• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Your Top Source of Filipino Recipes
About
Cooking Schools
Contact
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube

Panlasang Pinoy

Your Top Source of Filipino Recipes

  • New? Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Course
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Beef
    • Turkey
    • Vegetable
    • Fish
    • Rice
    • Egg
    • Tofu
    • Noodles
  • Type
    • Adobo
    • Bread
    • Fried Chicken
    • Sinigang
    • Kilawin
    • Ginataan
    • Kaldereta
Home Recipes

Java Rice Recipe

Java Rice is a yellowish to reddish rice that is usually served with grilled or fried main dishes. Not to be mistaken with any rice variation in Indonesia, this Java Rice recipe that we have here is Filipino Style which is suited for the Filipino taste. When you search for Java Rice recipe in the…

5
/5
Jump to Recipe
SharesFacebookPinTweet
By: Vanjo Merano 11 Comments Updated: 9/19/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Java Rice is a yellowish to reddish rice that is usually served with grilled or fried main dishes. Not to be mistaken with any rice variation in Indonesia, this Java Rice recipe that we have here is Filipino Style which is suited for the Filipino taste.

how to cook java rice

When you search for Java Rice recipe in the internet, you will see hundreds of recipes with different manner of preparation. Some might be legit while some may be not, the most important thing is that anyone can easily make it and it should taste good. Here at Panlasang Pinoy, we pride ourselves by giving you the easiest Filipino recipes that anyone can prepare. All of our recipes have been tried and tested — this Java Rice recipe is no exception.

Whether you are making Chicken Inasal, Chicken Barbecue, or even Skewered Filipino Pork Barbecue, Java Rice is the best kind of rice to serve them with, and this Java rice recipe will show you how. Have I mentioned that this recipe does not involve stove top cooking? All you need to do is mix all the ingredients with hot steamed rice.

Filipinos Love Rice

What comes to mind when you think of rice? Surely, this form of carbs is no unfamiliar guest at your dining table. Most Asian cuisine makes use of rice, but I would argue that Filipinos love it like no other; regardless of what time of day it is, or even what youโ€™re serving it with, rice makes the Filipino cuisine world go round. Because of how much we adore rice, it is, of course, rather unsurprising that weโ€™ve come up with different iterations of it. One of the most favored of those iterations and plays on this classic grain we know and love is none other than the distinctly delicious java rice!

How do you know if the rice youโ€™re eating is java rice? The answer to that is quite simple โ€” a brief glance at your plate or bowl will tell you the answer! Java rice is characterized by its bright orange hue โ€” almost but not quite like a pancit palabok! The reason I compare it to this beloved pancit is because the reason behind its being yellow-orange is similar. Both palabok and java rice use annatto powder or annatto seeds. Annatto or atsuete is a spice that makes dishes sweet and mildly peppery, but also contributes a vibrancy to any dish it touches. And java rice is certainly no exception. Beyond just its exciting looks, however, java rice is delicious, and makes any dish it pairs with all the more satisfying.

java rice recipe

Java Rice vs. Paella vs. Yang Chow Fried Rice

As we mentioned prior, rice is so beloved in the Philippines that weโ€™ve come up with different versions of it in the kitchen. Whether weโ€™ve borrowed them from our Asian neighbors or come up with concoctions of our own, there are different rice recipes that can suit any preference! But how do these rice recipes fare when you put them up against java rice? Letโ€™s take two specific example and see for ourselves.

Firstly, we have paella. Like java rice, paella is colorful and distinct. A European dish by nature, paella was no doubt introduced by the Spanish to us many centuries ago. Our love for rice makes this dish an incredibly enjoyable meal, regardless of the occasion. Paella comes in many different forms, depending highly on the main protein you use. This can range from seafood to just vegetables, to even Filipino favorites like sisig! Unlike java rice where you prepare your main dishes separately, serving paella involves combining all your ingredients together in one giant, wobbly pan. This deliciously fragrant meal is a prime example of how you can throw together a hodgepodge of ingredients and make something truly great.

