Instant Pot Turmeric Rice (Yellow Rice)

This is an easy and flavorful recipe for Instant Pot Turmeric Rice that’s the perfect side dish.

This Instant Pot Turmeric Rice is a week night staple in our house. Serve it with grilled chicken, salad, tzatziki, and naan bread and you have one my kids favorite dinners!

Rice is a staple food in many cuisines around the world, and there are countless ways to prepare it. From plain white rice to yellow turmeric rice and everything in between, rice dishes are loved for their versatility and delicious taste. But it was never a favorite with my kids until we introduced turmeric or “sunshine” rice!

Now my kids beg for yellow turmeric rice to be on the menu each week! It is such an easy side dish to round out a meal and make sure I have something the kids will happily eat on the table. This easy yellow rice recipe is sure to be a family favorite! 

Ingredients for Instant Pot Turmeric Rice

Rice: any long-grain rice will work but I prefer basmati rice for this instant pot yellow rice.

Turmeric: we can’t get that beautiful golden yellow color without ground turmeric!

Liquid: chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even water will all work great.

Garlic: fresh garlic or garlic powder

Onion: or onion power

Oil: any neutral oil you like for sautéing your aromatics. I like to use avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Avoid things like olive oil with a lower smoke point for this recipe.

Supplies

Pressure cooker such as an instant pot

Fine Mesh Strainer

Glass measuring cups

Mini whisk

Wooden spoon

Cooking the Instant Pot Turmeric Rice

Cooking the rice in the Instant Pot is simple and straightforward. First, rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then using a fine mesh strainer drain the rice. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures that the rice cooks evenly. In a small bowl mix the chicken stock, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Give everything a stir to combine.

Using a wooden spoon sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the rinsed rice and turmeric mixture.

Once you’ve added all the ingredients, close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to natural release pressure for 10 minutes, then use the quick release valve to release any remaining pressure.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. This Instant Pot Turmeric Rice is a great way to add some color and flavor to your dinner table, and it’s so easy to make!

What to eat with yellow turmeric rice

• Grilled chicken
• Roast chicken
• Roasted potatoe wedges
• Naan bread
• Greek salad
• Butter chicken

Why Turmeric Rice?

Turmeric powder is a popular spice that’s used in many Indian, Indonesian, and Middle Eastern dishes. Besides adding a beautiful yellow color to the rice, turmeric also has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with black pepper, which helps to activate the curcumin in turmeric, this rice dish packs a powerful punch of flavor and nutrition.

Is Turmeric Rice healthy?

Turmeric is naturally high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. Turmeric has also been shown to aid with digestion and improve your overall skin health. White rice gives you a burst of quick energy while promoting heart health and supporting healthy digestion.

The Best Way to Cook Rice

Cooking rice can be tricky, especially if you’re cooking it on the stove top. It’s easy to end up with undercooked or overcooked rice, or rice that’s too sticky or mushy. However, using an Instant Pot pressure cooker or rice cooker can make cooking rice a breeze. With the Instant Pot, you can cook white rice, brown rice, or any other type of rice quickly and easily. It really is the best way to cook rice!

Tips for Making the Perfect Instant Pot Turmeric Rice

Here are some tips to help you make the best Instant Pot Turmeric Rice possible:

• Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure even cooking.
• Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, depending on the type of rice you’re using. For example, use 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of white basmati rice.
• If you’re using whole spices like bay leaves or cinnamon sticks, make sure to remove them before serving.
• For best results use natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to allow the rice to cook fully and absorb all the flavors.
• If your rice is sticking to the bottom of the instant pot be sure to coat the bottom of the pot with oil well before sautéing the onions and garlic.

Can dogs eat yellow rice?

Turmeric and rice are both great for dogs in small amounts especially if they are suffering from digestive issues. Just make sure you leave out the garlic, onions, and salt if you are making it for you canine friends!