Garlic Turmeric Rice is a fragrant, golden-hued dish that brings warmth, color, and flavor to the table. It's made with simple ingredients but delivers a bold punch of taste thanks to aromatic garlic and earthy turmeric. This is the kind of side dish that elevates everything around it.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this rice recipe takes just a few pantry staples and turns them into something that feels special. The turmeric gives the rice a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy flavor, while the garlic adds a rich, savory depth. It pairs beautifully with so many dishes—from grilled meats to roasted vegetables—and it’s always a hit when I serve it.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Long grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- Olive oil or unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Ground turmeric
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Rinse the rice:
I rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch so the rice cooks up light and fluffy. - Sauté the garlic:
In a saucepan, I heat olive oil or melt butter over medium heat. Then I add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing—just golden, not browned. - Add the rice and spices:
I stir in the rinsed rice, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, letting the rice toast for a couple of minutes so it absorbs all that garlic and turmeric flavor. - Cook the rice:
I pour in water or broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. - Let it rest and fluff:
I remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then I fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped herbs if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Stirring in green peas or diced carrots adds color and texture.
- For a richer version, I use half water and half coconut milk.
- A pinch of cumin or coriander adds even more depth to the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: I reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, I can use brown rice, but it needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. I just make sure to check the package for exact timing.
Can I make this rice vegan?
Absolutely. I use olive oil and vegetable broth to keep it 100% plant-based.
Why is my rice mushy?
That usually happens if I use too much water or don’t rinse the rice well enough. I always stick to the right ratio and rinse until the water runs clear.
Can I freeze garlic turmeric rice?
Yes, it freezes well. I let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. When I reheat, I add a splash of water and fluff it up.
What goes well with this rice?
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, curry, or even stuffed peppers. It’s also great as part of a grain bowl.
Conclusion
Garlic Turmeric Rice is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s easy, flavorful, and always brings something special to the meal. Whether I’m serving it with dinner or prepping it for the week, it’s a golden favorite I can count on.
Garlic Turmeric Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Garlic Turmeric Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish made with aromatic garlic, earthy turmeric, and fluffy white rice. With its golden color and savory depth, this easy recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, or curry. It's a quick, one-pot dish you'll reach for again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps the rice cook up fluffy, not sticky.
- Sauté the garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil or melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and golden (not browned).
- Add rice and spices: Stir in the rinsed rice, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
- Cook: Pour in water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Add lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Stir in peas or carrots for extra color and texture.
- Swap in half coconut milk for extra richness.
- Add a pinch of cumin or coriander for added spice depth.
- To keep it vegan, use olive oil and vegetable broth.
