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Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

4.8 from 143 reviews

This garlic butter rice recipe transforms simple long grain or jasmine rice into a luxurious, flavorful side dish. Sautéed onions and aromatic garlic cooked in butter create a rich base before simmering the rice in savory low-sodium chicken broth. The result is tender, fluffy rice enhanced with a glossy finish of melted butter and a pop of fresh parsley, perfect for complementing a wide variety of meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained well
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butter base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it shimmers and coats the bottom of the pan, creating a flavorful base for the rice.
  2. Sauté the onions: Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the melted butter and gently cook until the onion becomes soft, golden, and slightly caramelized, enhancing the dish’s sweetness.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic quickly, allowing its aroma to release without burning, which forms the fragrant foundation of the rice.
  4. Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the rice.
  5. Cook the rice: Carefully add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth, stir gently to distribute the grains evenly, then cover immediately with a snug-fitting lid.
  6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender and fluffy.
  7. Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring moisture evenly distributes and grains settle perfectly.
  8. Finish with butter and fluff: Add the remaining butter pieces to the cooked rice and gently fold with a fork to fluff and create a glossy, rich finish.
  9. Garnish and serve: Transfer the rice to a serving dish and optionally sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for a fresh, colorful touch before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing a gummy texture and ensuring fluffy rice.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on rice brand and stove; check the rice texture near the end of cooking to avoid under or overcooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and a light herbal brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: garlic butter rice, easy rice recipe, stovetop rice, flavorful rice side dish, garlic rice, butter rice, quick rice recipe