garlic rice [Spanish Yellow Rice]

Also known as Spanish Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo), this golden garlic rice is fluffy, tender, vibrant and packed with aromatic garlic flavor – a delicious, versatile vegan side dish. Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Rice Cooker methods included!

What is Spanish Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)?

Not surprisingly, Spanish yellow rice is a yellow-tinged rice dish made when rice is cooked with vibrant ingredients like turmeric, annatto/achiote, or saffron. This type of dishes is popular all over the world including Morocco, Ecuador, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Caribbean, etc.

For this version, however, we made a super affordable vegan Arroz Amarillo (pronounced ah-ross ah-mah-ree-yo) that combines long-grain white rice with achiote powder and lots of garlic (it tastes a bit like paella!)

Unlike packaged versions, this yellow Spanish rice is additive-free and 100% vegan. Plus, it only takes 7 ingredients (cooked with vegetable broth instead of water for lots of flavor), 5 easy steps, one skillet, and about 45 minutes for a colorful, flavorful, and effortless side dish.

What is achiote powder?

Achiote (referred to around the world as annatto, roucou, achuete, and urucul) is a type of spice that is also used as a natural coloring agent from the seeds of the bixa orellana shrub. In minimal amounts, the powder affects the color but not the taste.

However, you’ll notice an earthy, slightly bitter, peppery flavor if you use more of it – e.g. B. with rice, soups and stews.

What else could I add?

There are several ways you can enhance the flavor of this Spanish Yellow Rice/Garlic Rice Recipe, including:

• Bay leaf: For a complex flavor add 1-2 bay leaves. Discard before serving.
• Onion: Finely diced and sautéed until translucent before adding the garlic.
• Lemon lime: For Lemon Garlic (or Lime) Rice, substitute lemon juice for 2 tablespoons of the stock and add the zest for a stronger flavor. Optionally add more juice when serving.
• Vegan Butter: Before serving, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of non-dairy butter to add richness and create a new take on garlic butter rice.
• Tomato: Add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste for more tomato-based Spanish rice, or diced Roma tomatoes for a more subtle flavor.
• Vegetables: You can use different types of vegetables in this vegetarian yellow rice, fresh or frozen. Just make sure larger veggies are finely diced so they cook in time.
  • Spinach (stir in at the very end)

If you use frozen vegetables, let them thaw while the garlic white rice cooks, then (quickly) add them to the pan before letting them steam. Fry fresh vegetables in the pan for 5 minutes before adding the garlic.

How do you make Spanish yellow rice?

With just one pot and a handful of simple steps, you can make this Spanish Yellow Rice (arroz amarillo) recipe in under 45 minutes!

• 1) First, heat a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat and add the oil, achiote powder (or turmeric), and minced garlic. Fry until tender without browning, about a minute.

• 2) Add the (rinsed) rice to the pan and stir to evenly coat with the oil.

For an enhanced nutty flavor, sweat the rice in the oil mixture until fragrant.

• 3) Stir in the vegetable broth and orange zest (if using) and bring to a boil.

• 4) Reduce the heat to minimum, cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the broth has absorbed.
• 5) Remove the pan from the heat and let it steam for another 5 minutes with the lid closed. Finally, remove the lid and fluff the garlic rice with a fork or soft silicone spatula – enjoy!

If there is a small amount of water left after steaming, replace the lid just a few more minutes.

How do you make garlic rice in an instant pot?

1. Rinse and drain the rice while you use the SAUTE function to sauté the garlic, oil, and achiote powder.
2. Add the rice and stir well to coat – sauté for another minute.
3. Add the vegetable broth (use a 1:1 rice to broth ratio for this Instant Pot method) and orange zest (if using). Cook on MANUAL high pressure for 5 minutes, then let it depressurize 10 mins before using the manual quick release for the remaining pressure. Fluff up with a fork and enjoy.

If you enlarge the recipe, The cooking time remains the same but the time it takes for the IP to reach full pressure will increase.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Rinse the rice well: It is impossible to get the water to run completely clear, but rinse well, swirling with your hand to remove excess starch.
• Do not look: It’s important to keep the lid on while cooking the garlic rice so it cooks properly and steams for fluffy results. We recommend using a pan with a clear lid to monitor the process.
• Let steam: This will help evaporate any leftover liquid in the pan for a super fluffy yellow garlic rice.
• The amount of garlic: Feel free to increase or decrease it based on personal preference.

frequently asked Questions

What do you serve with garlic rice?

This Garlic Achiote Rice (Arroz Amarillo) is a delicious side dish for all your favorite Mexican and South American dishes. However, its garlic-like flavor makes it just as delicious with most dishes.

We especially like to taste this Spanish/Mexican yellow rice with:

You can also enjoy it alongside marinated tofu, tempeh dishes or curry, and the leftovers make a delicious yellow garlic fried rice with extra tofu and veggies!

Storage Instructions

Allow the cooked vegan yellow rice to cool and store any leftovers in an airtight container Fridge for up to 4 days. Alternative, freeze it (in a container or ziplock/stasher bag) for up to 2 monthsThaw in the fridge overnight if needed.

We recommend warm up Cook the rice over low heat, adding a splash or two of water or broth to restore the fluffy texture. You can also use a microwave (with 1-2 tbsp water and covered with plastic wrap) for 1-2 minutes.

More vegan rice recipes

Photos from Alfonso Revilla