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Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo) Recipe

4.8 from 82 reviews

This vibrant Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo) features long grain rice cooked with aromatic turmeric, garlic, and onions to create a flavorful and colorful side dish. Enhanced with adobo seasoning and chicken base, then finished with fresh cilantro, this classic Latin American staple pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Set a 4-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the butter, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
  2. Toast the Rice: Stir in the dried rice, ensuring each grain is well coated with the butter and aromatics. This step helps to develop flavor and prevents clumping.
  3. Add Seasonings and Liquid: Mix in the chicken base, turmeric, and adobo seasoning. Pour in the 4 cups of water and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cook the Rice: Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stir once more before covering again. Let cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until the rice appears fluffy and vent holes form on the surface.
  5. Steam and Finish: Remove the pot from heat, stir the rice gently, then cover and let it steam for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and serve the yellow rice warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken base with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian variation.
  • Adjust water quantity slightly depending on your rice type for perfect texture.
  • Adobo seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking and removing it before serving.
  • Use fresh cilantro at the end to maintain its bright flavor and color.

Keywords: yellow rice, arroz amarillo, Latin rice recipe, turmeric rice, side dish, adobo seasoning, cilantro rice