Simple Simple Turmeric Rice

Step into a world of vibrant flavors with this turmeric rice recipe, also known as yellow rice or golden rice. This sumptuous side dish is a burst of savory goodness that can elevate any meal. Whether paired with curry, veggies, or your go-to proteins, this recipe is your ticket to an simple, cozy, and satisfying weeknight meal.

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that is related to ginger and comes from the root of a native Asian plant. It is a deep golden-orange spice that is known for adding earthy flavor and a vibrant hue to a variety of recipes.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a true culinary and medicinal gem that has been cherished for centuries. This savory spice, known for its distinctive golden color, not only adds a unique flavor to dishes but also brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. For example, consuming turmeric can:

Reduce Inflammation
Boost Immunity
Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Prevent Cancer

Note: Turmeric can temporarily stain your hands and fingers with a yellow hue. So, be careful when handling it! Don’t worry if it gets on you, though. It’ll wash off in a day or two.

For even more health benefits, try using it in ginger turmeric shots, too!

What’s In Turmeric Rice?

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this simple turmeric rice recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details including prep time, total time, and nutrition information!

Rice – We recommend using long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine, but any rice will do. Many people prefer to use brown rice for its slightly nuttier taste.
Coconut Milk – Make sure to use canned coconut milk, not the liquid varieties found in the refrigerated section. Full-fat will give you the finest flavor.
Broth – Use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Whichever you choose, look for low-sodium varieties so you have better control over the flavor of your turmeric rice.
Seasonings – Salt, turmeric powder, garlic powder, and bay leaves add a savory, almost peppery taste.
Olive Oil – This helps keep the rice tender and creates a richer flavor.

Foolproof Steps to Achieving Fluffy, Vibrant Turmeric Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky!
Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, pouring the coconut milk and broth over the rice then adding the seasonings. Drizzle the oil on top.
Close the slow cooker, and set it to the “White Rice” or “Cook” setting, depending on the model. If your rice cooker has a “Turmeric Rice” setting, use that for even better results!
Allow the rice to cook. Then, remove the bay leaves, and fluff the rice with a rice paddle or fork.

Storage Tips

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve.
Reheat your turmeric rice in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add an extra splash of broth or coconut milk as needed to freshen it back up!

Common Questions About This Turmeric Rice Recipe

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that’s subtle but rich. It pairs perfectly with garlic, onions, and broth.

Do I need to rinse the rice first?

Definitely! Rinsing helps remove excess starch so you get light, fluffy grains—not clumpy rice.

What should I serve it with?

There’s not much this turmeric rice recipe doesn’t pair well with! However, we love to serve it with saucy recipes to soak up all the goodness. Some of our go-to pairings include Thai coconut curry chicken, madras curry chicken, and peri peri chicken drumsticks. And if you’re looking for an extra bit of protein, try topping it with a fried egg!

How can I make it silky or extra rich?

We use coconut milk to give it that silky vibe, but you can also add butter for extra richness.

More Flavor Filled Rice Recipes

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 25 mins

Upgrade your go-to side dish, transforming it into a vibrant, flavorful recipe with this simple rice cooker turmeric rice recipe! Email

Ingredients

1 cup rice
1/2 cup canned coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.1 cup rice
Place the rinsed rice in the rice cooker.
Pour the coconut milk and broth over the rice in the rice cooker.1/2 cup canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Sprinkle the salt, turmeric powder, and garlic powder over the rice.1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Add the bay leaves to the rice cooker.2 bay leaves
Drizzle the olive oil over the rice. Olive oil will add a nice richness and flavor to the rice.1 Tablespoon olive oil
Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the “White Rice” or “Cook” setting, depending on the rice cooker model. If the rice cooker has a “Turmeric Rice” setting, use that for even better results.
Let the rice cooker do its job, and it will automatically switch to “Keep Warm” once the rice is cooked. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but it can vary based on the rice cooker.
When the rice is done, carefully open the lid, and remove the bay leaves. Fluff the turmeric rice with a fork to mix in the flavors evenly.
Serve the tasty turmeric rice with coconut milk and olive oil as a side dish or as a base for curry or stir-fry.
Enjoy the from-scratch turmeric rice with a silky coconut flavor!