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    Home » Recipes » Recent Recipes

    Turmeric Rice Recipe (Yellow Rice Recipe)

    Last Updated On: Sep 23, 2026 by Aarthi

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    Turmeric rice also known as yellow rice is a popular rice dish in South Africa. It is usually served along side with spicy South African Fish Curry or Chicken stew. The dish is flavoured with just cumin seeds, coriander leaves. The bright yellow colour comes from the turmeric.

    Turmeric Rice Recipe (Yellow Rice Recipe)

    We all have those days when there is some leftover rice sitting in the kitchen after lunch. Instead of serving the same plain rice again, why not turn it into this simple and flavourful turmeric rice.

    Jump to:
    • About Turmeric Rice (Yellow Rice)
    • Ingredients
    • Step by Step Pictures
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQ 
    • 📖 Get Recipe

    This fragrant turmeric rice is a doddle to make. I loved the pretty yellow colour of this and it taste just delicious and it is so aromatic. Plus turmeric has so many medicinal benefits in them.

    I usually make this for a quick lunch or when I need to pack something easy for a kids lunch box. You can serve it with potato fry, chicken fry, egg masala or even some curd, papad and pickle on the side.

    About Turmeric Rice (Yellow Rice)

    I actually didn't grow up eating turmeric rice. At home, whenever we had leftover rice, we usually made lemon rice, tomato rice or puliyodharai. I only tried this turmeric rice recipe later and I really liked how something so simple could make plain rice taste so good. 

    There is not much preparation, cutting or cooking masala involved either. Just toss the rice with some butter, cumin seeds and turmeric powder and it is ready in no time. 

    Turmeric is something we use regularly in our cooking, not only for its colour but also for its health benefits. It contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Serve this turmeric rice hot with some raita, papad, potato fry or any curry for a comforting meal. It also makes a quick lunch box recipe. I served this with my South African Fish Curry.

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    Ingredients

    • Cooked rice : I prefer to use cooked rice that is cooled completely, as it helps the grains stay separate. You can use basmati rice.
    • Oil or Butter : You can use either oil or butter for sauteing the spices and rice. Butter gives the rice a nice flavour, while oil keeps it light. 
    • Cumin seeds / Jeerakam : Cumin seeds add aroma to the rice. 
    • Turmeric powder : Turmeric gives the rice its beautiful golden yellow colour/
    • Salt : Add it according to your taste.
    • Coriander leaves : Freshly chopped coriander leaves add a fresh aroma and flavour to the turmeric rice. 

    Step by Step Pictures

    1)Heat oil or butter in a pan, add cumin and let them sizzle in the oil for 30 seconds for the flavour to release in the oil. .

    2)Now reduce the heat to low and add in turmeric powder.

    3)Mix turmeric into the oil and let it bloom.

    4)Add in cooked rice and mix well with the oil and turmeric so each rice grains gets coated with the turmeric oil.

    5)Now add in salt to taste and mix well. Taste and adjust the salt.

    6)Finally add in finely chopped coriander leaves and take it off the heat.

    7)Toss to combine. Serve hot.

    Expert Tips

    • Use cooked rice that is fluffy and separate. Avoid using soft or mushy rice. 
    • Don't add too much turmeric. A little turmeric is enough to give the rice a nice color and flavour. 
    • Mix the rice gently so the grains stay separate and do not break.
    • If you like spicy rice, you can add chopped green chilli, ginger, garlic or your favorite spices to the tempering. 

    Storage and Serving

    The leftover turmeric rice can be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to be eaten within 1 to 2 days.

    Turmeric rice tastes delicious with vegetable kurma, chicken curry, or any spicy starters. You can also serve it with simple raita, boiled egg, papad for an easy meal. 

    FAQ 

    Q. Can I use any type of rice ? 

    Yes. You can use rice varieties like seeraga samba, basmati or sona masoori. Make sure the rice is cooked fluffy and not mushy. 

    Q. Can I use ghee instead of butter ? 

    Yes. You can easily replace butter with ghee. It also gives the turmeric rice a rich aroma and flavour. 

    Q. Is turmeric rice spicy ? 

    No, this version is very mild and suitable for kids too. If you prefer it spicy, you can add green chilli, black pepper, garlic or your favourite spices to make it more flavourful.

    📖 Get Recipe

    Turmeric Rice Recipe (Yellow Rice Recipe)

    Turmeric rice also known as yellow rice is a popular rice dish in South Africa. It is usually served along side with spicy South African Fish Curry or Chicken stew. The dish is flavoured with just cumin seeds, coriander leaves. The bright yellow colour comes from the turmeric.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine African, Indian
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 441 kcal

    Equipment

    Cooking Skillet

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups Cooked Rice
    • 2 tablespoon Oil or Butter
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
    • 1½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
    • 3 tablespoon Coriander leaves finely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil or butter in a pan, add cumin and let them sizzle in the oil for 30 seconds for the flavour to release in the oil. .
    • Now reduce the heat to low and add in turmeric powder and mix well.
    • Add in cooked rice and mix well with the oil and turmeric so each rice grains gets coated with the turmeric oil.
    • Now add in salt to taste and mix well. Taste and adjust the salt. Finally add in finely chopped coriander leaves and take it off the heat. Toss to combine. Serve hot.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Turmeric Rice Recipe (Yellow Rice Recipe)
    Serving Size
     
    1 servings
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    441
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    15
    g
    23
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    Sodium
     
    1168
    mg
    51
    %
    Potassium
     
    142
    mg
    4
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    68
    g
    23
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    0.2
    g
    0
    %
    Protein
     
    7
    g
    14
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    53
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    37
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @aarthi198689@gmail.com and I'll help as soon as I can.

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    • Sweet Corn Fried Rice Recipe
    • Chicken White Rice Recipe

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    About Aarthi

    Over the past few years I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

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