Turmeric Butter Yellow Rice Recipe
Introduction
Yellow rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brightens any meal. Made with fragrant basmati rice and infused with turmeric and spices, it offers a subtle savory taste that’s perfect alongside chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups basmati rice (or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Stir in the rice to coat it well with the butter and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the chicken broth, turmeric, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer the rice for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube.
- Add a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Use jasmine rice if you prefer a stickier texture.
Storage
Store leftover yellow rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently in a covered pan or microwave to retain moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular white rice instead of basmati or jasmine?
Yes, you can use regular white rice, but the texture will be slightly different. Basmati and jasmine rice provide a more fragrant and fluffy result.
What gives yellow rice its color?
The bright yellow color comes primarily from turmeric, which also adds a mild earthy flavor to the rice.
PrintTurmeric Butter Yellow Rice Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Yellow Rice recipe is a simple yet delicious side dish made with basmati rice, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices including turmeric, garlic, and paprika. Cooked in chicken broth for a rich taste, this easy-to-make rice pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, delivering a comforting and colorful addition to your table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups basmati rice (or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Fat
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted)
Instructions
- Melt the butter – In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and gently bubbling.
- Coat the rice – Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the melted butter, stirring well to coat every grain evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Add broth and spices – Pour in the chicken broth along with the chicken bouillon cube and all the spices: turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and sweet paprika. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with lid – Reduce the heat to low to allow the rice to simmer gently. Cover the saucepan with a lid and do not lift it during cooking to retain steam and heat.
- Cook until tender – Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and serve – Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains and release steam. Serve immediately as a colorful and flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Rinse and drain the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Do not stir the rice during simmering to avoid mushy texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version but omit the chicken bouillon.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to your taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
- Make sure to keep the lid closed during cooking to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
Keywords: Yellow Rice, Turmeric Rice, Side Dish, Basmati Rice, Easy Rice Recipe, Flavorful Rice, Butter Rice

