Name: Garlic Butter Rice: The Perfect Side Dish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Garlic butter rice is a simple, yet incredibly delicious side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. The combination of fragrant garlic, rich butter, and fluffy rice creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or your favorite vegetarian entrée, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

🌟 What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this garlic butter rice recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The garlic adds a savory, aromatic punch, while the butter provides a luxurious creaminess that coats each grain of rice. The end result is a side dish that’s both satisfying and versatile – it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, from classic comfort foods to elegant dinner party fare.

But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and a simple preparation method, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly options make it an incredibly practical choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Rice is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of flavorful rice, rich butter, and fragrant garlic creates a comforting, versatile side dish that’s a perennial favorite.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 2: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then pour the garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently stir to combine.
Step 5: Serve the garlic butter rice warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Compared to traditional rice dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Garlic Butter Rice saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 247
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 584mg

These Garlic Butter Rice dishes provide approximately 15% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 15% of your daily sodium needs, making them a nutritionally valuable addition to your meals.

🥬 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

• Reduced-fat option: Use a light or reduced-fat butter alternative for a lower-calorie version.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice for a keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the butter with a vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free dish.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Garlic Butter Rice.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork.
• Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
• Complement the Garlic Butter Rice with a fresh green salad or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the rice alongside a hearty stew or braised dish.
• Create an impressive presentation by serving the Garlic Butter Rice in a decorative bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overcooking the rice: Be sure to follow the cooking time and doneness instructions carefully to avoid mushy or undercooked rice.
• Burning the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
• Forgetting to fluff the rice: Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

These Garlic Butter Rice dishes retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the rice according to the instructions, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this Garlic Butter Rice?

The Garlic Butter Rice can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also freeze the cooked rice for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Can I substitute a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or brown rice, in this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking times and liquid ratios may vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the cooking instructions accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

To make this Garlic Butter Rice low-carb or keto-friendly, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice. Simply sauté the cauliflower rice with the garlic butter mixture, and you’ll have a delicious, low-carb side dish.

What should I do if the rice turns out mushy or undercooked?

If the rice is mushy, it’s likely that it was overcooked. Next time, be sure to follow the cooking time and doneness instructions carefully. If the rice is undercooked, simply cover the saucepan and let it continue to steam for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired texture.

Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily customize this Garlic Butter Rice by mixing in sautéed vegetables, cooked protein, or fresh herbs. Some tasty additions could include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced bell peppers, shredded chicken, or chopped parsley or chives.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Garlic Butter Rice dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a simple weeknight side or as part of a more elaborate dinner party menu, they’re sure to impress with their rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Garlic Butter Rice dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delightful side dish a try and experience the joy of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home?