Spare Spoons Kitchen
Yellow Rice
The Pantry · Instant Pot · about 20 minutes

Yellow Rice

A sunny turmeric-tinted rice side from the pantry — dried onion, garlic, and a pinch of turmeric stirred right in, cooked hands-off in the Instant Pot. Goes with everything. Vegan and gluten-free.

4 min pressure Instant Pot method
Spoon cost
Time ●○○○○ Anytime
Instant PotVeganGluten-Free
Servingsamounts scale to match
4
Units

Ingredients

Everything in at once, then natural-release. The turmeric goes in with the rice so the color is even throughout. As with all rice, let the pressure come down on its own — quick-releasing leaves it wet and split.

Easier, if you like

  • A pinch of saffron (1/16 tsp) in place of turmeric for a more aromatic (and golden) rice.
  • Double it — same time, same ratio; great for batch-cooking.

Method

    Cook's notes

    No Instant Pot? Saucepan: same ingredients, bring to a boil, then cover, lowest heat, 18–20 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Rest 5 minutes off the heat and fluff.

    Turmeric is for color more than flavor — a pinch (1/16 tsp) gives the classic golden look without tasting medicinal.

    Cook it in vegetable broth (or add a bouillon cube) for a richer, more savory side.

    Stir in frozen peas or toasted almonds after cooking for an easy rice pilaf-style upgrade.

    See Instant Pot Rice & Grains for the plain white/brown/quinoa ratios.

    Vegan and gluten-free as written

    Vegan / gluten-free: it already is — use oil instead of butter to keep it vegan.