Sri Lankan Yellow Rice(Turmeric Rice)
Sri Lankan Yellow Rice, or Turmeric Rice, is the dish we make when we want something festive on the table. It’s aromatic, fluffy, and perfect for special occasions or laid-back weekend meals when you want something a little extra.
When I need a break from my everyday basmati rice and want to cook something special Yellow Rice is the one I turn to. This is the rice I grew up with – served at family gatherings, lunch parties, or when you want to cook something special. The bright yellow comes from turmeric, while the chicken stock cube, coconut milk , whole spices, and a handful of everyday aromatics adds flavor. It’s simple, but feels festive.
You can enjoy yellow rice with a simple chicken curry and dhal, or dress it up for a special occasion with fried chicken, eggplant moju, fried potatoes, and all the classic condiments. However you serve it, this yellow rice always steals the show.
Ingredients and Notes
*Scroll down for the recipe card with a full ingredient list and measurements.
- Samba rice – Traditional for this dish. Any rice can be used, but samba gives the best texture and aroma. Make sure to throughly rinse the samba rice. Ponni or any small grain rice would work as alternatives. If using basmati, you might need to adjust the water slightly.
- Onion & garlic – For base flavor.
- Butter – For sautéing and a bit of richness.
- Whole spices – Cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves.
- Turmeric – For that signature golden color.
- Chicken stock cube – If you want a three dimensional flavor to your yellow rice do not skip the stock cube. You can sub with veggie stock or beef stock. If using chicken stock, reduce the amount of water in the recipe.
- Pandan leaf and curry leaves – Adds a unique fragrance.
- Coconut milk – I use canned coconut milk, but if you’re using fresh, go for the thick first milk. It adds creaminess to the rice without making it mushy.
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How to Make Sri Lankan Turmeric Rice
*Scroll down for the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter and add chopped onions, minced garlic, pandan leaf, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn soft.
- Add the rinsed rice and gently stir to coat with the spices and butter.
- Sprinkle in turmeric, salt, and the crumbled stock cube.
- Pour in coconut milk and water, stir, and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Once the liquid is absorbed, lower the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
What To Serve With Yellow Rice
This rice was made to be part of a feast:
- Pair it with chicken curry or beef curry and red lentil dhal for a classic combo.
- Serve it alongside any of your curries or stews.
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Recipe
Sri Lankan Yellow Rice – Turmeric Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice preferably Samba rice
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ red onion small
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 pandan leaf
- 1½ turmeric
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ cup coconut milk canned
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter and add chopped onions, minced garlic, pandan leaf, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn soft.
- Add the rinsed rice and gently stir to coat with the spices and butter.
- Sprinkle in turmeric, salt, and the crumbled stock cube.
- Pour in coconut milk and water, stir, and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Once the liquid is absorbed, lower the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
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