Another great example of throw-together rice dishes? You canโ€™t look further than yang chow fried rice of course! Perhaps one of the most celebrated rice dishes across the globe, Chinese cuisine and your favorite takeout would not be complete without this hearty treat. A mix of pork, shrimp, egg, and veggies come together in this stir fried and savory bowl of goodness. Even on its own, fried rice is a treat; it already comes packed with protein, from your tasty barbecue pork to your sweet shrimp. But when you eat it with your other takeout favorites, it becomes all the more enjoyable!

java rice

Making your java rice is so much easier than you think. Itโ€™s essentially taking your

Making your java rice is so much easier than you think. Itโ€™s essentially taking your leftover white rice and tossing it into a bowl with a number of different components until you get the visually striking and yummy-smelling side dish you know and love.

  1. You start making java rice by melting margarine in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
  2. Later on, you add turmeric and annatto powder, mixing these all together. Add your garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and continue to distribute this thoroughly.
  3. Pour this mixture over heaping cups of white rice, and mix so you coat the latter with the mixture. And then โ€” youโ€™d never guess โ€” youโ€™re done! Didnโ€™t I tell you this was going to be a breeze?

Serve your java rice with the main course of your choice, and be sure to enjoy it! If you make this dish, as always, weโ€™d love to know what you think of it.

What can I eat with Java Rice?

Once you make your java rice, you might think to yourself: what would go well with this? Well, you need not think any harder than necessary. Here are my top three favorite things to pair with java rice โ€” all equally delicious in their own right!

Chicken Inasal

inasal na manok

We all know how delicious grilled chicken can be. But thereโ€™s just something about chicken inasal that truly sets it apart from the rest. This is in large part due to its uniquely addictive and highly fragrant marinade! Chicken Inasal has a mix of lemongrass, coconut vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, among others. The result is an aromatic burst of flavors thatโ€™ll make your mouth drool just thinking about it! A perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty, and savory, java rice will only highlight the incredible flavors your main course has to offer.

Grilled Liempo with Barbecue Sauce

Grilled Liempo Panlasang Pinoy

Chicken may not be up your alley โ€” what about pork, then? Smoky and fork tender, a good piece of pork can brighten anyoneโ€™s day. Pork belly, or liempo, in particular, is a perfect comfort ingredient, with so many different ways of cooking it. If youโ€™re looking for an ideal partner to your java rice, consider then soaking your liempo in a mouthwatering barbecue sauce! Tangy and tempting, grilled liempo with barbecue sauce is great to serve to friends and family alike. And with your tasty java rice too? You certainly have yourself a winner!

Fried Pork Chop

Fried Pork chop with Java rice and Atchara

If you arenโ€™t after something grilled, why not try something fried? A golden brown pork chop makes peopleโ€™s day just as much as a grilled slab of meat does. When you serve it with atchara particularly, this delectable combination with your java rice will make each bite more delicious than the last! Crispy on the outside but juicy and succulent within, fried pork chop is great for kids and adults alike. Whether eating it with family or on your own, youโ€™re definitely not going to get enough of it!

Alternative Ingredients

Cooking java rice is easy enough, but if youโ€™re looking for alternative ingredients you can try any of the following below:

  • Opt for paprika powder instead of turmeric. With the same orangey hue as annatto powder, paprika has both sweetness and spiciness. This will make your rice more flavorful and even give it a bit of a kick, depending on how much paprika you use.
  • You can also use butter instead of margarine, too! Depending on whatโ€™s available in your fridge, either option will work to offer your java rice that extra velvety and rich taste.

