Arroz Amarillo Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on May 7, 2025 
This classic Arroz Amarillo Recipe makes the fluffiest and most flavorful Spanish yellow rice seasoned to perfection every time.
This Savory Arroz Amarillo Recipe Is The Perfect Side Dish
Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo) is a popular side dish served in countries all over the world. It’s enjoyed throughout Spain, Central and South America, the Caribbean, India, Africa, and Southwest Asia… In fact, you’ll find a signature version of yellow rice on nearly every continent!
Our simple Latin-inspired Arroz Amarillo recipe makes the most flavorful and fluffy yellow rice every time. Enjoy it as a side dish or simply eat by the bowlful. It’s just that satisfying!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
This yellow rice recipe is buttery, bold and bright. I love making this dish because it’s loaded with Latin flavors, and it just takes rice to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Arroz Amarillo Recipe
- Easy to make – You can make this yellow rice dish using a handful of simple ingredients in just under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – I love that you can make this recipe your own by adding in your favorite extras like protein, veggies or dried fruit.
- Pairs with everything – From tacos and steak, to fish and beans, this arroz amarillo just tastes amazing with everything.
This flavor packed yellow rice side dish is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s so quick and easy to prepare that it can even be included as part of your weekly meal prep!
Ingredients and Tips
- Dried long-grain rice – The classic arroz amarillo recipe uses white rice.
- Butter – You’ll need either room temperature unsalted butter or olive oil.
- Chicken base – I prefer to use chicken base, but you can also use bouillon instead. Either version replaces the need for salt.
- Spices – Use turmeric to get that perfect yellow color and adobo seasoning, which can be either store-bought or homemade for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Veggies – You’ll need diced yellow onions and minced garlic cloves.
Use white rice for best results. Brown rice won’t work as well in this recipe, since it requires a different ratio of liquid.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Saffron – Instead of turmeric you can use saffron or annatto to get that bold yellow color.
- Indian flavors – Make this yellow rice Indian style with cardamom seeds and a handful of golden raisins! Serve with butter chicken or your favorite Indian dishes.
- Coconut milk – Use coconut milk in addition to water to give this dish a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Dried fruit – Mix in your favorite chopped dried fruit like apricot or raisins for extra texture.
- Protein – Add in shredded chicken or chickpeas for a boost of protein.
- Vegetables – Stir in peas, carrots or beans for a veggie twist.
- Vegan – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon and vegan adobo seasoning.
- Low-carb – For a low-carb version of this dish, use cauliflower rice.
How To Make Arroz Amarillo
This savory Yellow Rice recipe is buttery and rich and makes the perfect side dish for almost every dish. It’s ready in just a few simple steps and make sure to make big batches to enjoy all week long!
Find the full Arroz Amarillo recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Yes! Fluffy yellow rice is even fluffier when you rinse the rice beforehand!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store cooled leftovers in a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating Leftovers – Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. You might want to add a splash of water if the rice seems a bit dry.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this arroz amarillo recipe with any dishes you would typically eat with rice! I love it with Honey Garlic Pork Chops or Baked Chicken Cutlets.
Mexican, South American, and Caribbean dishes also pair perfectly with this recipe. Serve as a side with classic Tacos Al Pastor, Black Bean Sweet Potato Skillet Enchiladas, and Carne Guisada. It’s great to enjoy with Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken and Grilled Lamb Chops. Or serve in a bowl and dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yep! You can sauté the veggies in a pan and then combine with the rice in a rice cooker or instant pot.
Make sure to use just the right amount of water because if you use too much, the rice will get soggy. Also, ensure that the lid isn’t too tight so that some steam can escape.
No, even though they look similar they’re actually quite different. Spanish rice is red-orange in color because it uses tomatoes and spices. Yellow rice gets its color from the turmeric or saffron.
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Yellow Rice Recipe (Arroz Amarillo)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons chicken base or bouillon or vegetable base
- 2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Set a 4-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the butter, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften. Then stir in the rice. Make sure the rice is well coated in butter.
- Add the chicken base, turmeric, adobo seasoning, and water. Stir well.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat a little and stir. Then cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the rice looks fluffy and there are vent holes in the top of the rice.
- Remove from heat and toss the rice. Then cover and let the rice steam another 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and serve warm.
Fool proof- amazing- delicious! My whole family had multiple servings! Thank you!
I love this recipe. I make this over and over, family raves about it!
This yellow rice was really flavorful and the whole family loved it.
Yum! This was so easy to make and my family absolutely loved it!
This vibrant rice goes so well with our favorite grilled chicken!!! So delicious and satisfying!
This is the absolute best recipe for yellow rice! I had all the ingredients on hand, it was flavorful, fluffy, and the recipe was easy to follow. I am so grateful I’ll never have to buy packaged yellow rice again. Thank you!
Made this at least 12 times, the most delicious and easy yellow rice have ever made
I have never made yellow rice before, love it but never tried to make it myself. This recipe was super easy and the rice turned out perfect and totally yummy! I will definitely be keeping this one in the “recipe box” for future use! Thanks for sharing!!!
Followed this recipe and it turned out awesome! Paired it with Grilled Lamb Chops and our dinner turned out to be really amazing. We enjoyed this recipe for sure.
I love a good yellow rice recipe and this hits the spot. It is indeed fluffy and super flavorful. It goes so well with black beans and grilled chicken. Yum!
This is perfect to go with our enchiladas tonight and I just know our family will love this! So excited to give this a try. Easy and delicious rice!
I love a good arroz Amarillo! This is perfect for most dinners in my household! So great!