Description
Garlic Butter Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made by toasting rice in garlic-infused butter and then simmering it in broth until tender. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses, offering a rich buttery taste enhanced by fresh garlic and parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky. Set the rice aside once rinsed.
- Sauté garlic in butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan with the garlic butter. Stir well to coat all the rice grains evenly. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, which enhances the nuttiness and flavor.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam and settle.
- Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the broth used, as some broths can be salty.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To intensify garlic flavor, you can add one extra clove or sauté the garlic a bit longer, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for stir-fry dishes.
