Java rice isn’t from Java, but it is a beloved Filipino staple. This Easy Filipino Java Rice turns leftover rice into a bold, golden-orange fried rice that’s savory, slightly sweet, and perfect with grilled meats like Chicken Inasal . It’s colorful, comforting, and comes together fast, exactly how a good side dish should behave.
It’s got that same bold, tomato-y vibe you’d love in creole rice, but faster and very weeknight-friendly.
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Java rice is one of those Filipino restaurant sides that makes you wonder why plain rice even bothers showing up. It’s buttery, garlicky, and that bright yellow-orange color makes everything on the plate look like a party.
My shortcut version uses tomato paste + bouillon instead of chasing down special spices, which means you can turn leftover rice into Java rice in about 15 minutes. I love serving it with grilled favorites like Huli-Huli Chicken, but honestly it also holds its own next to cozy rice dishes like Anchovies Fried Rice when you’re in full rice mode.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses day-old rice you already have
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Bold color without complicated spices
- Perfect with grilled, fried, or saucy mains
- Easy to customize with what’s in your fridge
What is Java Rice
Filipino Java Rice is a seasoned fried rice commonly served with grilled meats and barbecue. Despite the name, it’s not from Java. The dish is known for its yellow-orange color, savory garlic-onion base, and slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor.
Some versions use annatto or turmeric. This version uses tomato paste and beef bouillon, which keeps things simple, flavorful, and pantry-friendly.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cooked White rice – day-old and chilled is best.
- Butter – Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- Oil – Helps with frying and adds a slight crispiness.
- Garlic – don’t skimp
- Onion – Enhances the base flavor with its natural sweetness.
- Soy sauce – Adds depth and umami.
- Beef bouillon or powder – Infuses a rich, meaty flavor.
- Tomato paste – Provides color and tangy depth.
See recipe card for exact measurements.
Substitution and Addition Ideas
- Brown rice for extra fiber
- Vegetable bouillon to make it vegetarian
- Paprika for extra color
- Chili flakes or chili oil for heat
- Lemon or calamansi juice for brightness
How to Make Java Rice
- Heat the butter: Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the garlic and onion, cook for about a minute until softened and fragrant.
- Introduce the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and beef bullion or powder and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Incorporate the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and break it up with a fork or spatula for even distribution.
- Season and simmer: Season with soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
What to Serve with Java Rice
- Chicken Inasal
- Pork Barbecue
- Huli-Huli Chicken
- Beef Tapa
- Lechon Kawali
- Chicken Adobo
- Pork Sisig
- Longganisa
- Garlic Shrimp
- Fried Egg
- Grilled Eggplant
- Tocino
Storage
Let Java rice cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Rose's Top Tips
- Day-old rice is key for the best texture
- Cook the tomato paste briefly so it caramelizes, not burns
- Use a hot pan to avoid soggy rice
- Taste and adjust. Bouillon brands vary in saltiness
Recipe FAQs
Not exactly. Filipino Java Rice is usually fried rice (made with day-old rice) and gets its yellow-orange color from annatto/turmeric OR tomato-based seasoning, while many “yellow rice” recipes are cooked like pilaf and often use turmeric, saffron, or achuete.
Color depends on the seasoning. For this version, you need to cook the tomato paste for 30–60 seconds in the butter/oil before adding rice. If it still looks pale, add a little more tomato paste (small amounts) or a pinch of paprika for extra warmth.
Yes, but it’s easier to get mushy. To fix that, spread hot rice on a sheet pan and chill it 20–30 minutes (or freezer 10 minutes). Cold, drier rice fries up with better texture.
Use cold day-old rice, keep the pan hot, and don’t add too much liquid seasoning at once. Stir-fry in bursts and let the rice sit for a few seconds between stirs so moisture evaporates.
Use chicken bouillon, vegetable bouillon, or even a pinch of MSG (if you use it) plus a little extra salt. Beef bouillon adds depth, but you can still get great flavor without it.
Use banana ketchup, regular ketchup, tomato sauce (use less), or annatto oil for color. Tomato sauce is thinner, so start small to avoid wet rice.
Other Rice Dishes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy Filipino Java Rice
Equipment
- 1 small pot
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked white rice preferably day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Neutral oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- ½ cup Onion minced
- 1-2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Beef bouillon powder
- 1 tablespoons Soy sauce
- Salt - to taste
- green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the butter: Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add oil.2 tablespoons Butter, 1 tablespoon Neutral oil
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the garlic and onion, cook for about a minute until softened and fragrant.2 cloves Garlic, ½ cup Onion
- Introduce the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and beef bullion or powder and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.1-2 tablespoons Tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Beef bouillon powder
- Incorporate the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and break it up with a fork or spatula for even distribution.3 cups Cooked white rice, 1 tablespoons Soy sauce
- Season and simmer: Season with soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.Salt - to taste
- Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add gren onions for garnish. Serve hot alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish.green onion for garnish
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Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture. Cold, slightly dried-out rice fries better and keeps the grains separate. Fresh rice can turn mushy.
- Cook the tomato paste briefly. Let it cook for about 30–60 seconds to deepen the color and flavor without burning.
- Adjust the color to your liking. For a deeper orange hue, add a little more tomato paste or a small pinch of paprika.
- Bouillon brands vary in saltiness. Taste before adding extra salt, especially if your bouillon or soy sauce is already salty.
- Make it vegetarian. Swap beef bouillon for vegetable bouillon and keep everything else the same.
- Best served hot. Java rice is most flavorful straight from the pan, especially with grilled or smoky dishes.
