Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish that elevates any meal, this buttery garlic rice is the perfect choice. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward technique, you can create a fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, vegetables, and more.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
50–75g (4–5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
5 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 cups uncooked white rice (long grain, medium grain, short grain, or basmati)
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
¾ teaspoon cooking/kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once foamy, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it turns light golden.
2. Add the rice and stir for 30 seconds or until the grains turn translucent.
3. Add the chicken stock and salt. Turn the heat up to high, and once the water starts bubbling, put the lid on and immediately turn the stove down to low (or medium-low if your stove is weak/small).
4. Cook the rice for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
5. Tilt the saucepan to ensure all the water is absorbed. Then remove it from the stove, keeping the lid on, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the remaining butter until melted. Toss through the parsley, if using.
7. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra parsley if desired, and serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once foamy, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it turns light golden.
Step 2: Add Rice
Add the rice and stir for 30 seconds or until the grains turn translucent.
Step 3: Pour in Stock
Add the chicken stock and salt. Turn the heat up to high, and once the water starts bubbling, put the lid on and immediately turn the stove down to low (or medium-low if your stove is weak/small).
Step 4: Cook Undisturbed
Cook the rice for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
Step 5: Rest the Rice
Tilt the saucepan to ensure all the water is absorbed. Then remove it from the stove, keeping the lid on, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Fluff and Add Butter
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the remaining butter until melted. Toss through the parsley, if using.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
Measurement Accuracy
Ensure that measurements for both butter and salt are exact for the best flavor balance.
Type of Rice
Feel free to use long grain, medium grain, short grain, or basmati rice. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type used.
Resting Period
Do not skip the resting period after cooking, as it helps the rice to firm up and improves texture.
Garnishing
Garnishing with extra parsley is optional but adds freshness to the dish.
Cook techniques
Butter Melting
Melt butter over medium-high heat until foamy, which indicates it is ready for sautéing.
Garlic Sautéing
Add minced garlic and cook until light golden to infuse the butter with flavor.
Rice Toasting
Stir the rice for 30 seconds until the grains turn translucent, enhancing flavor.
Rice Cooking
Add chicken stock and salt, increase heat to high until bubbling, then reduce heat and cover to cook.
Steaming
Let the rice rest with the lid on after cooking to allow the steam to fully hydrate the grains.
Fluffing Rice
Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, ensuring grains remain separate and light.
Finishing Touches
Incorporate remaining melted butter and chopped parsley for added richness and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use broth for added flavor, but opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Any type of white rice, including long grain, medium grain, short grain, or basmati, works well.
How can I tell if the rice is cooked properly?
The rice should be tender, and all liquid should be absorbed after cooking with the lid on.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Can I store leftover rice?
Yes, refrigerate cooked rice in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat with a splash of water to regain moisture.
Conclusion
This garlic butter rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. The combination of garlic and butter enhances the natural flavor of the rice, while the chicken stock infuses it with richness. Perfect paired with meats or served alongside vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Pair your garlic butter rice with sautéed shrimp seasoned with garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon for a delicious seafood dish.
Chicken Stir-Fry
Serve the garlic butter rice alongside a colorful chicken stir-fry packed with vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Vegetable Curry
Complement the rice with a flavorful vegetable curry, allowing the garlic butter rice to soak up the aromatic sauce.
Herb-Grilled Salmon
Enjoy the rice with herb-grilled salmon drizzled with a lemon butter sauce for a refreshing dinner.
Mushroom Risotto
Use the garlic butter rice base to create a delicious mushroom risotto by adding sautéed mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of garlic butter rice, ground meat, and spices for a hearty and satisfying dish.
