Soft and Fluffy Turmeric Rice

This vibrant turmeric rice is fluffy, packed with flavor, and comes together quickly in one pot. Made with basmati rice, turmeric, garlic, and onion, it’s a delicious side dish for your favorite proteins and mains.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Variations How to Make Turmeric Rice Brittany’s Tips How to Serve Turmeric Rice How to Store & Reheat Frequently Asked Questions More Side Dishes

Rice is already a staple in so many meals, but why not make it better? This turmeric rice is light, fluffy, and infused with warm, savory flavor. The turmeric adds a rich golden hue (and a little boost of antioxidants), while the sautéed onion and garlic take the taste to the next level.

It’s the perfect side for grilled curry chicken or even roasted veggies. Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor—this will be your new go-to rice recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

More flavorful than plain rice – Sautéed onion, garlic, and turmeric give this dish a rich, savory taste that pairs with almost anything.
One pot and easy – Everything cooks in one pan with simple pantry staples.
Naturally vibrant – The beautiful golden color comes from turmeric, making this rice as pretty as it is tasty.
Meal-prep friendly – Make a batch and store leftovers for easy meals all week!

Ingredients Needed

butter or olive oil – I love using butter for a rich, comforting flavor, but olive oil is a great option if you want to keep it dairy-free.
yellow onion – adds a hint of natural sweetness and depth to the rice.
garlic – because let’s be real, everything is better with garlic!
salt & black pepper – essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
turmeric – the star ingredient! This warm, earthy spice gives the rice its vibrant yellow color and an antioxidant boost.
basmati rice – my go-to for this dish because it turns out so light and fluffy. Just be sure to rinse it first to remove excess starch!
low-sodium chicken broth or water – cooking the rice in broth adds extra depth and richness, but water works if that’s what you have on hand.
parsley – a fresh, herby garnish that adds brightness to the dish.

Variations

Add more spices: Try a pinch of cumin, cinnamon, or smoked paprika for extra warmth.
Mix in more herbs: Stir in chopped cilantro, dill, or mint after cooking for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Added crunch: Add toasted slivered almonds or cashews on top for some crunch.
Coconut turmeric rice: Swap half the broth for coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet version.

How to Make Turmeric Rice

Step 1: Heat medium saucepan over medium heat. Once warm add butter/oil, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Saute for 5-6 minutes or until onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add turmeric and rice. Stir to coat rice in turmeric.

Step 3: Add broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice has soaked up all the liquid.

Step 4: Remove from the heat and let rest, covered for about 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Brittany’s Tips

Rinse your rice! – This removes excess starch and helps keep the grains light and fluffy instead of clumping together. Just rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
Toast the spices – After sautéing the onion and garlic, let the turmeric toast in the pan for a few seconds before adding the rice. This enhances its flavor and brings out the best aroma.
Don’t skip the rest time – Once the rice is done cooking, let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing. This allows any remaining steam to finish cooking the rice for the perfect texture.

How to Serve Turmeric Rice

This golden, fragrant rice is the perfect base or side dish for so many meals. Here’s how to serve it up:

With curries & saucy dishes – Turmeric rice is made for soaking up bold, flavorful sauces. Pair it with coconut shrimp curry, slow cooker butter chicken, or tempeh tikka masala for a meal that’s comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
With grilled or roasted protein – Serve this rice with Greek chicken, or my garlic butter pan seared salmon for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Add a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for extra brightness!
A flavorful vegan meal – For a plant-based plate, serve this rice with air fryer tofu, roasted veggies, and a creamy sauce like tahini dressing or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator – Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Reheating – Warm in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to help restore moisture. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turmeric rice in a rice cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the onion, garlic, and turmeric on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your rice cooker with the rice and broth. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.

Is turmeric rice spicy?

Nope! Turmeric adds warmth and earthiness, but it’s not spicy. If you want a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Technically, yes—but I wouldn’t recommend it. Brown rice has a chewier, nuttier texture and takes much longer to cook, which changes the overall feel of the dish.

If you want a whole-grain option, I’d suggest using farro or quinoa instead! Both absorb flavors well while keeping a nice texture.