Garlic Butter Rice

by Yvette Marquez on November 5, 2023 (updated April 23, 2024)

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This quick and simple Garlic Butter Rice recipe requires just 4 staple ingredients and pairs beautifully with so many dishes.

Imagine the aromatic warmth of golden, sautéed garlic as it melds with rich, creamy butter, wrapping each grain of rice in a blanket of flavorful decadence before being topped with crispy garlic slices. This isn’t just any ordinary bowl of rice — my butter garlic rice recipe is a celebration of flavorful simplicity.

closeup overhead shot of garlic butter rice topped with golden garlic chips and green onions.

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Whether you’re serving up sizzling fajitas, succulent grilled meats, cozy Brazilian feijoada, or even your abuela’s cherished mole, this garlic rice is the perfect side dish. Plus, it’s a snap to make and is SO inexpensive. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Amigos, prepare to fall in love with a recipe that is as effortless as it is delicious. Here’s why this buttery garlic rice recipe is about to become a cherished addition to your weeknight repertoire:

Quick & Easy: In the time it takes to say “delicioso“, you can whip up a batch of the tastiest garlic buttered rice you’ve ever tried! Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free side, this recipe won’t keep you tethered to the stove for hours.
Versatile: Think of this garlic and butter rice as your culinary canvas! From pairing it with spicy enchiladas to complementing a savory roast or even a zesty shrimp stir-fry, its mild buttery-garlic flavor blends with a vast array of dishes.
Made With Only 4 Ingredients: Simplicity is the soul of elegance, and this garlicky butter rice recipe epitomizes just that. All you need are four kitchen staples, and you’re on your way to creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this garlic rice recipe. Here’s what to grab:

Butter – You can use either salted or unsalted, but adjust your added salt accordingly. You’re also welcome to trade in plant-based butter if you are dairy-free.
White Basmati Rice – Any long-grain white rice will work here, but I find the fragrant perfume of basmati absolutely intoxicating. You’re also welcome to trade in brown rice for an added dose of fiber and nutrients, but please note that the cook time is about twice as long.
Chicken Broth – Store-bought or homemade will both work fabulously. You’re also welcome to use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian side!
Green Onions – Use both the white and green parts for the best flavor and color.

How To Make Buttery Garlic Rice

This butter and garlic rice couldn’t be easier to make if it tried. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Fry Garlic Slices. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic slices and sauté, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.

bulb of garlic sitting next to a pile of golden, crispy garlic chips draining on a paper towel.

Step 2: Sauté Minced Garlic. Add butter and minced garlic until the garlic starts to turn light golden brown and the butter is melted.

Step 3: Toast Rice. Add rice, stir to coat in garlic butter for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

Step 4: Simmer. Add broth and bring it to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 17 minutes covered or until liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Rest. Remove from heat but leave lid on. Rest for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Fluff & Serve. Fluff with a fork and add crispy garlic slices and green onions. Taste, and season with salt if needed.

flat lay shot of garlic butter rice in a dutch oven before adding scallions or garlic chips.

Optional Variations

There’s more than one way how to make garlic rice. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegan – If you want to make dairy-free garlic butter rice, simply trade in vegetarian stock and plant-based butter. BOOM!
Brown Rice with Garlic & Butter – Up the nutritional ante by swapping in brown rice for the basmati. Just note that it’ll take about twice as long to cook as white rice.
Extra Zesty – Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of chopped cilantro for an added burst of color and flavor.

Expert Tips

Making this garlic butter rice is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate it from good to gourmet. Here we go:

Golden Garlic: When sautéing your garlic, keep a close watch to ensure it turns a beautiful golden brown. Those crispy garlic chips are little bites of heaven, but they can quickly turn from perfectly crisped to burnt in a matter of seconds. A burnt garlic taste can overshadow the buttery goodness, so keep an eagle eye on it!
Rice Selection: Opt for a long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine. They are less starchy than short-grain varieties and will give you a fluffier result, with each grain standing distinct and proud.
Butter Quality: Not all butters are made equal. Use a good-quality, preferably European-style salted butter to get the most rich, creamy taste.
Rinse & Repeat: Before cooking the rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy or clumpy.
Rest & Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid on, then fluff it with a fork. This allows the steam to distribute evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked grains.
Seasoning Check: Always taste and adjust your seasoning. While the garlic and butter will bring a lot of flavors, a final check for salt and pepper balance will ensure your dish is spot on.

turquoise dutch oven filled with garlic butter rice and topped with sliced scallions and garlic chips.

Storage Instructions

First, allow your rice to cool down to room temperature. However, for food safety’s sake, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. Once cooled, transfer your rice to an airtight container; this ensures it remains moist and prevents it from becoming stale. Stored properly, your rice will stay delicious for 3-4 days.

A word of caution: rice is best reheated only once. So, when you’re ready for another serving, only reheat the amount you’ll eat. Here’s how:

Microwave Method: Scoop your rice into a microwave-friendly bowl and sprinkle a few drops of water or add a tiny dab of butter to keep it moist. Cover with a microwaveable lid or plate, but ensure a small gap for steam to vent. Warm it up using medium power, taking it out at 30-second intervals to give it a stir, and continue until it’s heated evenly.
Stovetop Method: Add your rice to a saucepan and introduce a splash of water or a bit of butter for moisture. Gently warm it over a low to medium flame, stirring now and then until it’s just right.
Steaming Method: If you’re equipped with a steamer, it’s a fantastic way to bring your rice back to life and restore the rice’s natural fluffiness.

Serve warm and enjoy every buttery bite! 🍚🔥

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with garlic butter rice? Here are a few fun serving suggestions that’ll complement this scrumptious side:

Taco Night Sidekick: Elevate your taco night by serving this rice as a gourmet side dish. Its rich, buttery texture balances the spices of traditional Mexican fillings like carne asada or carnitas.
Mexican Rice Bowl: Create a Mexican-inspired rice bowl by topping a few scoops with black beans, grilled corn, avocado slices, pico de gallo, a dollop of crema Mexicana or sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro. For added protein, throw in some shredded chicken or cooked shrimp.
Burrito Bonanza: Use this garlic and butter rice as a creamy, flavorful base for your burrito bowls. Complement with other fillings like refried beans, cheese, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. The garlic and butter flavors will add a new dimension to each bite.
Savory Arancini: Give your leftover garlic butter rice a twist by making Mexican-inspired arancini. Mix in some queso quesadilla, roll into balls, dip in beaten egg, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden. Serve with a side of salsa or a creamy avocado dip.
Soup Accompaniment: Serve a scoop of of this allium-flecked rice in a bowl of caldo de pollo to add a satisfying richness and heartiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes! Try a brown basmati rice that has a higher fiber content for all you health conscious folks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as brown rice generally takes longer to cook.

What does adding butter to rice do?

In essence, butter enriches rice both in terms of taste and texture, making it more savory and indulgent.

More Tasty Side Dish Recipes

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