Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo) Recipe
Introduction
Yellow Rice, or Arroz Amarillo, is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that brightens up any meal. Infused with turmeric and seasoned perfectly, it’s both simple to make and deliciously aromatic.

Ingredients
- 2 cups dried long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chicken base (or bouillon or vegetable base)
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Set a 4-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the butter, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften, then stir in the rice. Make sure the rice is well coated in butter.
- Step 2: Add the chicken base, turmeric, adobo seasoning, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat slightly and give the rice a stir. Cover again and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the rice looks fluffy and vent holes appear on top.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and toss the rice gently. Cover and let it steam for another 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Add frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and texture.
- Adjust the amount of turmeric to control the intensity of the yellow color.
- Use fresh garlic and onion for best aromatic results.
Storage
Store leftover yellow rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave covered, or warm it gently on the stovetop until heated through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water. Adjust cooking times accordingly and check the rice frequently to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for adobo seasoning?
If you don’t have adobo seasoning, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cumin can be used as a close substitute.
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Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo) Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful Yellow Rice recipe featuring turmeric, adobo seasoning, and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant and aromatic side dish perfect for pairing with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups dried long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chicken base (or bouillon or vegetable base)
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set a 4-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add butter, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Stir in the rice to ensure each grain is coated well with the butter.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Mix in chicken base, turmeric, adobo seasoning, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and give the rice a gentle stir. Cover again and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is fluffy and small vent holes appear on the surface.
- Steam the Rice: Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring perfect texture.
- Add Cilantro and Serve: Stir in chopped cilantro to add fresh flavor. Serve the yellow rice warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken base with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust turmeric and adobo seasoning to taste for preferred color and seasoning intensity.
- Use butter for a richer flavor or oil for a lighter version.
- Fluffing and steaming after cooking ensures rice is light and fluffy while fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: yellow rice, arroz amarillo, turmeric rice, adobo rice, side dish, easy rice recipe

