This Saffron Rice Recipe is an aromatic and fluffy recipe, which features long-grain basmati rice and luxurious saffron threads. It’s an elegant restaurant-quality side dish, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeSaffron Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (loosely packed, slightly crushed)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 scallions, sliced
How To Make Saffron Rice Recipe
- Sauté the aromatics: Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent (about 3-5 minutes). Do not let it brown too much.
- Toast the rice and spices: Stir in the 2 cups of basmati rice, the kosher salt, and the saffron threads. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the rice grains slightly and bloom the saffron flavor in the butter.
- Simmer: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Steam: Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the pot from the heat (keep the lid on!). Let it sit for 5 minutes. This steaming period allows the moisture to redistribute, ensuring fluffy, separate grains.
- Finish: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro and sliced scallions. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Rinsing the Rice: Although not explicitly in the short directions, rinsing basmati rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch. This is the secret to getting fluffy, individual grains rather than sticky clumps.
- Blooming Saffron: Saffron needs heat and liquid to release its signature yellow color. Adding it to the butter and then the hot liquid ensures the color spreads evenly throughout the pot.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid during the 15-minute simmer. Escaping steam will lower the temperature and can result in unevenly cooked, crunchy rice.
- Butter vs. Oil: Using butter provides a rich, glossy finish and a savory flavor that complements the floral notes of the saffron better than oil.
- Broth Mix: Using a 50/50 mix of water and chicken broth gives the rice depth of flavor without being too heavy or salty.
What To Serve With Saffron Rice Recipe
This golden rice is a staple for Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean meals.
- Grilled Kebabs: Chicken or lamb skewers.
- Curry: Chicken Tikka Masala or a vegetable curry.
- Roast Chicken: A simple lemon-herb roast chicken.
- Braised Lamb Shanks: The rice soaks up the rich gravy beautifully.
How To Store Saffron Rice Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Rice dries out in the fridge. To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice, cover loosely, and microwave for 1-2 minutes to re-steam it.
- Freeze: You can freeze saffron rice in portion-sized bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave directly from frozen.
Saffron Rice Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 6 servings).
FAQs
Yes, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world by weight because it is hand-harvested crocus stigmas. However, you only need a tiny pinch (1/2 teaspoon) to flavor and color a whole pot of rice.
If you don’t have saffron, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric to achieve the yellow color, but the flavor will be earthy rather than floral. It will be “Turmeric Rice” instead of “Saffron Rice.”
As written, no, because it uses chicken broth. To make it vegetarian/vegan, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
Saffron Rice Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes20
minutes240
kcalA luxurious yet simple side dish featuring fluffy basmati rice infused with golden saffron, butter, and chicken broth.
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice
1 onion (diced)
3 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp saffron threads
1.5 cups water
1.5 cups chicken broth
2 tsp kosher salt
Cilantro & Scallions
Directions
- Melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
- Stir in rice, salt, and saffron; toast briefly.
- Add water and broth; bring to simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes.
- Fluff with fork; stir in herbs.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Crushing the saffron threads between your fingers helps release more color.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the rice from scorching.
