Hi friends, Today, I’m sharing a quick recipe for Mediterranean Yellow Rice. Inspired by the delicious rice you often find at Greek or Mediterranean restaurants, this dish is perfect for summer. I love serving it with grilled meats and a fresh salad—one of my all-time favorite dinners. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean Yellow Rice is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Onion: Provides a flavorful base.
- Rice: Basmati is used here, but you can substitute with long, medium, or short-grain rice (excluding sushi rice). Avoid jasmine rice, brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa.
- Water: Essential for cooking.
- Broth: Use any chicken or vegetable broth. Check the salt content before adding extra salt.
- Turmeric: Adds color and flavor.
- Salt to Taste: Adjust according to your preference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are preferred, but garlic powder works too.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor but is optional.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Directions
Heat oil over medium heat, cook garlic and onion until translucent. Add rice, then broth and water; simmer on low for 12 minutes. Let rest covered for 10 minutes, then stir in lemon zest, juice, herbs, and season to taste.
Storage
Allow the rice to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean Yellow Rice pairs wonderfully with chicken skewers. For a tasty twist, try it with garlic Parmesan chicken skewers or Greek chicken skewers for an extra burst of flavor. It also complements fresh salads and grilled vegetables, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
Here I served my yellow rice with garlic parmesan chicken skewers (coming soon!) and my greek salad with pickled red onions, but my tabule salad would also be great here!
For a taste of home, I highly recommend enjoying this rice like I do at Koozina in Milton, Ontario. To me, Koozina serves rice that tastes like homemade comfort, which is a rare find. It’s the perfect spot for busy, sick, or stressful days when you need a reliable takeout option. I definitely miss living close to it!
Here are some of our other rice recipes for you to try!
Rice with vermicelli noodles : I love serving it with Brazilian baked kibbeh and tabouli salad
Brazilian White Rice: Perfect to be paired with some Brazilian beans like my Brazilian Black Beans recipe or my Brazilian Viral Bean Recipe
Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups rice basmati or other long, medium, or short-grain rice
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoon parsley chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3-4 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown.3 tablespoons Olive oil, 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves
- Add the turmeric and the salt and stir to combine.1 teaspoon turmeric, Salt to taste
- Add the rice and stir until it turns mostly translucent.2 cups rice
- Pour in the broth and water. Cover with a lid. When it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low.1 cup water, 2 cups broth
- Cook for 12 minutes or until all the water is evaporated.
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and parsley.3 tablespoon parsley, Zest of 1 lemon, 3-4 tablespoon lemon juice
Notes
FAQ
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute basmati with long, medium, or short-grain rice (excluding sushi rice). Avoid jasmine rice, brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa.
How can I adjust the saltiness of the rice?
Check the salt content of your broth before adding extra salt. If your broth is salty, you might need less additional salt.
Can I make this rice in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder as a substitute.
How do I reheat the rice?
Reheat the rice thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
If you make this recipe please don’t forget to leave me a comment! and follow tasty recollections on Instagram!
Until next time,
Claudia
In the Mediterranean yellow rice recipe you never say when to add the turmeric.
Hi Debra!
Oh no! Thank you for pointing that out. I just fixed it 🙂 -Claudia