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.

Garlic Butter Rice garnished with sliced spring onions in a bowl on a table mat.

Easiest Garlic Butter Rice

BySharon
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The good news is this delicious Garlic Butter Rice recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free. To make it gluten-free ensure your stock doesn’t contain gluten. With some substitutions, it can be dairy-free and vegan.

One of the nicest things about this rice recipe, apart from eating it, is that it’s cooked in one pot, so there’s no mess. Another bonus is that it goes with absolutely anything! From British to Mexico, even the Mediterranean or French! We actually can’t think of a single meal this side dish doesn’t compliment.

This Garlic Butter Rice is a family favorite. It’s easy to make and full of buttery garlic flavors. It’s so delicious that you could eat a bowl by itself! We will forgive you for eating spoonfuls straight out of the pan. YES, it’s definitely that good!

It’s freezer-friendly and universally appealing. Depending on any other ingredients added, it can be considered low-cost or perhaps a dish. We think it’s pretty amazing eating it alongside our Chicken Tikka Masala.

What’s To Love?

💕 If you’ve been looking for an incredibly delicious and EASY rice recipe, then you’ve found it right here!
💕 Quick to prepare and easy to make.
💕 No oven is required.
💕 Doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients, less than a handful.
💕 It’s a flavorful aromatic side dish that’s perfect for potlucks.
💕 You’ll want to make it again and again.
💕 Tastes as good as it looks, making it great for almost any occasion and season.
💕 Incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
💕 Perfect for entertaining to serve at parties or gatherings to accompany other dishes.

Have you already tried Garlic Butter Rice? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Garlic Butter Rice Origin

While the exact origins of Garlic Butter Rice may be unclear, its popularity has undoubtedly spread across cultures and continents, with each region adding its own unique twist to the dish.

Some cultures add spices, and others might add coconut milk or even vegetables. Today, Garlic Butter Rice is enjoyed in homes and restaurants around the world, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering flavor profile.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

  • Butter — used because it adds a lot of flavor.
  • Rice — use long-grain white rice,  basmati white rice  or jasmine . These are typically used for their ability to remain separate and fluffy when cooked.
  • Garlic — they are a must in this dish; they add richness and a lovely garlic flavor. Add more if you prefer.
  • Stock — use  chicken stock (broth) for the best flavor.
  • Herbs — use fresh parsley, dried parsley, and salt and pepper.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

  • Garlic — for convenience use one teaspoon of garlic puree (paste).
  • Stock — replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock (broth).

When substituting ingredients remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Garlic Butter Rice with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Garlic Butter Rice is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

Garlic Butter Rice steaming in a bowl

▶︎ Garlic Butter Rice begins with white basmati rice, which is rinsed to remove excess starch and ensure a light, fluffy texture.

▶︎ The butter and garlic are then sizzled for a minute or two before adding the rice. The rice needs to be mixed into the garlic butter and heated through for 1-2 minutes. The stock, parsley, and salt and pepper are added, then brought to boiling and simmered for 15 minutes or until the liquid has absorbed.

▶︎ Once the rice is cooked, it’s fluffed with a fork and gently combined with the remaining butter, coating each grain in savory goodness.

NOTE: We’re firm believers that cooking the rice using the frying pan method provides better flavorful results. However, if you prefer the boiling method in a saucepan, then please check out these instructions in the recipe card.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Garlic Butter Rice? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love these beautiful saucepans for making various dishes. They’re our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs them.

Amazon - saucepans

Induction-ready Stellar Stainless Steel Pans have a thick ‘hot-forged’ base, even heat distribution, the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel, high straight sides, premium stainless steel cast handles, oven-safe handles, time-saving internal measuring guides, dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 240°C, and a lifetime guarantee.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Garlic Butter Rice can easily be paired with just about anything. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

Garlic Butter Rice garnished with sliced spring onions in a bowl on a table mat.

More Recipes

Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:

Thank you for checking out Garlic Butter Rice!

We hope you enjoy making and eating it! Let us know how you get along, and please rate using the ⭐️ by the comments. HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for all of our latest updates. Happy Baking!

⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

Garlic Butter Rice garnished with sliced spring onions in a bowl on a table mat.

Easiest Garlic Butter Rice

389kcal
5 from 1 vote
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Prep 5 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total 35 minutes
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.
Servings 4
Course Sides
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Equipment

Method

Preparation:
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
    300 grams Basmati Rice
  2. Mince the garlic using a garlic press. Set aside.
    5 Garlic Cloves
  3. Chop fresh parsley and set aside.
    2 tbsp Chopped Parsley
Frying Pan:
  1. 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
  2. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat.
  3. Cook on low for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the stock, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
    720 grams Chicken Stock, ¼ tsp Salt and pepper to taste, 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  5. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  6. 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.
  7. While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan or microwave.
  8. Once cooked, remove the lid and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
  9. Remove from heat, cover with the lid again, and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until soft.
  10. Stir through the remaining butter and season.
  11. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Saucepan:
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  3. While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan or microwave.
  4. 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.
  5. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
  7. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold it in until the rice is evenly coated.
Final Touches:
  1. Garnish with more chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories389kcalCarbohydrates64gProtein6gFat12gSaturated Fat7gTrans Fat0.5gCholesterol30mgSodium815mgPotassium105mgFiber1gSugar2gVitamin A734IUVitamin C1mgCalcium31mgIron1mg

Notes

Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making Garlic Butter Rice like a pro:
  1. 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.
  2. Use good-quality long-grain white rice for the best texture and flavor. We highly recommend Basmati or Jasmine for best results.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Use the correct stock-to-rice ratio for fluffy and well-cooked rice.
  6. Make sure you use low-sodium stock as your rice may come out too salty.
  7. 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!
  8. Allowing the cooked rice to rest with the lid on for a few minutes helps redistribute moisture and ensures a fluffy texture.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Protein Boost: You can also add cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
  13. 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.

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

Store the cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Freeze the rice in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

While white rice is traditionally used for Garlic Butter Rice due to its lighter texture and mild flavor, you can certainly substitute brown rice for a nuttier and slightly chewier version. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio according to the type of brown rice you’re using.

Yes, Garlic Butter Rice is naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re using store-bought stock (broth) or seasoning blends, be sure to check the labels for any gluten-containing ingredients.

If your rice turns out too mushy, you may have added too much liquid or cooked it for too long. Next time, try using slightly less liquid and reduce the cooking time.

You may not have added enough liquid if your rice is too dry.

If your rice is undercooked, it may need more time to simmer. Add a bit more stock or water if necessary and continue cooking until the rice is tender.

If your rice is too salty, you may have added too much salt or used salty broth. To fix this, try diluting the saltiness by adding more unsalted stock or water; providing you haven’t added it to the rice yet, otherwise you’ll be adding too much liquid.

To prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir it occasionally while cooking and use a non-stick pan if possible. You can also try lowering the heat and adding a bit more oil to the pan.

If your garlic burns while sautéing, it can impart a bitter taste to the dish. To avoid this, cook the garlic over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Lower the heat if necessary and remove the garlic from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown and fragrant.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.

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Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thought this was excellent rice and super tasty compared to plain boiled rice lol, easy to follow, and best of all it turned out sooooo good! 😀 🥰

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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