Garlic Butter Rice

5 (2 ratings)

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

Prep Time5

Cook Time21

Resting Time10

Total Time36

Course: side, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Brazilian, Mexican

Servings:

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.
Add butter and minced garlic until the garlic starts to turn light golden brown and the butter is melted.
Add rice, stir to coat in garlic butter for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
Add broth, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium low and simmer for 15 to 17 minutes covered or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat but leave lid on. Rest for 10 minutes.
Fluff with fork and add crispy garlic slices and green onions. Taste, and season with salt if needed.

There’s more than one way 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:

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.