Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

basic yellow rice

(7 ratings)
Recipe by
Vickie Parks
Renton, WA

Yellow Rice is a staple side dish for many Latin families, particularly in Cuba. Many different variations can be found which might differ in the herbs and vegetables used to flavor the rice. Some recipes use turmeric and some use saffron to achieve the golden yellow tint in the rice, which is a hint of the Spanish influence in Latin cuisines. This is a basic recipe for yellow rice that's easy to make, and it's quite versatile and adapts well to ingredient adjustments.

(7 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For basic yellow rice

  • 3 Tbsp
    unsalted butter
  • 1 cup
    long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/4 cup
    onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp
    ground turmeric
  • 2 cups
    low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp
    fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup
    frozen peas (optional)

How To Make basic yellow rice

  • 1
    Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice, and gently stir until rice beings to brown lightly.
  • 2
    Add garlic, onion, and turmeric, and stir until well combined.
  • 3
    Slowly stir in the chicken broth and peas (if using). Increase heat to medium-high, and season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a brisk boil, reduce heat to very low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until rice absorbs all the liquid.
  • 4
    Remove pan from heat, stir in the cilantro. Fluff rice with a fork, and serve immediately while still hot.
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