As for garnishes, java rice is tasty on its own. But when you want to give it that extra oomph, I highly recommend green onions. Fried garlic is also a great add-on, and can bring out that extra nutty flavor youโ€™ll already have from the atsuete powder.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

how to cook java rice
5 from 1 vote

Java Rice Recipe

Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 2 minutes minutes
Total: 12 minutes minutes
Print Recipe Rate Recipe
Pin
Email
6 people

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 cups cooked white rice
  • 1/2 tablespoon annatto powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 3 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Melt margarine by using the microwave oven (about 10 seconds).
  • Combine turmeric and annatto powder. Mix well.
  • Put-in garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until everything is distributed.
  • Pour-in mixture on warm steamed rice. Gently mix so that the rice is coated by the mixture.
  • Serve with Fried Pork Chop and Atchara.
  • Share and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 6g Calories: 224kcal (11%) Carbohydrates: 38g (13%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 6g (9%) Saturated Fat: 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Sodium: 262mg (11%) Potassium: 59mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 0.1g Vitamin A: 250IU (5%) Vitamin C: 0.1mg Calcium: 17mg (2%) Iron: 0.3mg (2%)
ยฉ copyright: Vanjo Merano

Did you make this?

Tag @PanlasangPinoy on Instagram and be sure to leave a rating!

Rate Recipe
Tag On Instagram

Vanjo Merano

Vanjo Merano is the creator of PanlasangPinoy.com. His goal is to introduce Filipino Food and Filipino Cuisine to the rest of the world. This blog was the first step that he took.

Read more...

Related Posts

  • Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
  • Saffron Rice Recipe
  • Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
SharesFacebookPinTweet

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Drawbobo says

    Posted on 10/12/22 at 11:55 pm

    โค๏ธ

    Reply
  2. Timmy Salcedo says

    Posted on 4/15/21 at 1:54 am

    You are a Godsend during these pandemic! I always turn to your site whenever i meed to cook dinner, which is everyday thank you.

    Reply
  3. Changchang says

    Posted on 10/16/16 at 1:05 pm

    Thanks Vanjo. No words cant express how thankful am to you. All your recipes is savers to my everyday cook. My family here in washington always compliments all the foods i cook for them. Such a proud and nice feelings. Thabks to you. More power…..

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 10/16/16 at 3:05 pm

      You are welcome, Chang. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  4. Vanjo Merano says

    Posted on 11/2/12 at 12:09 pm

    Yes, you will need to melt the margarine and then add turmeric, annatto powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt with the margarine. Stir everything together and then mix with warm white rice.

    Reply
    • Jeje says

      Posted on 8/14/24 at 12:18 am

      5 stars
      Your recipe is good

      Reply
  5. Ronald Almonte says

    Posted on 11/2/12 at 2:28 am

    you’ve been a lot of help to me since then, thank you very much for all the recipes, my future wife love them all.

    Reply
  6. ivy says

    Posted on 10/29/12 at 5:51 pm

    finally found the right java rice for my taste, thanks vanjo…i always refer my cooking to your website….your like the julia child for filipinos esp here abroad…thanks for all that you do. ….

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 10/29/12 at 9:02 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, Ivy.

      Reply
  7. Vanjo Merano says

    Posted on 10/24/12 at 10:48 pm

    You are welcome, Nikko. I will keep on adding more recipes so that you can continue learning. Cheers!

    Reply
  8. Gie Gali Canlas says

    Posted on 10/19/12 at 3:34 am

    love your recipes..big help for me..keep it up and more power..^_^

    Reply

sidebar

bio

Welcome!

As a huge fan of Filipino food, it is my goal to teach people how to cook it using the simplest way possible. Prepare your taste buds for an ultimate showdown of delectable Filipino dishes! Read more…

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube

Reader Favorites

Chicken Adobo Panlasang Pinoy

Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

Leche Flan Recipe

kare kare beef tripe

Kare-Kare Recipe (Beef Tripe)

Pork Sinigang

Sinigang

Receive new recipes by email!

Seasonal

Beef Morcon Recipe

Arroz Valenciana

lechon belly roll recipe

Lechon Belly Roll

Christmas Macaroni Salad

How to Make Macaroni Salad for the Holidays

As Seen In:

good housekeeping
parents
serious eats
livestrong
kitchn
sheknows
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
About
Meet Vanjo
New? Start Here
Browse Recipes
Explore
Ingredient 101
Philippines
Cooking Schools
Privacy Policy
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2025 Panlasang Pinoy
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
Back to Top