Homemade Mexican Yellow Rice Recipe

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This Yellow Rice recipe is simple and delicious. The perfectly fluffy texture and savory taste make it a great side dish for almost any meal!

Mexican Yellow Rice

This Yellow Rice recipe is easy to make and works perfectly as a savory side dish for lots of different meals. I’m going to show you how to make it step-by-step so you can have perfectly fluffy yellow rice in no time!

Yellow rice is a go-to recipe to make if you’re busy as it can be made ahead and stored in the freezer, ready for whenever you need it.

We serve this alongside sheet pan dinners, use it in casseroles, or enjoy it with Mexican-inspired food like tacos and enchiladas!

What is Yellow Rice?

Yellow rice is a seasoned rice dish that gets its distinctive yellow color from the bright yellow turmeric and light brown cumin or saffron spices added to it.

What Does Yellow Rice Taste Like?

Yellow rice often has a savory and aromatic flavor, with hints of turmeric and cumin, giving it a slightly earthy taste.

Homemade Yellow Rice Ingredients

butter
long-grain white rice
minced garlic
onion powder
ground turmeric
chicken broth
salt
fresh cilantro (optional)

Mexican Yellow Rice Seasoning

Mexican yellow rice seasoning typically includes spices such as cumin, turmeric, or achiote, which contribute to both the flavor and color of the rice.

How Do You Make Yellow Rice?

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the rice, stirring until rice begins to lightly brown.
Add garlic, onion powder, and turmeric and stir until well combined.
Slowly stir in chicken broth and raise heat to medium-high. Add salt to taste.
Bring the mix to a boil and turn the heat to low. Cover with a lid.
Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and add cilantro. Fluff with a fork.

Serves 4.

What to Make with this Yellow Rice Recipe

Yellow rice can be served as a side dish or used as a base for various recipes. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces, making it a versatile component in many meals.

Yellow Mexican Rice Storage

To store yellow Mexican rice, allow it to cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container.

Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

How to Freeze Mexican Yellow Rice?

Let rice cool completely.

Portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and remove as much air as possible.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use.

Mexican Yellow Rice Recipe FAQs

What makes yellow rice yellow?

The color of yellow rice comes from using spices like saffron, turmeric, cumin, or achiote to flavor it.

How healthy is yellow rice?

You can find nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Generally, rice is a good source of carbs, but the healthiness of the dish can vary based on the ingredients used as well as one’s specific nutritional needs.

What is the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

Spanish rice and Mexican rice are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are differences in flavor, color, and ingredients.
Both are seasoned rice, but the flavors and textures are different.
Spanish rice is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and chicken broth.
Red Mexican rice (AKA arroz rojo) is made with tomato sauce and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Yellow Mexican Rice (AKA arroz amarillo) is made with chicken broth and spices like turmeric and cumin.
Mexican yellow rice and Spanish rice are typically fluffy and light while Red Mexican rice tends to be slightly clumpy or sticky due to the use of tomato sauce.

Why does my Mexican rice have no flavor?

If your Mexican rice lacks flavor, you probably need to add more seasoning during the cooking process.
Consider adjusting the amount of spices, salt, and chicken broth in your recipe.
Using fresh and high-quality spices can make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish.

Best Recipe for Mexican Yellow Rice

The perfect side dish for any Mexican or chicken dish! Tons of flavor and super easy to throw together!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 40

Servings:

Calories: 282kcal

Author: Pretty Providence

Ingredients

4 tablespoon butter
1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the rice, stirring until rice begins to lightly brown.
Add garlic, onion powder, and turmeric and stir until well combined.
Slowly stir in chicken broth and raise heat to medium-high. Add salt to taste.
Bring the mix to a boil and turn heat to low. Cover with a lid.
Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and add cilantro. Fluff with a fork.
Serves 4.