This turmeric basmati rice is fluffy, fragrant, and full of warm, savory flavors, making it a perfect side dish for a variety of meals.

The combination of turmeric, garlic, onion, and chicken broth infuses the rice with a golden color and delicious depth, while the rice cooker makes the process completely effortless.
Cuisine: American, Asian, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Effortless Cooking – The rice cooker does all the work, making this an easy, no-fuss recipe.
- Golden & Flavorful – Turmeric gives the rice a warm, aromatic flavor and a beautiful yellow hue.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps with minimal prep make this perfect for any skill level.
- Versatile Side Dish – Pairs well with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or Mediterranean and Asian dishes.
- Light & Fluffy Texture – Rinsing the rice ensures it stays fluffy and not sticky.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice – Rinsed to remove excess starch for a fluffy texture.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Infuses the rice with deep savory flavor. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- ¼ cup minced yellow onion – Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the rice.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter – Coats the rice for a richer taste and prevents sticking. Ghee or olive oil can be used as a substitute.
- 1 bay leaf – Provides a subtle herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Adds a mild, aromatic garlic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder – The key ingredient that gives the rice its signature golden color and warm, earthy taste.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor. Adjust based on broth sodium content.
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 15 to 20 seconds until fully melted.
Step 2: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Shake well to remove excess water—this helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the rice cooker pot, add the rinsed rice, melted butter, minced onion, garlic, turmeric, bay leaf, and salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Step 5: Start Cooking
Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the “Cook” or “Start” setting. Allow it to cook undisturbed until the cycle completes, which should take around 30 minutes. Most rice cookers will switch to a “Warm” setting automatically once done.
Step 6: Fluff & Serve
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the bay leaf and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite meals.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
What can I serve turmeric rice with?
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, curries, roasted vegetables, kebabs, and Mediterranean or Asian dishes. It also works well as a base for grain bowls.