

    December 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm

    This is a hit at my house, everyone loves it. Will definitely be adding this to my "routine" dishes. Thanks for the great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. Allison says

    December 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm

    This is a hit at my house, everyone loved it. Will definitely be adding this to my routine dishes. Thanks for the great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 17, 2022 at 9:13 am

      That makes me so happy to hear Allison, thanks so much for the great comments!😀

      Reply
  9. Stassie says

    December 20, 2022 at 11:39 pm

    This meal was easy to make and absolutely delicious! I made this for my husband and kids and we all loved it! Thanks for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 21, 2022 at 7:50 am

      Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️ I am glad you liked the recipe!

      Reply
  10. Emily says

    December 21, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    Love this recipe! It came out perfect and was so easy to prepare!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 22, 2022 at 7:27 am

      Thank you, Emily! I am glad you liked this recipe)).

      Reply
  11. Martina says

    December 25, 2022 at 7:09 pm

    I made this exactly as directed and it was a hit! Super flavorful!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 26, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️ I am glad you liked the recipe!

      Reply
  12. Tieghan says

    December 26, 2022 at 11:58 pm

    I love how tasty and comforting this is! Quickly became a favorite at my house! Thanks for a go to recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  13. Corinne says

    December 27, 2022 at 10:59 pm

    This was absolutely incredible! The family really enjoyed this dish! It will now be a staple in my household.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 28, 2022 at 7:59 am

      Thank you, Corinne!

      Reply
  14. Chiara says

    December 28, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    I just made this and I love it! Thank you for this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 29, 2022 at 8:02 am

      Thank you Chiara!

      Reply
  15. Kyra says

    December 30, 2022 at 12:04 am

    I prepare this dish on a regular basis and it is loved by everyone!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      December 31, 2022 at 8:37 am

      Thank you Kyra! I am glad you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  16. Florencia says

    January 02, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    Made this tonight and it was fantastic! Highly recommended!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      January 05, 2023 at 7:33 am

      Hey, Florencia! I am glad you liked the recipe and thank you for sharing your experience!

      Reply
  17. Bethany says

    January 05, 2023 at 10:48 pm

    I have been making this regularly for a while now and it has become a family favorite.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      January 08, 2023 at 5:24 pm

      Hey, Bethany! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️ I am glad you liked this recipe!

      Reply
  18. Carmushka says

    January 07, 2023 at 6:21 pm

    I followed your recipe tonight and it came out perfect! I definitely recommend this recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      January 08, 2023 at 5:08 pm

      Hey, Carmushka! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️ I am glad you liked this yellow rice recipe!

      Reply
  19. Mila Biletska says

    January 08, 2023 at 9:25 pm

    Excellent every time! It has became a favorite in our family.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • chefjar says

      January 10, 2023 at 12:16 pm

      Thank you, Mila!

      Reply
  20. Shanee says

    January 09, 2023 at 11:17 pm

    I made this last night for dinner. Everyone loved them. So easy and with ingredients already in the house.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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