Yellow rice are basically plain rice, colored with turmeric or saffron. I like to make yellow rice in an instant pot because I don’t need to keep track of the time or the heat of the stove. Just put everything in an instant pot and cook on the rice settings. In about 20 minutes, fluffy rice will be ready to serve. Yellow rice are common in many cuisines and can be easily served with a variety of dished from kabobs, curries, stews and stir fry.
Ingredients for Yellow Rice
Rice
I used long grain basmati rice for this recipe, but any other kind of rice can be used. I would not recommend using sticky rice or sushi rice for this recipe.
Turmeric
The yellow color of the rice is because of the turmeric. I also use saffron sometimes instead of turmeric for coloring the rice. Saffron is usually added at the end while turmeric can be added in the beginning.
Rice to water ratio
For every 1 cup of rice I use 1.5 cups of water for the first cup but any additional 1 cup I only use 1.25 cups of water.
Salt
I like to add salt into my rice. My ratio for plain rice is 1/2 tsp for every 1 cup of rice.
Seasonings
Any other kind of seasonings such as cajun, dry dill leaves, mint or parsley can also be added into the rice.
What to serve with yellow rice?
I like to serve mine with kabobs but they can be served with any curry, stir fry or stew.
Here are some of my serving suggestions for you.
Minced Chicken Kabob
Chicken Karahi
Chicken Shashlik
Dal
Beef Kabob
How to store rice?
I like to store cooked rice in an air tight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. These rice freeze very well as well. Divide them into small portions into airtight containers and freeze them. No need to thaw, just warm them up in the microwave for few minutes and serve them right away.
Instant pot Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or any neutral oil
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
Instructions
Wash and rinse rice
- Add rice into a bowl or strainer. Wash the rice while mixing gently until the water runs clear.
Cook the rice
- Add washed rice, 1.5 cup of water, salt, turmeric and oil in an instant pot.
- Put the lid on the instant pot and cook on rice settings.
- After the designated time is over, release the pressure before opening the pot.
- Fluff with a fork or flat spoon and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- There is no need to soak the rice for instant pot.
- If you don’t like salty rice, you can omit it.
- Plain white rice can also be made with this recipe, just omit the turmeric.