Saffron Rice

Learn to make perfectly fluffy Saffron Rice, a beautiful and savory side dish with saffron spice, onions and broth. Gluten free, Kosher

Prep time: PT5M

Cook time: PT45M

Total time: PT50M

Rating

4.87 stars (130 reviews)

rice recipe

Take 1/8 tsp saffron threads and put them in a spice mortar. Grind the spice with a pestle to a powdery consistency.Add the other 1/8 tsp saffron threads to the mortar. Do not crush these remaining threads.
Pour 1/4 cup of hot water into the mortar. Let all of the saffron soak for 5 minutes. This will open up the flavor of the spice.
Meanwhile, sort your basmati rice and rinse in a colander. Drain.In a large heavy pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium. Add the minced onion to the pot and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring very frequently, until the onion is very soft and begins to caramelize.
Add rinsed rice to the pot and sauté for one minute longer, mixing the rice together with the cooked onion.
Pour the yellow soaked saffron liquid evenly across the top of the rice.
Add chicken or vegetable stock and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, stir. Bring back to a boil for 30 seconds.
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the rice cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, but keep pot covered, and continue to let the rice sit and steam in the covered pot for 10 minutes longer.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving, stirring well to break up the rice and incorporate the cooked onion.

Millie Macossay on 2026-06-02 (5 stars):
This was divine! I don't even like rice, but I made this for our youngest kid, and it was delicious. I never have rice turn out well, but this was flawless. I will definitely make it again. Thanks so much for the detailed instructions! Soaking the saffron is brilliant!
Devin on 2025-10-09 (5 stars):
So add more spices. You're a big boy. This recipe is a great foundation.
Dave on 2025-02-01 (2 stars):
Not very tasty. It needs more spicies.
Tomahawk on 2024-04-20 (5 stars):
Thank you, Tori…we loved your saffron rice. Some advice to prospective users: Tori’s recipe is for a Holiday dinner, so it feeds eight. I cut the recipe in half, but kept the same amount of saffron and it came out great…well, I was guessing at 1/4 t of saffron threads, but must have guessed right. I used vegetable broth and kept strictly to the recipe…so good! My wife and I loved it and I will make it again!
Kerry Keys on 2024-01-17 (5 stars):
I am making this for the second time as we speak. The rice is light and fluffy and full of flavor. This has become our go to rice. My husband will not eat regular white rice any more
Angie on 2023-10-22 (5 stars):
Hi! If I want to make with 3 cups of basmati rice, how many cups of chicken broth should I use? This is my goto recipe for Saffron rice, and we’re hosting a bigger group and would like to make a bigger batch! Thank you!