Garlic Butter Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates plain rice to a new level of deliciousness. With just a handful of ingredients, it is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying accompaniment. The combination of fragrant garlic, rich butter, and fluffy rice creates a comforting and aromatic dish.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
300 grams Basmati Rice
Mince the garlic using a garlic press. Set aside.
5 Garlic Cloves
Chop fresh parsley and set aside.
2 tbsp Chopped Parsley
Frying Pan:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4 tbsp Butter
Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat.
Cook on low for 1-2 minutes.
Add the stock, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
720 grams Chicken Stock, ¼ tsp Salt and pepper to taste, 1 tsp Dried Parsley
Stir well and bring to a boil.
Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low, so the liquid and rice simmer very gently. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan or microwave.
Once cooked, remove the lid and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
Remove from heat, cover with the lid again, and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until soft.
Stir through the remaining butter and season.
Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan or microwave.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold it in until the rice is evenly coated.
Final Touches:
Garnish with more chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making Garlic Butter Rice like a pro:
Cook the rice in a nonstick pan. If you don't use a nonstick pan, stir it every 5-10 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Use good-quality long-grain white rice for the best texture and flavor. We highly recommend Basmati or Jasmine for best results.
Toasting the rice in oil or butter before adding liquid adds a lot more flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir the rice frequently while toasting to prevent burning. We prefer butter over oil because it adds a lot more flavor.
Always rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
Use the correct stock-to-rice ratio for fluffy and well-cooked rice.
Make sure you use low-sodium stock as your rice may come out too salty.
Don’t be tempted to uncover the rice while it’s cooking to peek at it. Leave the lid on to let the steam do its magic!
Allowing the cooked rice to rest with the lid on for a few minutes helps redistribute moisture and ensures a fluffy texture.
Coconut Twist: Substitute a portion of the water with coconut milk for creamy coconut garlic butter rice. The coconut flavor pairs well with the garlic and butter, adding a tropical flair to the dish.
Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the garlic butter. This will give your rice a subtle kick and a hint of spice.
Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the garlic butter for a citrusy kick. The bright and fresh flavor of citrus zest pairs wonderfully with the richness of butter and garlic.
Protein Boost: You can also add cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino cheese to create a creamy and cheesy garlic butter rice. The cheese will melt into the rice, adding richness and depth of flavor. This is obviously dependent on the main dish you plan to serve it with.