Turmeric Fried Rice (Yellow Rice)

This yellow rice recipe is quick and easy to make and full of flavor. Turmeric fried rice with vegetables is a great side that works wonderfully with your favorite curry.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Turmeric rice in a blue bowl with a spoon.

Last Updated on March 28, 2022 by Betty Davies

This Southeast Asian inspired Turmeric fried rice recipe is the perfect side dish for your favorite Indian and Thai mains. Made with vegetables, this basmati yellow rice is wonderfully vibrant and full of earthy flavors. Easy to cook in one skillet and the perfect way to make the most of any leftover rice.

Overhead shot of turmeric fried rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy here.

Don’t let your rice be an afterthought when you are serving up your next curry! This turmeric fried rice is vibrant in both looks and flavor and will sit wonderfully next to your favorite Southeast Asian main dishes.

Simple and quick to make, this yellow rice contains vegetables and garlic for a fragrant dish that is sure to impress.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Egg Fried Rice and Spinach Mushroom Rice too!

Why you will love this recipe!

One pan: All made in one skillet on the stovetop, even the clean up is a breeze!
Quick and easy: This yellow rice comes together in a matter of minutes, it’s the perfect go to after a long day! Just saute the veggies and stir everything together.
Dietary info: Turmeric fried rice is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, plus you get some vitamins and minerals from those veggies.

Turmeric fried rice and vegetables in a blue bowl.

Ingredients

Onion, garlic and ginger: To add flavor and aroma to the rice. For the best results, finely dice the onion and use freshly minced garlic and ginger.
Oil: To cook. Use a high heat neutral flavored oil like canola, vegetable or avocado.
Frozen vegetables: Mixed frozen veggies are a great addition to any fried rice recipe. No need to thaw them first, just add them right to the skillet.
Rice: For best results use day old chilled rice – this recipe is perfect for leftovers! I love to make this with basmati, but jasmine or any other long grain white rice will work well.
Turmeric: The turmeric adds the vibrant yellow color to this rice. You only need a little as it has quite a powerful flavor.
Black Pepper: As well as adding flavor, adding black pepper to turmeric also helps to increase the bodies consumption of all of the antioxidants.

How to make turmeric fried rice

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Soften the onions, garlic and ginger in a skillet (photo 1).
Add in the frozen vegetables, cold rice, turmeric and black pepper (photo 2).
Cook and stir to combine til the rice is piping hot (photo 3).

Three step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

This turmeric fried rice is pretty delicious as it is! Feel free to add in more veggies like broccoli or mushrooms, or skip them altogether. For a fuller meal, try stirring in some cooked chicken, beef or shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to use cold rice to make fried rice?

The secret to making restaurant quality fried rice is to use day old basmati that has been left to chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the rice to absorb any moisture, so when it is cooked you get those perfect separated grains. If you use warm, freshly cooled rice, the dish can easily become mushy.

In a pinch, you can chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours before using it, and a packet of ready to cook rice also works well.

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric is a popular spice used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has an earthy and bitter flavor and adds an amazing color to dishes. It is pretty pungent, so you only need to use a little. If you are not sure of the taste, I would suggest you use a little less at first, and add in more as you cook if you prefer a stronger flavor.

I love the flavor that turmeric adds to dishes, and it’s a wonderful anti-inflammatory, you can read more about it’s health benefits here.

If you love turmeric as much as I do, be sure to check out my Roasted Turmeric Potatoes and all my other favorite turmeric recipes.

Can you add egg?

Sure! If you want to make this an egg fried rice recipe, then simply crack in a few eggs to the skillet and scramble them before adding the rice and veggies. Fried rice is a great recipe to use up odds and ends you have in your fridge!

Golden fried rice and vegetables in a bowl with a spoon.

Serving Suggestions

This turmeric fried rice sits alongside Indian and Thai style meals wonderfully, and it is a must for your next curry night! Try it with these favorite recipes:

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating

For best results, make sure that you cook the rice the day before and leave it to chill in the fridge overnight before making the final dish.

Any leftover yellow rice can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 6 months. For best results, thaw frozen rice in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave til piping hot and add in a tablespoon or two of water to reheat so that it doesn’t dry out.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Make sure that your rice is chilled for the best results.
Before adding your rice, turn the heat right up so that the skillet is extra hot.
Use the biggest skillet or wok you have so that the ingredients are not overcrowded.
If you aren’t familiar with the flavor of turmeric, I suggest that you start by adding 1 teaspoon in at first. Cook the rice, taste, and then add a little more (up to two teaspoons in total) for a stronger flavor.

This turmeric fried rice recipe is a wonderful way to add some color and flavor to your plate. It comes together so quickly and easily and is an excellent addition to your favorite curries!

More Rice Recipes

If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below!