This vibrant yellow rice is infused with aromatic garlic and earthy turmeric for a flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. Simple yet impressive, this recipe transforms plain rice into something special with just a few extra ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight side dish
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Perfectly complements curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables
- Beautiful golden color that brightens up your plate
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Healthier alternative to store-bought flavored rice mixes
- Easily customizable with additional spices or mix-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Basmati rice is the ideal choice for this recipe due to its long, fluffy grains that stay separate when cooked. Its natural fragrance complements the aromatics perfectly, though jasmine rice can work as a substitute.
Water creates the steam needed to cook the rice properly. For extra flavor, you can substitute vegetable or chicken broth.
Olive oil adds richness and helps prevent the rice from sticking together. You can swap it for coconut oil, butter, or ghee for different flavor profiles.
Garlic provides aromatic depth to the dish. Fresh garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Turmeric gives this rice its signature golden hue and earthy, slightly peppery flavor. It also adds anti-inflammatory properties to the dish. Ground turmeric is traditional, but you can use freshly grated turmeric root for more potent flavor.
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish. Start with less than you think you need, as you can always add more at the end.
Directions
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add rice and turmeric, stir well to coat each grain with the turmeric and oil mixture.
- Pour in water, season with salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Resist the urge to peek under the lid, as this releases steam needed for cooking.
- Fluff and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Vegetable Turmeric Rice: Add 1/2 cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Coconut Turmeric Rice: Replace half of the water with coconut milk for a creamier, tropical twist.
Cumin Turmeric Rice: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds along with the garlic for a deeper flavor profile.
Herb Infused: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro, parsley, or mint after cooking.
Spicy Turmeric Rice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the garlic.
Lemon Turmeric Rice: Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon after cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nut and Raisin Version: Add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or cashews and 2 tablespoons of raisins for a sweet and savory combination.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating in Microwave: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice, cover loosely, and microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot.
Reheating on Stovetop: Add rice to a pan with a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat on low until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Repurposing Leftovers: Use leftover rice to make fried rice by sautéing with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce for a quick next-day meal.
FAQs
Why should I rinse rice before cooking?
Rinsing rice removes excess starch from the surface of the grains, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy or sticky during cooking. Continue rinsing until the water runs relatively clear, which usually takes 3-4 rinses.
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires about 2.5 cups of water per cup of rice and takes 35-40 minutes to cook.
My turmeric rice isn’t as yellow as I expected. What went wrong?
The intensity of the yellow color depends on the quality and freshness of your turmeric. For a more vibrant color, you can slightly increase the amount of turmeric, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the dish bitter.
Is turmeric rice healthy?
Yes, turmeric rice offers several health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When paired with black pepper (not in this recipe but can be added), the absorption of curcumin increases significantly.
Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the garlic in olive oil in a separate pan, then add it to your rice cooker along with the rinsed rice, turmeric, salt, and water. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
I don’t have fresh garlic. Can I use garlic powder?
Yes, substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic called for in the recipe. Add it along with the turmeric rather than sautéing it.
Why is my rice still crunchy after the recommended cooking time?
Undercooked rice could result from insufficient water, cooking at too high a temperature, or not letting the rice rest covered after cooking. If your rice is still crunchy, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover again, and cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this rice stores well for meal prep. Cook it completely, cool it quickly by spreading it on a baking sheet, then refrigerate in airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. To prevent this, make sure your heat is medium, not high, and keep the garlic moving in the pan. If your stove runs hot, you can add the garlic after the rice to reduce the sautéing time.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Yes, turn this side dish into a main course by adding cooked chickpeas, lentils, diced tofu, or shredded chicken. Add these protein sources after the rice is cooked and fluffed for best results.
Conclusion
Garlic Turmeric Rice is a versatile side dish that brings color, flavor, and nutrition to your table with minimal effort. The earthy notes of turmeric complement the aromatic garlic perfectly, creating a rice dish that’s anything but boring. Whether served alongside your favorite curry, with grilled meats, or as a base for a colorful Buddha bowl, this golden rice elevates any meal.
With just a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, you can transform plain rice into something special enough for guests yet simple enough for everyday dining. The recipe’s flexibility allows you to adapt it to whatever you have on hand or to match the flavors of your main dish.
Make a larger batch for convenient meal prep throughout the week, or experiment with the variations to discover new flavor combinations your family will love. This Garlic Turmeric Rice may just become your new go-to rice recipe!
Print
Garlic Turmeric Rice
A flavorful garlic turmeric rice recipe, perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add rice and turmeric, stir well.
- Pour in water, season with salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Fluff and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water.
This rice pairs well with curries and grilled vegetables.
Adjust salt according to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
