Garlic Butter Rice

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Fluffy, savory, and infused with rich flavor, garlic butter rice is the ultimate comfort side dish that turns even the simplest dinner into something crave-worthy. This easy rice dish combines the nutty aroma of golden garlic with the indulgence of melted butter, giving plain rice an irresistible twist. It’s fast enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to serve with a roasted main for guests.

Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, vegetables, or saucy stews, garlic butter rice is the unsung hero that deserves the spotlight on your table. It takes pantry staples and turns them into something memorable, with very little effort. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a go-to meal prep essential.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Rice

This recipe takes less than 25 minutes start to finish, which means you can pull it off even on your busiest evenings. It uses simple ingredients but packs deep, buttery garlic flavor that never overwhelms. The rice is tender, fluffy, and perfectly savory. It’s naturally vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free if needed. Plus, it complements just about anything you serve it with, from lemon chicken to roasted salmon.

What Kind of Rice Works Best?

Long grain white rice is the go-to for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and non-sticky, allowing each grain to absorb the butter and garlic beautifully. Basmati or jasmine rice work particularly well for added fragrance. If you want a slightly nutty texture, you could try it with brown rice, but be prepared for a longer cooking time and a firmer bite.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Rice

This recipe leans on everyday staples but delivers standout flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Long grain white rice
• Butter
• Garlic
• Chicken broth or water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Long grain white rice is perfect for keeping each grain separate and fluffy, creating the ideal texture.

Butter is the heart of this recipe, bringing that rich, comforting flavor that coats every bite.

Garlic, freshly minced, gets sautéed until golden to infuse the butter with deep flavor.

Chicken broth or water is the cooking liquid; broth adds an extra layer of savory depth, but water works in a pinch.

Salt and black pepper season the rice simply but effectively.

Fresh parsley, chopped and sprinkled on top, adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch so the final dish is fluffy, not sticky.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the garlic butter. Stir well to coat the grains and toast them slightly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds flavor and helps the rice cook up light and separate.

Step 4: Add the Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth or water, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff and Garnish

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Rice

This recipe serves about 4 people as a side dish and is just as lovely hot off the stove as it is reheated the next day. To store leftovers, transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also freeze it in freezer bags for up to 2 months and reheat straight from frozen.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Rice?

Grilled Lemon Chicken

The citrus brightness of grilled chicken balances the richness of the rice beautifully.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A ladle of creamy mushrooms over garlic rice? Heaven in a bowl.

Roasted Vegetables

Try it with seasonal roasted veggies for a light and healthy meal.

Crispy Salmon Fillets

Flaky salmon pairs perfectly with the buttery base.

Pan-Seared Tofu

For a vegetarian option, garlicky rice and golden tofu are a match made in weeknight dinner heaven.

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

The luxurious sauce from the salmon complements the rice’s buttery flavor.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

If you’re making this rice as a side, it also pairs well with casserole dishes like this one.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Use naan to scoop up the rice and turn it into a comforting, hearty bite.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you’re loving this garlic butter rice, check out these flavorful sides to upgrade any meal:

• French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Easy Homemade Naan Bread
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe
• Roasted Asparagus Recipe
• The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how you served yours! Did you make it spicy? Add a splash of lemon juice? Maybe a handful of peas?

I love seeing your variations and helping each other with fresh ideas for weeknight sides.

Explore beautifully curated dinner favorites and health-boosting comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic butter rice is a weeknight staple you’ll want to keep in your rotation. It’s budget-friendly, ultra-comforting, and pairs with just about everything. Whether you dress it up with herbs and lemon or keep it classic, this recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over again.

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