If you’re looking for a simple, vibrant side dish that instantly upgrades any meal, this turmeric rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s warm, fragrant, fluffy, and beautifully golden. Even better? It comes together in about 20 minutes using pantry staples.
Whether you’re making grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a quick weeknight stir fry, turmeric rice works with everything. It’s affordable, easy to customize, and beginner-friendly — perfect for busy families and home cooks who want big flavor without complicated steps.
Today, I’ll show you how to make garlic turmeric rice, share expert tips for perfectly fluffy grains, and answer common questions about calories, protein, and whether turmeric rice is healthy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Turmeric Rice
This isn’t just any rice recipe. This is:
- A quick turmeric rice dish ready in 20 minutes
- A perfect turmeric rice side dish for weeknights
- An easy garlic turmeric rice recipe packed with flavor
- A colorful upgrade to plain white rice
The combination of butter, garlic, and turmeric creates a warm, earthy flavor that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy turmeric rice, you only need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Frozen peas or diced carrots
How to Make Turmeric Rice
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps create fluffy grains.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add Turmeric
Stir in the turmeric and let it toast lightly for about 15–20 seconds. This helps release its aroma and deepens the flavor.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Turn off heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff gently with a fork.
That’s it — perfectly fluffy turmeric rice.
Easy Turmeric Rice (Fluffy, Flavorful & Budget-Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Method
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the turmeric and toast for 15–20 seconds to enhance flavor.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat evenly with the garlic and spices.
- Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Garlic Turmeric Rice Variations
Garlic Turmeric Rice with Vegetables
Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a complete side dish. Stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Coconut Turmeric Rice
Replace half the broth with coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Turmeric Lemon Rice
Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.
Best Rice with Turmeric
Wondering what’s the best rice with turmeric?
- Long-grain white rice → Light and fluffy (best for everyday cooking)
- Basmati rice → Extra fragrant and slightly nutty
- Brown rice → Higher fiber, longer cooking time
- Jasmine rice → Soft and slightly sticky
For a quick turmeric rice dish, long-grain or basmati works best.
Turmeric Rice Side Dish Serving Ideas
Turmeric rice pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked salmon
- Chickpea curry
- Stir-fried tofu
It’s one of those versatile dishes that works with nearly any protein or plant-based meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This turmeric rice is perfect for meal prep.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
For more make-ahead ideas, check out our Meal Prep Ideas section (internal link).
You might also love our Budget-Friendly Recipes collection (internal link).
Is Turmeric Rice Healthy? Calories & Nutrition Facts
Many people wonder: Is turmeric rice healthy? Let’s break it down.
Calories
Turmeric rice calories depend on ingredients used (butter vs oil, broth type, etc.). A standard serving is moderate in calories and can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Protein Content
Rice itself provides a small amount of protein. To turn it into a high-protein meal, pair it with:
- Grilled chicken
- Beans or lentils
- Tofu
Health Benefits
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. According to Harvard Health Publishing, turmeric may support overall wellness when part of a balanced diet.
However, turmeric rice is best viewed as a flavorful carbohydrate base rather than a standalone health food.
FAQs About Turmeric Rice
1. Why is my turmeric rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can cause mushy rice. Stick to a 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio and let it rest before fluffing.
2. Can I make turmeric rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté garlic separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and cook as usual.
3. Does turmeric rice taste strong?
No. Turmeric adds warmth and earthiness but isn’t overpowering.
4. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
5. Is turmeric rice good for weight loss?
Turmeric rice can fit into a weight loss-friendly meal when portion-controlled and paired with protein and vegetables.
Final Thoughts on Turmeric Rice
This easy turmeric rice recipe proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s fluffy, budget-friendly, beginner-proof, and works with almost any main dish.
If you’ve never tried garlic turmeric rice before, this is your sign to make it tonight. Save it for later, share it with friends, and don’t forget to explore more easy rice recipes on our site.