This turmeric rice is a simple yet flavorful upgrade from plain white rice, with a beautiful golden color and a mild, aromatic taste. Made on the stovetop with pantry staples, itโs an easy side dish that works with everything from weeknight dinners to Indian-inspired meals. If youโre looking for a rice dish with a little extra flavor but minimal effort, this one fits perfectly.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- An easy way to turn plain rice into something special
- Naturally vibrant with a perfect yellow rice color
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Results in a mild flavor that pairs with many cuisines.
- A great alternative to plain white rice or regular white rice
- Versatile side dish that complements chicken, fish, or vegetables. It's a great side to our easy grilled Greek lemon chicken.
- One pot, straightforward cooking method, and minimal cleanup
Looking for other delicious rice recipes? Try the following!
- Perfect instant pot coconut rice (can also be make in the rice cooker or on the stove)
- Perfect instant pot brown jasmine rice
- Chipotle copycat cilantro lime rice
Ingredient Notes
- Basmati rice: Light, fluffy, and aromatic. Another type of rice such as jasmine rice also works, though note it will be slightly stickier.
- Turmeric (ground turmeric / turmeric powder): Adds color and subtle earthiness; fresh turmeric can be used if finely grated.
- Butter or oil: Butter adds richness, while olive oil or coconut oil keeps it dairy-free.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth; swap with vegetable broth or vegetable stock if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Rinsing the uncooked rice removes excess starch and helps keep the grains fluffy.
- Toasting the rice briefly in the turmeric mixture builds a lot of flavor before simmering.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently stir so the grains donโt break.
- Add a little bit of chopped fresh herbs like fresh cilantro after cooking for brightness.
- Stir in toasted pine nuts or serve alongside green beans for extra texture.
- This recipe works well as a base for Indian cookingโinspired meals with curries or roasted vegetables. Try it with our homemade butter chicken skillet or slow cooker chicken tikka masala.
How to Make Easy Turmeric Rice
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Place the basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter (or warm the oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and turmeric. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat every grain in the turmeric mixture. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover.
Step 3: Let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Once the rice has finished cooking, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 5-10 more minutes, and then fluff with a fork.
One-Pot Turmeric Rice FAQs
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen it. Fluff with a fork after reheating to restore the texture and golden color.
This recipe is gluten free. It can be dairy free with the use of oil in place of butter. It can be vegetarian by using vegetable broth. It can be vegan with the use of oil and vegetable broth.
Other Delicious Recipes With Rice
If you make this easy turmeric rice recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Donโt forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished productโit makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Turmeric Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ยพ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 ยผ cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth
- ยฝ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter (or warm the oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and turmeric. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat every grain in the turmeric mixture. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once the rice has finished cooking, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 5-10 more minutes, and then fluff with a fork.
Notes
- Save time/prep ahead:
- Measure out the rest of the ingredients ahead of time so everything is ready to go.
- Cook the rice earlier in the day and let it cool before storing.
- This recipe is gluten free. It can be dairy free with the use of oil in place of butter. It can be vegetarian by using vegetable broth. It can be vegan with the use of oil and vegetable broth
- The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Turmeric Rice." The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
J
Great rice recipe, and it pairs amazingly with the butter chicken.