Short Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Rice is a rich, flavorful side dish made with fragrant garlic, buttery goodness, and perfectly fluffy rice. It’s a quick and versatile recipe that pairs well with just about any main course, from grilled meats to stir-fries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with buttery, garlicky flavor
- Simple and quick—ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect as a side for almost any meal
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (or water for a vegetarian option)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Directions
- Rinse the Rice – Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- Sauté the Garlic – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toast the Rice – Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the garlic butter.
- Add Liquid – Pour in chicken broth (or water) and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve – Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused: Add thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Garlic Rice: Stir in shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Lemon Garlic Rice: Stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes and add extra liquid.
How do I prevent the rice from being sticky?
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and avoid stirring too much.
What’s the best type of rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati rice work best for a fluffy texture.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the garlic in butter separately, then add it to the rice cooker along with the rice and liquid.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use ½ teaspoon for every clove of garlic.
What main dishes pair well with garlic butter rice?
Grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, stir-fried vegetables, or roasted tofu.
How do I make the rice extra fluffy?
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff gently with a fork.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers make great additions.
Can I use butter substitutes?
Yes! Olive oil, ghee, or plant-based butter work well.
What if my rice turns out too dry?
Add a splash of broth or butter while reheating to restore moisture.
Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Butter Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether you serve it with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables, it’s a foolproof recipe that delivers on taste and texture. Give it a try and elevate your side dish game with this buttery, garlicky goodness!
PrintEasy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe (Flavor Packed!!)
This Garlic Butter Rice is rich, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make. With buttery, toasted garlic and fluffy rice, it’s the perfect side for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted veggies. It’s a one-pot, no-fail recipe that adds big flavor to any meal!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works best)
2 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
-
Rinse the rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
-
Sauté the garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
-
Toast the rice:
- Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly toasted.
-
Cook the rice:
- Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or until the liquid is absorbed).
-
Fluff & serve:
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in an additional ½ tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use brown rice: Increase the liquid to 2 ½ cups and cook for 40 minutes.
- Pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or roasted veggies.