How to Make Yellow Rice (Spanish Rice)

spanish yellow rice in a round serving dish.

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How to Make Yellow Rice (Spanish Rice)

Bright, golden, and full of flavor, yellow rice is also known as Spanish rice or arroz amarillo. Almost every culture has its own version. It’s quick, easy, pairs with anything, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time45 mins

Course: Rice

Cuisine: Caribbean and Latin American

Servings: servings

Calories: 418kcal

Author: Crystal DaCruz

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
1 small onion chopped very fine
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
1 bouillon cube
1 packet of sazon with azafran usually comes in a yellow packet
1 teaspoon salt
pinch black pepper
2 and ½ cups water
2 cups extra long-grain white rice

Instructions

Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a cast-enamel or aluminum pot, heat the olive oil over a medium flame and add the onions, crushed bouillon and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Add water, salt, pepper, sazón and bay leaf to the pot, bring to a boil.
Once the water starts to boil, add the rice and stir. Cover the pot and turn the flame down very low. Let the rice simmer for 25 minutes. Don't lift the lid to check on the rice, or mix while it's cooking.
Once the 25 minutes are up, lift the lid and check the rice to make sure it's done. The grains should be tender and separated and all of the cooking water should be evaporated. Once the rice is done, turn the burner off and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

Helpful Tips

Always rinse your rice! This washes away dirt, debris and excess starch. Too much starch = mushy rice.
If the rice still tastes hard once the time is up, don’t fluff it yet! Instead, lay a wet paper towel over the rice, re-cover and cook on very low heat for 5-10 minutes more. Once the grains are tender, you can let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it.
Let the rice rest (covered) before fluffing it. If you fluff the rice while it’s still steaming hot, it will get mushy.

Storing and reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for 3-4 days.
Steam leftover rice using a pan of hot water with a steamer on top. Line the steamer with foil or parchment, and cover the basket with a lid. The steam from the boiling water will reheat the rice in about 10 minutes.
If you don't have steamer, you can reheat in the microwave for 1 minute.

Nutrition