Name: Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Latin American
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

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Introduction

This Yellow Rice Recipe, or Arroz Amarillo, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brightens up any meal. Infused with turmeric and seasoned with adobo, it’s both colorful and delicious, perfect for pairing with your favorite proteins or vegetables.

A deep white bowl filled with a single layer of bright yellow rice mixed with small bits of green herbs scattered throughout, topped with a small sprig of fresh green cilantro in the center; in the background, slightly out of focus, there is another deep white bowl containing black beans with a few small green cilantro leaves on top; the setting is on a white marbled surface with a blurry patterned blue cloth and jars of spices in the background; the overall look is fresh and vibrant with contrasting colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 until the onions soften. Stir in the rice, making sure it is well coated with butter.
Step 2: Add the chicken base, turmeric, adobo seasoning, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stir the rice. Cover again and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice appears fluffy and you notice vent holes on top.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and gently toss the rice. Cover and let it steam for another 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken base with vegetable bouillon.
Add a few frozen peas or diced carrots during cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter taste.
If you prefer a deeper flavor, toast the rice for 2 minutes before adding water.

Storage

Store leftover yellow rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with bright yellow rice mixed with small green cilantro pieces, creating a soft, fluffy texture. The rice is heaped high in a white bowl, with a small sprig of fresh green cilantro on top as garnish. In the background, there is another white bowl filled with dark black beans, topped with a few cilantro leaves, slightly blurred. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a light blue and white patterned cloth nearby, and two jars in the background, all softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

Instant rice has a different cooking time and texture, so this recipe works best with dried long grain rice for proper absorption of flavors and texture.

What if I don’t have adobo seasoning?

You can replace adobo with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to mimic the flavor.