Garlic Butter Rice is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s simple, yet incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect side dish or a base for your favorite proteins and veggies. The buttery, garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the table in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with just about anything, from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. Trust me, once you make this Garlic Butter Rice, it will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Garlic Butter Rice. First and foremost, the combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible flavor that elevates plain rice to something extraordinary. It’s not just a side dish; it can easily shine as the main attraction when topped with your favorite ingredients. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while yielding maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a gathering, Garlic Butter Rice is sure to impress your guests and satisfy hungry bellies.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 1/2 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed in a fine sieve and drained well
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (or up to 2 tablespoons for extra flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large saucepan: You’ll need this for cooking the rice.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients and preventing the rice from sticking.
- Fine sieve: Essential for rinsing the rice and ensuring it’s clean.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
Garlic Butter Rice: How It’s Done
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Begin by rinsing your chosen rice in a fine sieve under cold running water. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. Once rinsed, allow the rice to drain well.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the buttery onion and garlic mixture. Then, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Fluff and Finish
After the rice has cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Finally, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently to incorporate. If using, sprinkle in the minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Better Choices & Swaps
- For a vegan version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
- Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or sauté diced jalapeños with the onions.
Flavor Logic
The beauty of Garlic Butter Rice lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor created by just a few ingredients. The buttery richness balances the aromatic garlic and sweet onions, resulting in a harmonious dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. The use of low-sodium chicken broth adds a savory depth, while freshly ground black pepper introduces a subtle heat that rounds out the dish beautifully. This Garlic Butter Rice can complement a variety of meals, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Garlic Butter Rice makes for an excellent freezer-friendly meal prep option. To freeze, allow the rice to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore its moisture.
Reader Q&A
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve Garlic Butter Rice with?
Garlic Butter Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even seafood. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried dishes or use it as a base for a rice bowl topped with your favorite proteins and veggies.
Can I make this rice in advance?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and it will taste just as good!
Is it possible to make this recipe with less garlic?
Yes, if you prefer a milder garlic flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of minced garlic to suit your taste. You can start with 1 tablespoon and adjust from there.
Serve with These
Wrap-Up
Garlic Butter Rice is a delightful side dish that captivates the senses with its rich flavors and comforting texture. This recipe not only showcases the beauty of simple ingredients but also provides the versatility to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to complement a main dish or create a hearty meal in itself, Garlic Butter Rice delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, filling your home with warmth and delicious aromas. I hope you give this Garlic Butter Rice a try and enjoy every savory bite!
Garlic Butter Rice
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice rinsed in a fine sieve and drained well
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (or up to 2 tablespoons for extra flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 1 tablespoon pieces, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing your chosen rice in a fine sieve under cold running water. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. Once rinsed, allow the rice to drain well.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the buttery onion and garlic mixture. Then, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- After the rice has cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Finally, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently to incorporate. If using, sprinkle in the minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
- Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
