This Easy Savory Garlic Butter Rice is a simple side dish that’s full of flavor. With just a few ingredients like rice, garlic, and butter, it’s both tasty and quick to make!
I love pairing this rice with almost any meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, the garlic smell makes the kitchen feel cozy—everyone will come running to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is great for this recipe. Jasmine or basmati adds a lovely aroma. If you’re avoiding white rice, try brown rice, but remember to adjust cooking times, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water will boost flavor. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth. Homemade broth adds an extra touch, but store-bought works just fine!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch. If you’re sensitive to garlic, try using shallots for a milder flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can switch it for olive oil if you want a lighter option or need a dairy-free version.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried parsley will do in a pinch, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Get Perfectly Fluffy Rice?
Achieving fluffy rice can be a bit tricky, but following these steps will help. Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy. After rinsing, ensure the rice gets a coating of the garlic butter.
- Melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant but not burned.
- Stir the rinsed rice into the pot and allow it to cook for a couple of minutes to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Make sure to bring the water or broth to a full boil before reducing the heat. A tight-fitting lid is important, too.
- Let it rest after cooking — this is key for fluffy texture!
Fluff it gently with a fork for the best results. Enjoy your perfect garlic butter rice!
Easy Savory Garlic Butter Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to have a delicious garlic butter rice ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice gently under cold water. This helps to remove excess starch, which will prevent it from becoming gummy. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice well.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Just be careful not to burn the garlic—burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Prepare the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the rice with the garlic butter mixture. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help enhance the flavor.
4. Add Liquid and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to pour in the water or chicken broth. Add in the salt and black pepper, then give everything a gentle stir to combine. This will bring all the flavors together!
5. Cook the Rice:
Increase the heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Rest and Fluff:
Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps it finish cooking and become fluffy. After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your garlic butter rice with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for some extra flavor and color. Serve it warm as a savory side dish with chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables. Enjoy!
FAQ About Easy Savory Garlic Butter Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Instead of 15-18 minutes, you’ll need to simmer it for about 40-45 minutes. You may need to increase the amount of liquid to about 2.5 cups as well.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Rice?
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice and heat it in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice up to a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, and consider adding a bit more butter or broth to revive the flavors.
What Can I Add to Enhance the Flavor?
For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or peas when cooking the rice. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for a cheesy twist!
