Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Rice recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. The combination of aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and rich butter creates a tender, fluffy rice that’s both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained well
• 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.25 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers and coats the bottom of the pan.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté gently until the onion becomes soft and golden with caramelized edges.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic quickly to release its aroma without burning it, creating a fragrant base.
4. Step 4: Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring to a rolling boil.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed rice carefully to the boiling broth, stir gently to distribute evenly, then cover the pan with a snug-fitting lid.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing it to absorb the broth and become tender.
7. Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to let moisture distribute evenly.
8. Step 8: Add the remaining butter pieces, then fluff the rice gently with a fork until glossy and well combined.
9. Step 9: Transfer the garlic butter rice to a serving dish and sprinkle with minced fresh parsley if desired for a fresh color and flavor boost.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising flavor.
• Use jasmine rice for a more fragrant and slightly sticky texture, or long grain rice for fluffier results.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
• To add extra depth, try mixing in a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds when fluffing the rice.

Storage

Store leftover garlic butter rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the rice fluffy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check the rice for doneness.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents the grains from sticking together, resulting in a fluffier texture. It’s recommended for best results.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

This Garlic Butter Rice recipe offers a rich and aromatic side dish featuring fluffy long grain or jasmine rice cooked in low-sodium chicken broth with sautéed onions, garlic, and creamy butter. Perfect as a flavorful accompaniment to any meal, the rice is tender, buttery, and enhanced with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 1.5 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained well
• 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Aromatics

• 0.25 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic

Seasonings and Finishing

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Prepare a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat until it shimmers and evenly coats the bottom of the pan.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the melted butter and sauté gently until the onion becomes soft, golden brown, and caramelized around the edges.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic quickly to release its aroma without burning it, creating a fragrant base for the rice.
4. Add Broth and Season: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the saucepan, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Add Rice: Carefully add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth, stir gently to distribute the rice evenly, then cover immediately with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Simmer Rice: Reduce heat to the lowest setting and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until it absorbs all the broth and becomes tender and fluffy.
7. Rest Rice: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5-10 minutes to allow moisture to distribute and the grains to settle properly.
8. Finish with Butter and Fluff: Add the remaining butter pieces and gently fold the rice with a fork to fluff and coat it with buttery glossiness.
9. Serve: Transfer the garlic butter rice to a serving dish and optionally garnish with minced fresh parsley to add color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering to prevent steam from escaping.
• Optional fresh parsley adds a nice herbal brightness but can be omitted if not available.
• For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegan butter.

Keywords: garlic butter rice, buttery rice, easy rice recipe, stovetop rice, side dish, garlic rice