Irresistible Garlic Butter Rice Recipe: A Tasty Side Dish

Steaming hot rice drenched in golden garlic butter creates a mouthwatering side dish that instantly sparks culinary excitement.

This simple yet incredible garlic butter rice recipe delivers rich, aromatic flavors in just minutes.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of savory notes and buttery smoothness.

The combination of fragrant garlic and perfectly cooked rice turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients come together with maximum impact, ensuring a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to almost any main course.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this irresistible rice that sings with buttery, garlicky goodness.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those moments when comfort food calls.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Garlic Butter Rice

• Chicken Broth: Liquid gold that infuses deep, savory flavor into every grain, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice works best, rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch for perfectly separated grains.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that creates a flavor foundation, choose fresh garlic with firm, plump cloves and smooth onion skin for maximum taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors that awaken and balance the overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for extra zest.

• Butter: Silky ingredient that transforms simple rice into a luxurious side dish, select high-quality unsalted butter for pure, clean flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish that adds a fresh, herbal pop and visual appeal, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools That Make Garlic Butter Rice Simple

• Large saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice and sautéing ingredients evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Chef's knife: Needed for finely chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Lid: Tight-fitting to cover the saucepan during rice cooking.
• Fork: Used for fluffing the rice after cooking.

Cooking Garlic Rice That’s Full of Flavor

• Butter Base

Grab a large saucepan and transform butter into a golden, bubbling landscape over medium heat. Watch as the butter melts smoothly and creates a rich foundation for your culinary adventure.

• Onion Transformation

Introduce finely chopped yellow onions into the melted butter. Let them dance and sizzle, turning soft and slightly golden after about 3 minutes, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Garlic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan, allowing it to mingle with the onions. Stir gently for one minute, creating a fragrant cloud that signals the start of something delicious.

• Liquid Infusion

Pour chicken broth into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a flavorful liquid blanket for the rice.

• Rice Settlement

Add rinsed rice to the boiling liquid, give a quick stir, then cover with a snug lid. Lower the heat and let the rice simmer peacefully for 15-18 minutes until it absorbs all the liquid.

• Resting Period

Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest, allowing it to settle and become perfectly fluffy for 5-10 minutes.

• Butter Finale

Introduce remaining butter, gently tossing and fluffing the rice with a fork. This final touch adds a luxurious sheen and rich flavor.

• Serving Suggestion

Transfer the glistening garlic butter rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy the aromatic creation.

Additions and Variations for Garlic Butter Rice

• Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives into the rice for a vibrant, aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile.
• Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Stir in grated parmesan, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta during the final butter toss for extra richness and depth.
• Fold in roasted bell peppers, caramelized mushrooms, or sautéed spinach to add nutrition and color to the rice.

Serve Garlic Butter Rice with Anything

• Flavor Companions: Pair this buttery, garlicky rice with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or seared fish for a delightful main course combination.
• Herb Elevation: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and extra layer of flavor that complements the rich garlic butter base.
• Texture Enhancement: Top the rice with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that makes each bite more interesting and satisfying.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining rice into a quick fried rice the next day by adding scrambled eggs, diced vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce for a completely new meal experience.

Rice Storage Tips That Actually Work

• Meal Timing Magic: Best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the butter melts and garlic notes are most vibrant, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed, maintaining its delectable flavor profile.
• Reheating Revival Technique: Sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving to restore moisture. Alternatively, warm gently in a skillet with a small pat of butter, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and refresh the garlic butter essence.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Can be frozen flat in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Separate into single-serving portions for easy thawing and quick meal preparation, ensuring you always have a delicious side dish ready to go.

Buttery Garlic Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory garlic butter rice delivers a comforting side dish with rich, aromatic flavors. Fragrant herbs and golden butter elevate simple rice into a delectable companion for many main courses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) long grain white or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained well
• 2.5 cups (590 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1 tbsp pieces
• 0.25 cup (40 g) finely chopped yellow onion
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) minced garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate finely chopped yellow onion, cooking until edges caramelize and pieces turn golden and translucent.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the buttery mixture, stirring swiftly to prevent burning while releasing its rich, pungent fragrance throughout the pan.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the saucepan, seasoning with salt and pepper, then escalate heat to achieve a vigorous boil that promises deep flavor development.
4. Rice Immersion: Introduce rinsed rice to the bubbling broth, giving a quick, gentle stir to ensure even distribution, then immediately seal with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and heat.
5. Gentle Simmering: Reduce heat to its absolute minimum, allowing rice to absorb liquid gradually for 15-18 minutes, creating perfectly tender and fluffy grains with minimal intervention.
6. Resting and Finishing: Remove from heat, let rice rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to equalize moisture, then fold in remaining butter using a fork to create a glossy, luxurious texture.
7. Presentation: Transfer the fragrant garlic butter rice to a serving dish, optionally adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual and flavor accent.

Notes

• Butter Precision: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control and salt balance.
• Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds of sautéing to prevent burning and maintain its delicate, aromatic flavor.
• Liquid Ratio: Always use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.
• Resting Magic: Never skip the resting period after cooking, as it allows moisture to distribute evenly and prevents clumpy, sticky rice.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg