This tasty garlic butter rice is a lovely side dish that everyone enjoys! Made with rice, butter, and a punch of garlic, it’s simple yet flavorful.
I like to make a big batch because it pairs well with almost anything. Plus, the smell of garlic cooking is just heavenly! You’ll catch yourself smiling the whole time you cook it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is great for this recipe as it cooks up fluffy. You could use jasmine or basmati rice too for a nice aroma. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice works but will require a longer cooking time.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth adds depth of flavor. However, you can easily replace it with vegetable broth or plain water if you want to keep it vegetarian or don’t have broth on hand.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can do the trick without losing that yummy taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is perfect here, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon per clove). Just add it when you pour in the liquid to avoid burning.
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so cooking it right is key. Here’s how to do this safely:
- Use medium heat when melting the butter to control the cooking speed.
- Add minced garlic just as the butter is melted, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes only—enough to release its aroma.
- Keep an eye on the garlic. If it starts to brown, lower the heat immediately.
This technique will help you achieve that lovely garlic flavor without the bitterness!
Easy Savory Garlic Butter Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, plus an additional 5 minutes to rest. Altogether, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch and helps keep your rice fluffy!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure it doesn’t brown—just let it melt slightly and get bubbly.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. Keep an eye on it as garlic can burn quickly!
4. Add the Rice:
Now, add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir it around to coat the rice evenly with the garlic butter. This adds great flavor to every grain!
5. Pour in the Liquid:
Next, pour in the water or chicken broth and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir to combine.
6. Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid by the end of this time.
7. Let it Rest:
Remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish cooking and become fluffy.
8. Fluff the Rice:
After the resting period, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. This step helps prevent it from becoming mushy!
9. Season to Taste:
Add freshly ground black pepper and adjust the salt if needed. Mix gently to incorporate the seasoning.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your delicious garlic butter rice warm as a perfect savory side dish to any meal!
Enjoy every bite of your flavorful, fluffy garlic butter rice! 😊
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 it will require a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes. Be sure to increase the liquid to 2.5 cups for brown rice, as it absorbs more than white rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Rice?
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of water to add moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil, olive oil, or a vegan butter alternative. This will still give you a rich flavor without the dairy.
What Can I Add to Customize This Rice?
Feel free to mix in vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added color and nutrition. You can also add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp to turn it into a complete meal!
