Saffron Rice

4.53 from 17 votes
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When it comes to transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary, this Persian saffron rice recipe is in a league of its own. It’s fluffy with a golden, vibrant color, making it a unique addition to your table. This Persian deliciousness is simple and made with a handful of ingredients in just 30 minutes.

saffron rice on a wooden background.


 

We love our rice recipes and can’t wait to share more with you. You can make this pantry staple in so many different ways, from Persian one-pot tomato rice and dill rice and peas to mujadara.

Today, I’m going to show you how to make Persian-style rice with saffron at home. Follow along for the easiest and most flavorful saffron rice recipe!

Recipe Highlights

Cuisine: Persian

Cooking Method: Sautéing and steaming

Flavor Profile: floral, earthy, and aromatic

Skill Required: Beginner-friendly


What Is Saffron Rice?

Saffron is my absolute favorite spice, and it’s easy to see why. Its flavor and aroma are delicate yet bold, capable of transforming even the simplest dish into something extraordinary. Take humble rice, for example, a staple we all know and love. But when paired with bloomed saffron, this everyday side dish becomes a vibrant masterpiece. With every spoonful, you’ll find yourself wondering: Where has this been all my life?

Often referred to as yellow rice, saffron rice is a beloved dish in Iranian and South Asian cuisines. In South Asia, it’s common to infuse saffron rice with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and caraway seeds, creating a rich and flavorful base. However, in Iran, its signature golden hue and aromatic flavor come from saffron, which is carefully bloomed on ice to unlock its full potential. The result is a side dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.


Saffron Rice Ingredients

To make this recipe you need saffron. rice, salt, olive oil and onion.
  • Saffron: Make sure to use quality saffron threads and grind it using a pestle and mortar.
  • Olive oil: You need about 2 tablespoons of olive oil for this recipe. As always, it’s best to use extra virgin olive oil.
  • Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a lot of flavor to the rice.
  • Rice: I recommend using basmati rice as the long grains hold their shape and have just enough starch to be tender but not sticky.

Ingredient Spotlight: Bloomed Saffron

Saffron, often called “red gold,” is the heart and soul of Persian saffron rice. Actually, it’s the world’s most expensive spice. This exquisite spice, derived from the stigma of crocus flowers, is prized for its vibrant color, floral aroma, and delicate flavor. But to unlock its full potential, saffron must be bloomed—a process that transforms these tiny strands into a powerhouse of taste and aroma.

Blooming saffron on ice is a Persian technique that gently draws out its vibrant pigments and rich fragrance. As the ice melts, it releases the saffron’s deep golden hues and luxurious essence, ensuring every grain of rice is infused with its magic. The technique of blooming saffron ensures the rice is evenly coated with its distinctive hue, creating a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.


How To Make Saffron Rice

Step 1: Bloom the Saffron

Place two ice cubes in a small bowl. Sprinkle the ground saffron over the ice cubes. Let the ice melt at room temperature. This gentle process unlocks saffron’s vibrant color and aroma.

a small bowl with saffron and an ice cube

Step 2: Saute the Onion

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

To the sauteed onion, add the rinsed rice and salt. Give it a good stir and add in the broth or water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until most of the water is evaporated.

Saute the onion add the rice and salt cook for 20 minutes, add the saffron and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Signature Saffron Touch

Uncover, add the bloomed saffron, and gently stir the rice so all grains are yellow. Cover with the lid and cook on medium-low for 10 minutes until the rice is fluffy and all the water is absorbed. Turn the heat off, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.


What Do You Eat With Saffron Rice?

You can serve saffron rice with different dishes, including kabob koobideh, braised lamb, whole branzino, roasted leg of lamb, and pomegranate chicken. You can also serve it with fesenjan, which is a Persian pomegranate and walnut stew, or khoresh kadoo, which is a chicken and zucchini stew.

Top Tips

Use High-Quality Saffron: Always choose good quality saffron strands for the best flavor, aroma, and color. Avoid powders or imitations that lack potency.

Bloom the Saffron Properly: Blooming saffron on ice is key to releasing its vibrant color and fragrance. Be patient and let the ice melt naturally for optimal results.

Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Wash the white basmati rice 3–5 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.

Add a Flavorful Twist: For extra depth, consider cooking the rice in chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of water.

Fluff Gently: When ready to serve, use a fork to gently fluff the rice to avoid breaking the grains.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or a pan over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Freezing: To freeze saffron rice, let it cool completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a pan over medium heat.

Front shot of saffron rice on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does saffron rice taste like?

This dish is very aromatic and has an earthy taste with subtle floral notes.

What can I use instead of saffron?

Saffron has a distinct flavor and aroma and cannot be replaced with any other spice.

Can I use turmeric instead of saffron?

While turmeric can mimic the color of saffron, it lacks the unique flavor and aroma. For the most authentic experience, stick with saffron.

How do I prevent rice from sticking?

Rinsing the rice thoroughly and using the correct water-to-rice ratio will ensure fluffy, separate grains.

Can I use jasmine rice to make saffron rice?

While it’s more fragrant than basmati, jasmine rice has a slightly sticky texture, which may not replicate the traditional fluffy result.

More Rice Recipes

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Front shot of saffron rice.
4.53 from 17 votes

Saffron Rice

Learn how to make the best fragrant saffron rice recipe in 30 minutes. It's fluffy with golden vibrant color, making it a unique addition to your table. This Persian deliciousness is simple and made with a handful of ingredients.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • ¼ teaspoon Ground saffron
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup Basmati rice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups Water , You can use chicken or vegetable broth as well

Instructions 

  • Wash the rice 3-5 times to get rid of extra starch. Set aside. 
  • Bloom the saffron by sprinkling the ground saffron over the 2 ice cubes in a small bowl. 
  • Heat the olive oil in a small pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until golden and translucent.
  • Add in the rinsed rice and salt. Stir and add in the water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until most of the water is absorbed.
  • Uncover and pour in the bloomed saffron over the rice. Stir gently, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes so the water is completely absorbed.
  • Turn the heat off and let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes. Uncover and fluff using a fork.

Video

Notes

  • You can serve this saffron rice with fesenjan, whole branzino or kofta kebab
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat. 

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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4.53 from 17 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Enjoyed this with dinner last night and it does not disappoint! Turned out light, fluffy and delicious; my whole family loved it!

  2. 5 stars
    This rice was so easy to make, perfectly fluffy, and was packed with flavor!! It was a great side dish for our dinner last night!

  3. 5 stars
    Haha! When I make this, I can’t resist tasting it again and again until I think I’ve tasted about half a cup of rice already! Too good!

  4. 5 stars
    I think I saw this same type of recipe on the NetFlix Heat, Salt, Fat… and something else. Anywhoo…. she made this with her mom and it looked so good! Thanks for the recipe!