Description
Garlic Butter Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with long-grain rice sautéed in garlic-infused butter, then simmered in broth for a tender, savory finish. This easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich garlic flavor and buttery goodness, ideal for complementing a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 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 step prevents clumping and ensures fluffy rice. Set the rinsed rice aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop flavor.
- Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan with the garlic butter. Stir to coat the rice grains evenly and toast for 2-3 minutes, which adds a subtle nutty aroma and improves texture.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add salt and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to allow the grains to firm up and absorb any remaining moisture.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy texture.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish more precisely.
- Broth choice (chicken or vegetable) can be adjusted based on dietary preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and ensure butter fits your diet or substitute with plant-based butter.
- To add extra flavor, consider including a bay leaf or a pinch of dried herbs during simmering.
