Garlic Butter Rice is the ultimate cozy side dish that will make your tastebuds dance with joy! Imagine perfectly cooked rice infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, complemented by a hint of parsley. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic and butter blend to create an enticing aroma and taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry staples transform into a delicious dish effortlessly.
- Versatile Side Option: Pairs well with almost any main course, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
- Family Approved: This rice dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how these basic ingredients can transform into something so divine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the aromatic allure of garlic, making the Garlic Butter Rice truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the dish. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic imparts a robust and aromatic depth, elevating the rice to new heights.
- White Rice: Choose between long grain or basmati to offer a perfect, fluffy texture.
- Chicken Stock: Infuses the rice with savory notes that enhance its overall taste.
- Cooking Salt: Accentuates the flavors without being too bold.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the dish.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how you can tweak this versatile recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that Garlic Butter Rice can be a delightful experience for everyone.
- Herb Variation: Swap parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for a gentle heat.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Melt half of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. This step sets the flavor foundation for your Garlic Butter Rice.
Step 2: Add and Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan, stirring well for about 30 seconds or until the grains are translucent. Carefully pour in the chicken stock and add salt, then raise the heat to high. Once it starts to bubble, cover it with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Rice
- Perfect Sauté: Ensure the garlic is only lightly golden to prevent it from becoming bitter, which could impact the overall flavor.
- Rice Cooking Magic: Resist the urge to peek or stir during cooking; this ensures the rice remains fluffy and perfectly cooked.
- Butter Finish: Stir the remaining butter into the rice while it’s still hot to add an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Stock Selection: Use low-sodium stock to avoid over-salting. Adjust seasoning at the end if necessary.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice
Garnishes
Complete your Garlic Butter Rice with a touch of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This simple garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle herby flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with grilled chicken, beef, or sautéed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. The gentle flavors of the rice complement bold main dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, mold the rice using a small cup, then plate it in a mound with parsley sprinkled on top. It looks elegant and can turn any meal into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. A quick reheat in the microwave, and it’s ready to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rice in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave until heated through, or gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to restore its moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice for Garlic Butter Rice?
Brown rice isn’t recommended as it requires different cooking times and liquid ratios, but you can adapt by cooking it separately and then mixing it with the garlic butter.
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What if I don’t have chicken stock?
Feel free to use vegetable broth or dissolve a chicken stock cube in water as an alternative to keep the rich flavor intact.
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Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
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Can I prepare Garlic Butter Rice using a rice cooker?
Yes, you can start the sauté process on the stovetop and transfer everything to a rice cooker for a hands-off finish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Garlic Butter Rice as I am to share it with you! It’s hard to beat the comforting aroma and rich taste it brings to the table. Enjoy, and let your culinary adventures unfold!
Print
Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Description
This garlic rice recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates plain rice with buttery, aromatic garlic infused to perfection. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a standalone vegetarian option, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a comforting, fluffy texture every time.
Ingredients
Butter
- 50 – 75g/ 4 – 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (Note 1)
Garlic
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced (Note 2)
Rice
- 2 cups white rice (uncooked), long grain, medium grain, short grain (sushi rice), or basmati (Note 3)
Stock and Seasoning
- 3 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (or water with stock powder)
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
Herbs
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice. No need to rinse; the rice will be fluffy due to the proper liquid-to-rice ratio of 1.5 cups liquid for every 1 cup rice.
- Sauté garlic. Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once foamy, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until light golden, releasing its aroma.
- Coat the rice. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir for 30 seconds until the grains turn translucent, coating them well with the garlic butter.
- Simmer. Pour in the stock, add salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once bubbling, cover immediately and turn the heat down to low or medium low.
- Cook the rice. Let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Do not stir or lift the lid during cooking.
- Rest the rice. Remove from heat, tilt the saucepan to peek if water is absorbed, then keep the lid on and let rest for 10 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.
- Finish and serve. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in remaining butter until melted. Toss with chopped parsley, transfer to serving dish, garnish with extra parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of butter for taste; more butter for richer flavor.
- Minced garlic can be prepared with a knife or garlic press, the finer the better for sautéing.
- This recipe suits various types of white rice; do not use brown, wild, black rice, or cauliflower rice as they require different cooking methods.
- Using stock broth enhances flavor, but water with dissolved stock powder also works—adjust salt accordingly.
- Ensure the simmering liquid bubbles gently; too low heat results in undercooked rice.
- Prepared rice can be stored refrigerated for 2 days, reheated in the microwave, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
