Easy Saffron Rice Recipe (Dairy Free, Vegan Option)

Name: Easy Saffron Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

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saffron rice on a plate with chicken and garnish

You might not believe this, but it wasn’t that long ago that I was making boil-in-a-bag rice because I thought it would be too hard to make my own rice. I know. It’s scary to think I lived like that.

But, eventually, I learn how to make plain white rice, and eventually coconut rice.

Even though I’m fully confident in my rice making skills, I decided against a one-pot rice meal when I made my Spanish chicken recipe. It was nothing against the rice, I just wanted to make things as uncomplicated as possible.

I also knew I didn’t want to completely miss out on that yellow, saffron rice that is so common in Spanish cuisine. So I decided to just make it separately instead, and I’m so happy I did.

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That little bit of extra flavor was wonderful paired with the chicken and I wasn’t worried about the rice sticking to the pot or things not coming together at the right time.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yellow rice recipe

cooked saffron rice in a pot, unfluffed and looking compacted

How to make this saffron rice recipe

Bring rice to a boil. Place the ingredients in a large saucepan. Cover and bring the pot to boil over high heat.

Simmer, then steam. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook at a simmer for about 10 minutes. If you have a glass lid, you should be able to see small holes in the rice.

Next, remove it from the heat, but keep it covered for at least 10 more minutes, or until the remaining liquid has been absorbed. Try your best not to check it for the full time.

Once the liquid is fully absorbed, fluff it with a fork before serving. serve.

FAQ’s and tips for making Spanish yellow rice

What does saffron rice taste like?

This rice has a very subtle flavor and smell. It’s sort of a sweet and almost floral like smell that can be hard to describe. Once you smell it though, you’ll understand this somewhat awkward explanation, let me know in the comments what you think it smells like.

What gives Spanish yellow rice it’s color?

Fun fact, the white rice gets it’s yellow color from the turmeric and the saffron used! You could say that this is a fun way to naturally dye your food.

How to store leftover saffron rice

Store your leftover yellow rice in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in a pot on the stove with a small amount of oil or butter (can use dairy free) to help rehydrate the rice as it warms up and to keep it from sticking to the pot.

Is spanish yellow rice gluten free?

This recipe is gluten free! Just be sure to double check ingredient labels and look for a certified gluten free chicken broth to avoid cross contamination or traces of gluten if you’re avoiding an allergen.

More side dish recipes like this

More rice dish recipes you’ll enjoy!

Ham fried rice
Easy coconut rice
Loaded vegetable rice