Easy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe (Extra Flavorful!)
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If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this garlic butter rice will be your new go-to! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with just about any meal. The rich garlic and butter flavors make this rice a family favorite, and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests—no one can resist its savory goodness.
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Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Rice
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A Simple Yet Flavorful Side Dish: This garlic butter rice is a perfect way to elevate any meal with minimal effort. The savory butter and garlic infusion ensures every bite is bursting with delicious flavor.
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Quick and Easy to Make: With just 5 minutes of prep and 22 minutes of cooking, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
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Perfectly Tender Rice Every Time: The stovetop method guarantees perfectly tender rice without any fuss. The moisture from the water, combined with the buttery goodness, results in rice that’s flavorful and fluffy.
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Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re serving it with chicken, beef, or vegetables, this garlic butter rice complements just about any dish. Plus, you can tweak the flavor by adding extra herbs or spices to suit your tastes.
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A Hit with the Whole Family: It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love! The familiar garlic and butter combo is always a winner, and it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables or proteins alongside.
Ingredients For Garlic Butter Rice
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Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth to the rice, creating a smooth, buttery texture.
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Long-Grain White Rice – This variety of rice provides the perfect fluffy texture that holds up well to the garlic and butter.
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Water – Helps cook the rice and dissolves the chicken bouillon, giving the dish its savory flavor.
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Chicken Bouillon Paste – A concentrated base that enhances the flavor of the rice, adding a savory, umami kick.
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Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic imparts an aromatic fragrance and bold flavor, making the rice extra delicious.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Garlic Butter Rice
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Non-stick frying pan – Ensures the rice doesn’t stick to the pan while cooking, allowing for easy stirring.
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Measuring cup – For accurately measuring the water to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.
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Measuring spoon – For precise measurement of the chicken bouillon paste.
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Spatula – Helps stir the rice and prevents it from sticking or burning, ensuring even cooking.
How To Make Garlic Butter Rice
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Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become bubbly.
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Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and stir it gently. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a light golden color. This step gives the rice a toasty flavor that complements the garlic and butter.
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Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and add the chicken bouillon paste. Stir until the bouillon dissolves completely, ensuring the rice will be infused with rich flavor as it cooks.
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Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring it into the rice mixture. The garlic will release its aromatic flavor into the butter and water.
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Cover the pan and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the rice to simmer for 15–20 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, give it a gentle stir.
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Once the rice is cooked through and tender, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot, and enjoy this flavorful garlic butter rice as a side to your favorite main dishes.
Serving Suggestions
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This garlic butter rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken strips, round roasted beef, or baked swai fish. It’s a great way to add flavor and texture to any protein-based meal.
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Serve it alongside a vibrant sautéed cabbage and carrots or roasted vegetables for a wholesome vegetarian meal. The garlic butter rice adds richness to any vegetable dish.
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For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley, basil, or thyme over the rice before serving. The herbs will complement the garlic and butter perfectly.
Tips For Success
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Use the Right Rice – Make sure to use long-grain white rice, as it helps create light and fluffy grains. Avoid instant rice, as it won’t cook the same way and may affect the texture.
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Don’t Skip the Toasting Step – Toasting the rice in butter before adding water gives the rice an extra layer of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Be sure to stir the rice constantly to avoid burning it.
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Adjust the Garlic to Your Taste – If you love garlic, feel free to add more than the 4 cloves. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the garlic to suit your tastes.
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Add a Splash of Broth – If you prefer a richer flavor, swap out the water for chicken or vegetable broth. This will give the rice an even deeper savory profile.
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Check for Doneness – If you find that the rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, simply add a bit more water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for a few more minutes until fully cooked.
Variations and Substitutions
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Herb Infused Rice – To add an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano when cooking the rice. These herbs will infuse the rice with a delicious aroma and flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese – Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese once the rice is cooked for a creamy, cheesy twist. The richness of the cheese complements the garlic butter beautifully.
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Lemon Zest – For a light, refreshing twist, add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the rice after it’s finished cooking. This will give the dish a nice citrusy lift that balances the richness of the butter.
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Vegan Version –Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter and use vegetable bouillon paste instead of the chicken bouillon to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage – Allow the garlic butter rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating – When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the rice on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan, and once warmed through, serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. You may also need to adjust the water quantity slightly, adding a little more liquid to ensure the rice cooks properly.
Can I add vegetables to this garlic butter rice?
Absolutely! You can easily incorporate vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers into the rice for added flavor and nutrition. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to allow them to soften without losing their texture.
Can I make this recipe without garlic?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it. The rice will still be flavorful thanks to the butter and bouillon paste. If you want to add some other flavor, consider using onion powder, shallots, or chives for a milder, aromatic flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier twist, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños when you sauté the garlic. You can adjust the heat level according to your preference for spiciness.
Can I use a different type of bouillon?
Yes, you can use vegetable bouillon paste or cubes instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian or vegan option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste, as different bouillons have varying salt levels.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming too sticky?
To avoid sticky rice, make sure to rinse your rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, don’t skip the toasting step—this helps create a nice texture and prevents clumping.
Can I freeze garlic butter rice?
Yes, you can freeze garlic butter rice for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop with a little water or broth.
Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a rice cooker. Simply follow the same steps but adjust the cooking method according to your rice cooker’s instructions. You may need to adjust the water ratio and keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can vary with different models.
How do I make sure my rice is fully cooked?
If the rice is still hard after the cooking time, add a bit more water and cook it covered for a few more minutes. Be sure to keep the heat on low to avoid burning the rice at the bottom of the pan.
Other Easy Rice Recipes
Low-Carb Hearts of Palm Rice – A nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for those seeking a light yet satisfying side dish.
Bone Broth Infused Rice – Packed with protein and flavor, this rice is cooked in rich bone broth for a savory, wholesome twist.
Quick and Healthy Carrot Rice – A simple and vibrant side dish that’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and colorful addition to any meal.
Delicious Mango Fried Rice – A sweet and savory fusion of ripe mango and savory fried rice, creating a refreshing and unique twist on a classic dish.
Creamy Avocado Rice – This creamy, avocado-infused rice is the perfect balance of rich and healthy, making it a great side for any meal.
Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice – A flavorful, quick, and easy Mexican rice made effortlessly in your Instant Pot for the perfect side every time.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb, crispy alternative to traditional rice, made quickly and healthily in the air fryer for a perfect side dish.
Garlic Butter Rice
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter half a stick
- ½ cup long-grain white rice avoid instant
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon paste
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until it fully melts and becomes bubbly.
- Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes, or until the rice turns a light golden color.
- Pour in the water and chicken bouillon paste, stirring until the bouillon dissolves completely.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and mix it in, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir the rice gently and serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftover garlic butter rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the rice before serving.
