Description
This easy garlic turmeric rice is a vibrant, healthy side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Fluffy long-grain rice is infused with earthy turmeric, sweet garlic, and a splash of lemon for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1 minute, until the water runs mostly clear.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- Sprinkle in the ground turmeric and cook, stirring, for 20-30 seconds until the oil turns bright yellow and aromatic.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained rice, coating each grain with the garlic-turmeric oil. Toast for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), salt, and black pepper. Stir once to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (basmati) or 12-15 minutes (jasmine), until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Drizzle in lemon juice and toss in chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if using.
- Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with more herbs if desired.
Notes
Rinse the rice thoroughly for fluffier grains. Blooming turmeric in oil enhances its flavor and color. Let the rice rest after cooking for the best texture. For extra flavor, add peas, carrots, or a pinch of cumin. Easily adaptable for vegan or vegetarian diets. Leftovers store well and can be reheated with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (100g) per serving
- Calories: 185
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: garlic turmeric rice, turmeric rice, easy side dish, healthy rice recipe, gluten-free rice, vegan rice, yellow rice, meal prep, quick rice recipe, weeknight side