Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (2024)

4.91 from 55 votes 160 Comments on Latin Yellow Rice

6 Cals: 199 Protein: 4 Carbs: 39 Fats: 2.5

30 mins

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We are big rice eaters in my house and one of my specialties is Latin yellow rice! This is a delicious side dish for any chicken or meat dish!

Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (7)
Latin Yellow Rice

This is my go-to recipe for Latin Yellow Rice! Every time I make it, I always get asked for the recipe! I shared this recipe when I first started blogging in 2008, so it was time for a photo makeover. I’m sharing it with all of you so you can make it too! It’s the perfect side dish to go with beans, grilled steaks, pork chops, cilantro lime shrimp, pollo sabroso and more!

Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (8)

I’m slightly obsessed with this yellow rice and have been making it for years! So many people tell me they can’t make rice. This is my foolproof method to make perfect fluffy yellow rice every time!

How To Make Yellow Rice

  • Water to rice ratio – I use long grain rice and keep the water to rice ratio 2 to 1. If you use short grain rice, you may want to reduce the liquid to 1.5 to 1.
  • To rinse the rice or not – I never rinse my rice, but many people do. Rinsing it does make it less starchy. Whether you rinse it or not it will still turn out fine.
  • Don’t touch until it’s done. Let it sit 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff the rice with a fork. Don’t stir it while it’s cooking, it will smash the rice.
  • Don’t open the lid until it’s finished and has rested 5 minutes. The steam is what will finish cooking the rice, if you lift the lid you will lose the steam.
  • You will need a heavy pot with a tight fitted lid to make rice. This is a must, if any steam escapes your rice will be under cooked.
  • If you don’t have a tight fitted lid, you can place a sheet of foil over the pot, then top with the lid to prevent steam from escaping.
  • Don’t cover the rice until most of the liquid has been absorbed and is just skimming the top or it will come out too wet.

Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (9)

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Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (10)

Yellow Rice Recipe

4.91 from 55 votes

6

Cals:199

Protein:4

Carbs:39

Fat:2.5

We are big rice eaters in my house and one of my specialties is Latin yellow rice! This is a delicious side dish for any chicken or meat dish!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Latin

Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (11)

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Print Rate Pin SaveWW Points

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 3 /4 cup

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
  • 4 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 large chicken or veggie bouillon cube, such as knorrs or maggi
  • 5 medium scallions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 packet Badia Sazon seasoning*, or see my homemade sazon recipe
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium heavy pot with a tight fitting lid, heat oil on medium heat and saute scallions, cilantro and garlic for about 2 minutes, until tender,

  • Add the tomatoes and saute another minute, until they get soft.

    Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (12)

  • Add rice and saute 2 minutes longer, stirring frequently.

    Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (13)

  • Add water, bouillon cube, sazón plus 1 teaspoon salt.

  • Taste 4 cups water and taste for salt, it should be flavorful and salty enough, adjust as needed.

  • Let the water boil on a high heat stirring once at this point.

  • As the water boils down and just barely skims the top of the rice, reduce heat to very low and cover 15 minutes.

  • The steam will cook the rice so do not open the lid.

  • After 15 minutes, shut the flame off and let it sit at least 5 more minutes without touching the lid.

    Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (14)

  • The steam will finish cooking the rice without burning the bottom. Then fluff with a fork and enjoy.

Last Step:

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Notes

*Badia makes a sazon that contains no msg.

Helpful Tips:

Water to rice ratio – I use long grain rice and keep the water to rice ratio 2 to 1. If you use short grain rice, you may want to reduce the liquid to 1.5 to 1.

To rinse the rice or not – I never rinse my rice, but many people do. Rinsing it does make it less starchy. Whether you rinse it or not it will still turn out fine.

Don’t touch until it’s done. Let it sit 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff the rice with a fork. Don't stir it while it's cooking, it will smash the rice.

Don't open the lid until it's finished and has rested 5 minutes. The steam is what will finish cooking the rice, if you lift the lid you will lose the steam.

You will need a heavy pot with a tight fitted lid to make rice. This is a must, if any steam escapes your rice will be under cooked.

If you don't have a tight fitted lid, you can place a sheet of foil over the pot, then top with the lid to prevent steam from escaping.

Don't cover the rice until most of the liquid has been absorbed and is just skimming the top or it will come out too wet.

