Heavenly Fluffy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe For Dinner Magic

Steaming rice infused with garlic butter creates a mouthwatering side dish that elevates any meal.

This simple yet delectable garlic butter rice packs incredible flavor into every single bite.

Fragrant garlic melts into creamy butter, coating each fluffy rice grain with rich, savory goodness.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples.

The golden-brown edges add a delightful crispy texture that makes this rice irresistible.

Let’s transform your next meal with this irresistible rice that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Rice

• Purify the Rice

Rinse your rice under cold water until the liquid turns crystal clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents clumping.

• Unleash the Garlic Aroma

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and dance it around for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance.

• Toast the Grains

Introduce rice to the buttery garlic playground. Stir and swirl the grains, letting them toast and become golden for a quick 1-2 minutes.

• Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a tasty liquid blanket for your rice.

• Gentle Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the rice cuddle and cook for 15-18 minutes. Wait patiently until the grains become tender and absorb all the liquid.

• Final Touch

Take the pan off heat, let it rest quietly for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, scatter some fresh parsley and optional Parmesan on top, then serve immediately.

Tips to Add Flavor to Garlic Butter Rice

• Garlic Butter Rice Mastery: Elevate Your Dish
• Butter Brilliance: Use high-quality unsalted butter for richer, more sophisticated flavor that doesn't overpower the delicate garlic notes.
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create unique flavor profiles that complement the garlic butter base.
• Dietary Flexibility: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth, making it suitable for plant-based diets without sacrificing taste.
• Texture Trick: For extra fluffy rice, let the cooked rice rest for exactly 5 minutes after cooking, allowing steam to distribute evenly and create perfect, separated grains.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by mixing in rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu to turn this side dish into a complete meal with added protein and excitement.

Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

• Dinner Party Companion: Pair this garlic butter rice with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or sautéed shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, add a dollop of herb butter, or top with toasted pine nuts for an elevated and exciting texture experience.
• Quick Side Dish Twist: Transform this rice into a one-pot meal by adding cooked vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 4

Easy Garlic Butter Rice Ingredient List

• Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and fluffy results, ensuring clean and high-quality grains for perfect cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep flavor and moisture, selecting low-sodium varieties allows better control of overall dish seasoning.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers robust flavor, selecting firm and plump cloves without green sprouts ensures maximum taste intensity.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy undertone, using unsalted butter helps manage salt levels in the final dish.

• Salt: Balances and highlights other flavors, using fine sea salt ensures even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbaceous note and beautiful green color, choosing crisp and vibrant leaves enhances visual appeal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional ingredient that contributes nutty, salty dimension, selecting freshly grated produces superior melting and flavor.

Tools for Garlic Butter Rice Cooking

• Medium saucepan: Essential for sautéing garlic and cooking rice, with a sturdy base for even heat distribution.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice and mixing ingredients gently.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for precise liquid and rice measurements.
• Cutting board: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for finely mincing garlic and chopping herbs.

Save and Reheat Garlic Butter Rice

• Meal Planning & Storage Magic
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Cook extra rice and store in airtight containers for quick lunches or side dishes throughout the week. Refrigerated rice stays fresh for 4-5 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Transfer cooled rice into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Flat-packed rice can be frozen up to 1 month, providing convenient future meal shortcuts.
• Reheating Rescue Method: Sprinkle a tablespoon of water or broth over cold rice before microwaving. Cover with a damp paper towel to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir halfway through heating for even temperature distribution.
• Smart Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining rice into quick fried rice, rice balls, or as a base for grain bowls. Adding fresh herbs, proteins, or vegetables instantly elevates the original dish into a brand new meal experience.

Fluffy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rice infused with garlic butter elevates simple grains into a delectable side dish. Fragrant herbs and rich butter create a memorable accompaniment that home cooks will savor alongside main courses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 mL) chicken broth or water
• 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works best)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Unsalted butter (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse rice under cool water until liquid turns clear, minimizing starch content and ensuring pristine grains.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in medium saucepan over moderate heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Toasting Technique: Add rice kernels to butter-garlic mixture, carefully coating grains and allowing them to develop a delicate golden complexion through gentle toasting.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into pan, season with salt and pepper, then increase heat to trigger a vigorous boil, creating a flavorful cooking environment.
5. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover saucepan tightly, and let rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing grains to absorb liquid and achieve perfect tenderness.
6. Resting and Finishing: Remove from heat, keep covered for additional 5 minutes to complete moisture absorption, then fluff rice with fork to create light, airy texture.
7. Final Flourish: Gently fold in freshly chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, serving the aromatic rice while still warm and inviting.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Use cold water and stir gently to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy and sticky texture during cooking.
• Butter Browning Technique: Sauté garlic slowly over medium heat to develop rich, nutty flavors without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
• Liquid-to-Rice Ratio: Maintain precise measurements of broth to rice for perfect moisture and fluffy consistency, typically 2:1 ratio works best for most rice varieties.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow rice to sit covered after cooking to redistribute moisture evenly, ensuring each grain absorbs liquid and becomes perfectly tender without becoming mushy.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg