Garlic Butter Rice is an irresistible side dish that will have you scraping the pot for every last grain. Imagine fluffy rice infused with the warmth of garlic and the richness of butter, all tied together with a subtle hint of chicken stock. It’s a symphony of flavors wrapped up in a bowl, and it’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless elegance: This dish is straightforward to prepare, yet it delivers restaurant-quality results.
- Versatile sidekick: Pairs beautifully with almost any main dish, from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
- Flavor powerhouse: With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll achieve a flavor profile that’s rich and layered.
- Kid-friendly: Its buttery, savory aroma will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Rice lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this savory masterpiece. Every component, from the aromatic garlic to the subtle, rich butter, works in harmony to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Unsalted butter: Choose quality unsalted butter to control the seasoning and enhance the rice’s creamy texture.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is key for capturing the robust aroma and flavors without overpowering the dish.
- White rice: Long grain, medium grain, or basmati rice are perfect for achieving that fluffy consistency we’ve all come to adore.
- Chicken stock/broth: Opt for low-sodium stock to absorb all those savory notes without overwhelming saltiness.
- Parsley: Adds a dash of color and freshness, making the dish pop visually and taste even more vibrant.
Variations
The adaptability of Garlic Butter Rice means it can easily transform to fit any dietary preference or to simply mix up the flavors. Here are some delightful ways to tweak the recipe and make it your own!
- Lemon zest: For a citrusy twist, add a bit of lemon zest to brighten up the flavor profile.
- Sautéed onions: Include some sautéed onions for an additional layer of sweet and savory goodness.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for an equally satisfying vegetarian version.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about 30 seconds. You’re looking for a light golden color that indicates it’s releasing its flavors without burning.
Step 2: Coat the Rice
Stir in the rice, allowing it to coat in the butter-garlic mixture. This step takes about 30 seconds and is crucial for infusing every grain with that luscious garlic flavor and ensuring a translucent sheen.
Step 3: Simmer
Add the chicken stock and salt, and turn the heat up to high. Once the water starts to bubble, promptly cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer untouched for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Let It Rest
After cooking, keep the lid on and take the saucepan off the heat. Let it rest for 10 minutes, which provides time for all flavors to meld beautifully and ensures fluffy rice.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork, folding in the remaining butter and parsley until it’s well combined and the butter has melted through. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Rice
- Perfect Simmering: Ensure the water is gently bubbling when you cover the pot, which is key for even rice cooking.
- Garlic to Aroma: Don’t overheat the garlic; keeping it slightly golden allows it to infuse the butter without bitterness.
- Parsley Freshness: Add parsley at the end to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste, increasing the dish’s appeal.
- Stock Matters: Using homemade chicken stock can lift your rice flavor to new highs, offering a deeply rooted savoriness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top or add a dash of Parmesan for an extra cheesy delight. A splash of lemon zest can also elevate the presentation and flavor in seconds.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Rice is marvelously versatile, pairing well with grilled chicken, seared salmon, and even a hearty beef stew. Its subtle flavors and creamy texture make it the perfect complement to bolder tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a small ramekin or measuring cup to mold the rice into neat, compact servings for a professionally plated look. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and extra garnish for a splash of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Garlic Butter Rice remains fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its flavor and consistency beautifully.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rice for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely and then seal it in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating
Reheat your Garlic Butter Rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to regain its moist texture. Alternatively, use the stovetop by adding a touch more butter to revive its fresh, buttery aroma.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
While you can use brown rice, I recommend following a different method since brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid.
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Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing is optional for this recipe because the correct liquid-to-rice ratio is already ensuring fluffy rice. However, if rinsing is your habit, adjust by reducing the liquid slightly.
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Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding peas, carrots, or even bell peppers could contribute additional flavor and color, just mix them in during the final fluff.
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What is the best way to melt the butter in the rice?
After resting, simply fluff the rice gently with a fork to get the butter evenly dispersed, letting it melt smoothly as you mix through.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Garlic Butter Rice yet, you’re missing out on a family favorite you’ll cherish. Effortless to make, yet packed with deep, savory flavors, this dish is a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients that come together in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a whirl and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
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 flavorful garlic rice recipe elevates simple white rice with the rich aroma of sautéed garlic and a buttery finish. Perfect as a side dish or base for a variety of mains, it’s quick to prepare and guarantees fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50 – 75g / 4 – 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 cups white rice (uncooked, long grain, medium grain, short grain, or basmati)
- 3 cups chicken stock or low sodium broth
- 3/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- No rinse: Do not rinse the rice; measure the water based on the original rice-to-liquid ratio of 1.5 cups liquid per 1 cup rice for fluffy results.
- Sauté garlic: Melt half of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once foamy, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it turns light golden, releasing its aroma.
- Coat rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir for 30 seconds until the grains turn translucent, coating them evenly in garlic butter.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and add salt. Turn the heat up to high until the mixture starts bubbling, then immediately cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low (or medium low if needed).
- Cook rice: Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring; this allows the grains to absorb the liquid properly.
- Rest: After cooking, tilt the saucepan to check if the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest for 10 minutes to finish steaming and fluff the rice.
- Finish: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the remaining butter until melted. Mix in chopped parsley for a fresh flavor, then transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the rice quantity for scalable servings, but do not cook less than 1 cup of rice at a time for best results.
- For a richer flavor, use more butter, but the minimum provides a tasty, balanced dish.
- Use any type of white rice listed; brown or wild rice are not suitable unless you adapt cooking times and methods.
- If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for best results; freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