Nutrition

Serving: 3 /4 cup, Calories: 199 kcal, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 2.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0.5 g, Sodium: 563.5 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0.5 g

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Categories:

  • Dairy Free
  • Freezer Meals
  • Gluten Free
  • Grains and Legume Recipes
  • Kid Friendly
  • Latin Recipes
  • Lenten Friendly Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Sides
  • Under 30 Minutes
  • Vegetarian Meals
  • Weight Watchers – WW Recipes

Posted By: Gina

Latin Yellow Rice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Mexican yellow rice made of? ›

While there are subtle differences in recipes from various regions, the concept is similar and pretty simple: Long-grain rice is steamed with vibrant aromatics, including onion and either turmeric, annatto, or saffron for that signature yellow color.

What is the difference between yellow and Mexican rice? ›

One of the main differences between these two rice dishes is that Mexican rice is fluffier and tends not to stick together. Whilst Spanish Rice is known for that rich yellow color, Mexican Rice is best known for its reddish orange hue that it gets from being cooked with cumin.

How do Chinese restaurants make rice yellow? ›

MF: At our restaurant, we first fry the rice in oil then add beaten eggs so that each grain of rice is coated with egg and takes on a golden yellow hue so that it resembles an auspicious 'mound of gold'. The rest of the ingredients are then added to mix thoroughly.

How is Spanish rice different from Mexican rice? ›

So, what exactly is the texture of Spanish rice? In simple terms, it is firmer compared to Mexican rice and has a bit more bite. The aroma that it leaves in the air will be stronger than that of Mexican rice and it fares better in dishes that need longer cooking time.

Why does yellow rice taste so good? ›

Turmeric brings warm flavors to any dish it's added to. Flavor-wise, it is very earthy, almost bitter and musky, with a bit of peppery spice. There is also a bit of spice coming from the yellow curry powder and ground ginger.

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? ›

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? The method used to make Mexican rice involves lightly frying the uncooked rice in oil which helps it absorb more flavor from the seasoning and cook to a perfect consistency. In addition, a traditional blend of spices and diced vegetables and potatoes create unique flavor.

What ethnicity is yellow rice? ›

Yellow rice is a traditional yellow-colored rice dish in Iranian, West Asian, Moroccan, Ecuadorian, Peruvian, Caribbean, Portuguese, Filipino, Afghan, Indian, Sri Lankan, South African and Indonesian cuisines.

Why is Mexican rice so orange? ›

The trick to get that great color and flavor: Tomato bullion cubes add great flavor, and they're what makes the rice turn that perfect orange color that you're looking for. It should be easy to find at your local grocery store.

What is the real name for yellow rice? ›

Nasi kuning (Indonesian for: "yellow rice"), or sometimes called nasi kunyit (Indonesian for: "turmeric rice"), is an Indonesian fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, hence the name nasi kuning (yellow rice).

What is another name for yellow rice? ›

Saffron rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and delicious staple of Persian cuisine. To make it, cook white rice in an aromatic vegetable broth or chicken stock, scented with saffron, giving the once plain rice a bright yellow color, along with subtle floral and earthy notes.

What country is yellow rice from? ›

Where Did Yellow Rice Originate? Yellow Rice is a popular, yellow-colored rice dish that is traditional in Spanish, Caribbean, Indian, and South African cuisines. What is different about yellow rice? Saffron or turmeric gives the rice a gorgeous and appetizing yellow color and distinctive aroma.

Why is New York fried rice yellow? ›

The yellow color comes from food coloring that is added which is optional. Cooking is Science. Cooking is an Art form. Cooking is about making ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dish.

What is the secret ingredient in Chinese fried rice? ›

Here's what goes in Fried Rice Sauce: Chinese cooking wine or Mirin (secret ingredient!) – this is the secret to a really great fried rice that truly stacks up to your favourite Chinese restaurant.

Should you rinse yellow rice? ›

Rinsing it does make it less starchy. Whether you rinse it or not it will still turn out fine. Don't touch until it's done. Let it sit 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff the rice with a fork.

What does Mexican rice made of? ›

If you're a fan of homemade Mexican food, a good Mexican rice recipe is a must. Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

Is yellow Mexican rice healthy? ›

Yellow rice plays a role in balancing your diet. It provides sustained energy as it contains complex carbohydrates. It is a nutritious food option that offers several health benefits through its spices. You get vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids due to the presence of vegetables in yellow rice.

Why is Mexican restaurant rice orange? ›

The trick to get that great color and flavor: Tomato bullion cubes add great flavor, and they're what makes the rice turn that perfect orange color that you're looking for.

What type of rice is Mexican rice? ›

The most popular type of rice used in Mexico is a medium long grain rice. Two types are cultivated in Mexico, Sinaloa (long grain) and Morelos (short grain). Rice is served as a food, in and of itself, in Mexican meals.

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