Java rice is a Filipino yellow fried rice made with day-old rice, garlic, annatto, and turmeric.
It's usually served with barbecue, grilled meats, and other Filipino favorites.
The bright color makes it easy to spot, but it's the savory garlic flavor that makes it so good.
This is a simple way to turn leftover rice into something a little more special.
Java rice and Filipino barbecue make the best combination.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Notes and Substitutions
- White rice: Day-old rice works best, but freshly cooked rice is fine as long as it is not too soft or wet.
- Annatto: Also called achiote, annatto adds the signature yellow color to Java rice. Use annatto powder or steep annatto seeds in hot water to extract their color.
- Turmeric powder: Adds a warm yellow color and earthy flavor. Use just enough, since too much can taste bitter.
How to Make Java Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the rice
Break up the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
For freshly cooked rice, spread it out and let it cool for a few minutes to dry out a bit.
This helps keep the rice from clumping or turning mushy.
Step 2: Chop the aromatics
Finely chop the 6 garlic cloves, 1 small shallot, and ½ red bell pepper.
I used a food processor to get them into tiny pieces, but a knife works too.
Step 3: Sauté the aromatics
In a wok over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons each of oil and butter.
Add the chopped aromatics and sauté until softened, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Add the rice and seasonings
Add ½ teaspoon annatto powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 5 cups of cooked rice.
Step 5: Mix everything together
Mix until the rice is evenly colored and heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can add a fried egg on top, especially if you like a runny yolk and crispy edges.
Recipe FAQs
Java rice is a Filipino yellow fried rice made with garlic, annatto, and turmeric. It is usually served with barbecue, grilled meats, and other Filipino dishes.
Java rice gets its yellow-orange color from annatto, turmeric, or a combination of both. They are mostly used for color, with a mild earthy taste.
Day-old medium or long-grain rice works best because it is drier and less sticky. Jasmine rice is a good choice.
What to Serve with Java Rice
- Inihaw na liempo: Grilled marinated pork belly.
- Chicken inasal: Grilled marinated chicken.
- Lechon kawali: Crispy fried pork belly.
- Grilled tuna belly: Tuna belly marinated in soy sauce and calamansi.
- Embutido: Filipino-style meatloaf with pork, hotdogs, and raisins.
- Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy spring rolls with meat and vegetables.
- Fried fish: A simple fried fish.
- Fried chicken: Crispy fried chicken pieces.
- Beef salpicao: Garlicky beef cubes with soy sauce.
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📖 Recipe
Java Rice (Filipino Yellow Fried Rice)
Equipment
- Wok or wide pan
Ingredients
- 5 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small shallot (or onion) finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper minced
- ½ teaspoon annatto powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Break up the rice and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic, shallot, and bell pepper in oil and butter until softened.
- Add the annatto powder, turmeric, and rice. Break up any clumps.
- Toss until the rice is evenly colored and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Video
Notes
- White rice: Day-old rice works best, but fresh rice is fine if not too soft or wet.
- Annatto: Also called achiote, it gives java rice its yellow color. Use powder or steep seeds in hot water.
- Turmeric: Adds more yellow color and mild earthy flavor. Use just enough, as too much can taste bitter.
rojan says
Since it belongs to the ginger family, can I replace turmeric with ginger powder?
Nora says
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.
jomelyn says
This Java rice is recipe of yours is delicious and easy to make. I will keep making it.
Nora says
Thank you! I appreciate you making it. =)
Apol says
Taste great!
Bim says
Looks like easy to make.
Rose says
This recipe is so tasty and it goes with anything! 😋