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    Home » Rice Recipes

    Java Rice

    Published: Nov 2, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 7 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Java Rice is a yellow-orange fried rice often served with barbecued pork or chicken, made famous by a restaurant in the Philippines. It gets its vibrant color from annatto and turmeric, and is surprisingly easy to make!

    Java Rice on a plate.

    Java Rice and Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers (or chicken) make the best combination. 

    Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers on a plate served with Java Rice and Achara.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Perfect pairing for Java Rice
    • Other rice recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Java Rice.
    Salt and pepper are not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • White rice: Leftover or day-old rice is ideal, but fresh-cooked rice that is not overcooked or too wet will also work.
    • Annatto: Also called achiote or "poor man's saffron," it has a subtle earthy flavor and is used as a natural food coloring like in Kare-Kare. Annatto powder can be sprinkled directly on the dish or dissolved in hot water while the seeds are steeped to extract their orange-red pigment.
    Annatto powder and annatto seeds
    • Turmeric powder: A rhizome belonging to the ginger family, it has bright orange flesh that imparts a vibrant yellow color. Its flavor is earthy, slightly citrusy, and a little peppery. It can be overwhelming and bitter when used in excess.
    Turmeric root whole and cut in half, and turmeric powder

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Break up the rice with a fork. If you have a fresh batch, spread them to cool for a few minutes. Let the moisture evaporate, so they don't clump together or get mushy.

    Fresh-cooked rice spread out on a parchment paper-lined  baking sheet.

    Step 2: Finely chop 6 garlic cloves, 1 shallot, and ½ red bell pepper. A food processor can help you break them into tiny pieces, adding more flavor to your rice.

    Get the rest of the ingredients ready. When the pan heats, this will cook up in a flash.

    Garlic, shallot, and red bell peppers in a bowl, then finely chopped in a food processor.

    Step 3: Over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the wok. Sauté garlic, shallot, and red bell pepper until softened and slightly caramelized, about a minute.

    Sauteing garlic, shallot, and red bell pepper in oil and butter in a wok.

    Step 4: Add ½ teaspoon annatto powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 5 cups of cooked rice.

    Mixing rice and annatto powder in a wok.

    Step 5: Toss them until they are evenly colored and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Java rice in a wok

    A fried egg, with its runny yolk and crispy edges, makes a perfect topping for Java Rice!

    java rice with fried egg on top

    Recipe FAQs

    Which rice is best for fried rice?

    Choose a medium or long-grain variety. Use leftover or cold rice, as the grains separate more easily.

    If you're making a fresh batch of rice, rinse them well to prevent them from becoming sticky. Spread out the cooked rice to cool and allow the moisture to evaporate.

    Can I use margarine instead of butter?

    Yes, you can use them interchangeably in this recipe. Margarine usually has a milder flavor, but it won't be an issue.

    Do you have to use a wok?

    It's not necessary, but if you have one, use it. With a wok, you can toss the food around or push it aside while the oil drains.

    Since Java Rice is a simple dish containing few ingredients, a large skillet or sauté pan should be fine.

    Perfect pairing for Java Rice

    • Inihaw na Liempo: Grilled marinated pork belly, served with Achara or pickled green papaya.
    • Chicken Inasal: A Visayan specialty, this is grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of calamansi, vinegar, lemongrass, ginger, and annatto.
    • Lechon Kawali: Crispy pork belly that's deep-fried or air-fried with crispy skin and tender meat.
    • Grilled Tuna Belly: Tuna belly marinated in soy sauce and calamansi, then grilled until charred and smoky.
    • Embutido: Filipino-style meatloaf with ground pork, raisins, and carrots.
    • Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables.
    • Fried Fish: A simple fried fish brings a light and crispy element that goes well with Java Rice.
    • Fried Chicken: Marinated pieces of chicken, fried until golden brown and crispy.
    • Beef Salpicao: Tender beef cubes sautéed with lots of garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce or oyster sauce.

    Other rice recipes you may like

    • Tinapa Fried Rice topped with peeled bangues on a plate.
      Tinapa Fried Rice Recipe
    • Lugaw in a bowl.
      Lugaw Recipe
    • Filipino champorado in a bowl scooped by a spoon.
      Filipino Champorado Recipe
    • Bagoong fried rice on a plate.
      Bagoong Fried Rice Recipe
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    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Java rice on a plate.

    Java Rice

    A yellow-orange fried rice made famous by a restaurant in the Philippines, often served with barbecued pork or chicken.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Asian, Filipino
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 cups
    Calories: 227kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $3-$4

    Equipment

    • Wok, skillet, or sauté pan

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 6 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 shallot minced; sub:yellow or white onion
    • ½ red bell pepper minced
    • ½ teaspoon annatto powder (see note)
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (see note)
    • 5 cups cooked white rice (see note)
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Break up rice with a fork. If you have a fresh batch, spread them to cool for a few minutes.
    • Over medium heat, add oil and butter to the wok.
    • Sauté garlic, shallot, and red bell pepper until softened and slightly caramelized, about a minute.
    • Add annatto powder, turmeric powder, and rice. Toss them until they are evenly colored and heated through.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    • White rice: Leftover or day-old rice is ideal, but fresh-cooked rice that is not overcooked or too wet will also work.
    • Annatto: Also called achiote or "poor man's saffron," it has a subtle earthy flavor and is used as a natural food coloring. Annatto powder can be sprinkled directly on the dish or dissolved in hot water while the seeds are steeped to extract their orange-red pigment.
    • Turmeric powder: A rhizome belonging to the ginger family, it has bright orange flesh that imparts a vibrant yellow color. Its flavor is earthy, slightly citrusy, and a little peppery. It can be overwhelming and bitter when used in excess.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 319IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Rice Recipes

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      Arroz Caldo Recipe
    • Garlic Fried Rice in a bowl.
      Sinangag Recipe
    • Yang Chow Fried Rice in a bowl.
      Yang Chow Fried Rice
    • Easy to make Paella on a pot.
      Easy Paella Recipe
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    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. rojan

      February 18, 2022 at 4:07 am

      Since it belongs to the ginger family, can I replace turmeric with ginger powder?

      Reply
      • Nora

        February 18, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        Hello! Yes, they are from the same family and look similar, too. Turmeric in java is mostly used for color since its flavor is very mild. Ginger may not be an ideal substitute but you can use it! It won’t give you that yellow-orange color (which is okay if you’re using annatto) and has a stronger taste so use less of it. Please note that the flavor of dried ginger is more intense than fresh ginger, so make the necessary adjustments.

        Reply
    2. jomelyn

      January 27, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      This Java rice is recipe of yours is delicious and easy to make. I will keep making it.

      Reply
      • Nora

        January 27, 2022 at 8:05 pm

        Thank you! I appreciate you making it. =)

        Reply
    3. Apol

      August 30, 2021 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      Taste great!

      Reply
    4. Bim

      August 29, 2021 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      Looks like easy to make.

      Reply
    5. Rose

      August 29, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so tasty and it goes with anything! 😋

      Reply
    5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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