Turmeric Rice

Kelley Simmons
January 29, 2025
0 comments

This Turmeric Rice is flavorful and vibrant! With its beautiful golden color and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect complement to any meal. You’ll love the combination of sautéed onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and turmeric, which infuses the rice with a rich, savory flavor.

Love flavorful rice recipes? Give these ones a try too: Curry Fried Rice and Chicken Biryani.

Close up view of turmeric rice in a cooking pot with a wood spatula.

Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

Don’t skip the sautéing step. It helps infuse the rice with those delicious spices and gives it an extra layer of flavor.
Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan when adding the chicken broth. This deglazes the pan and ensures all the tasty bits get mixed into the rice.
Let the rice rest with the lid on after cooking. This allows it to fluff up perfectly and absorb any remaining moisture.
Use a fork to fluff the rice, not a spoon. This keeps the grains separate and light rather than clumping together.

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Ingredients

Onions and Garlic: Adds so much aromatic flavor to the rice!
Turmeric: The star of this dish! It gives the rice a beautiful golden color and adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
Crushed Tomato: Adds a tangy richness that blends perfectly with the spices.
Rice: Choose from arborio, jasmine, or basmati—each offers its own unique texture.
Chicken Broth: Used instead of water for cooking the rice to give the rice a savory flavor.

How To Make Tumeric Rice

Saute Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add in onions and sauté until they turn golden brown for 5 minutes.
Add Spices: Add salt, grated garlic, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Sauté for one minute.

Sauted onions and spices in a large skillet.

Cook Tomatoes: Add in crushed tomato and cook down for 1-2 minutes.
Add Rice: Stir in rice and continue to sauté, coating with the tomato and seasoning paste for about one minute.

Sauted onions with crushed tomatoes added in a large skillet.

Onions, tomatoes, seasonings, and rice in a a large skillet.

Deglaze and Boil Rice: Add in the chicken broth and stir being sure to scrape the bottom of the pan (to deglaze). Turn heat to high and bring to a boil with the lid off stirring a couple of times to make sure in doesn’t burn.
Let Rice Rest: As soon as the rice comes to a boil, turn to low heat, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff Rice: Remove lid, fluff with a fork and serve immediately!

Turmeric rice stirred by a spatula in a large skillet.

Turmeric rice with chicken broth added stirred with a spatula in a large skillet.

Serving Suggestions

This turmeric rice makes a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with so many main courses! I love to serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb or beef kebabs, air fryer vegetables, or air fryer salmon for a well-rounded meal. You can also throw in a protein like shrimp, grilled lamb, or even crispy tofu. Of course, you can’t forget a side of soft, pillowy naan or pita bread to scoop up that flavorful rice!

For extra flavor, top the rice with a dollop of creamy yogurt, a drizzle of tahini, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It also pairs beautifully with a squeeze of lemon on top for a bright, zesty finish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice will work, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid. Use 4 1/2 cups of broth and cook for about 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian side dish.

Can I add more spices to the rice?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You could add cumin, coriander, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors.