Quick and Easy Garlic and Turmeric Rice Recipe

Garlic Turmeric Rice is a delicious, flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving juicy greek yogurt chicken, simple baked salmon, or indulging in Indian curries, this garlic turmeric rice recipe is a versatile addition to your meal rotation. In this post, I will walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe, packed with minimal ingredients yet bursting with amazing flavor.

Why you will love this recipe 

• Garlic turmeric rice not only tastes great but also offers several health benefits of turmeric, such as its anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of garlic, turmeric powder, and long grain rice creates an aromatic and delightful dish that complements any meal. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate the health benefits of turmeric into your diet.

• Fresh garlic enhances the mild flavor flavor of the ground turmeric. 

• This garlic turmeric rice recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a vibrant color and an earthy flavor to your table. It pairs well with my Oven Roasted Rosemary Carrots​ and my Middle Eastern Baked Salmon.

This yellow rice recipe inspo comes from my Spanish Rice and also from a yellow rice recipe I saw on Fav Family Recipes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need 

Butter. Ghee or olive oil works too.

Long grain rice. This is always my rice of choice when making this or my Spanish rice but you can use basmati or jasmine.

Chicken broth. If you want to keep it vegan, use vegetable broth.

Onion.

Garlic cloves.

Salt (optional)

Pepper.

Turmeric.

How to Make Garlic and Turmeric Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice: Start by rinsing the long grain rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This is an important step for achieving fluffy rice. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. In a dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the rice and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Then add the onions and continue to saute for additional 2-3 minutes or until the onions sweat and the rice gets a little golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: Add in the garlic and mix well. Let it cook for one minute continuously stirring the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Add Spices and Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and add in the tumeric and black pepper. 

Step 4: Cook the Rice: Cover, bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. 

Step 5: Fluff and Serve: Check for the fluffiness with a fork and place the lid back on and remove from the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid on and then serve warm. 

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Turmeric Rice

• Remove Excess Starch: Rinsing the rice thoroughly is key to avoiding mushy rice.
• Control the Liquid: Use only the amount of stock noted in the recipe.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on your stove top or rice cooker, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Variations for Turmeric Rice

• Garlic turmeric rice is a great side dish that can be easily customized. Add some fresh turmeric or ginger for an added burst of flavor. You can also mix in some cooked vegetables or use frozen peas and carrots or add proteins for a complete meal.

• If using an Instant Pot, set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.

• Brown rice, jasmine rice or basmati rice can be used. 

• You can use garlic powder in a cinch but I recommend fresh minced garlic.

• Italian parsley or fresh cilantro is a great addition once the rice cooked. 

• Use vegetable stock if you want to keep it vegetarian and pair it with my Best Spiced Lentils and Crispy Tofu.

​Storage

To store, place any leftover rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove top or in the microwave, adding a little bit of water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

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Garlic turmeric rice is an easy side dish and is an excellent addition to your repertoire of rice recipes. With its simple ingredients, it’s perfect for meal prep or as a last-minute side dish. Try it with your favorite recipes, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisine. Plus, with the health benefits of turmeric and garlic, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.

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