Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: Buttery Garlic Rice! This rice is not just any ordinary dish; it’s rich, flavorful, and has that irresistible garlic aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and love. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone went back for seconds! It pairs perfectly with just about anything, whether it’s grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, or even a simple salad. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you serve this Buttery Garlic Rice, you’ll be the star of your next meal. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

Ingredients List

2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
4 cups water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Prepare Buttery Garlic Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking this Buttery Garlic Rice! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, aromatic dish in no time. It’s all about the timing, so don’t rush through any of it—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy instead of sticky. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
Next, grab a large pot and melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much!
Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, add in the 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and aromatic—but be careful, it can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
Now, it’s time to introduce the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir it in for about 1-2 minutes, making sure each grain is coated with that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Pour in 4 cups of water, then season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time; it’s crucial for the rice to steam perfectly!
After the timer goes off, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the rice finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. And there you have it—your Buttery Garlic Rice is ready to shine on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
The rich, buttery flavor combined with the aromatic garlic makes it utterly irresistible.
It pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate any meal without a ton of effort.
You’ll impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it took hours to make!
It’s a versatile side that can easily be customized with herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Buttery Garlic Rice turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly—this is key to achieving that fluffy texture. If you want to amp up the flavor, try substituting half of the water with vegetable or chicken broth. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or peas right before serving for an extra pop of color and taste. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your rice to the next level!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! This Buttery Garlic Rice is not only delicious but also brings some solid nutrition to the table. Each serving is roughly 300 calories, with about 12 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also get 5 grams of protein and 42 grams of carbohydrates in every cup. Plus, it has a hint of sodium at 400 mg, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s all about enjoying your food, right?

FAQ Section

Common Questions

Got questions about making the perfect Buttery Garlic Rice? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best advice:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes—so you’ll need to adjust the water accordingly. The flavor will still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftover Buttery Garlic Rice (which is rare, trust me!), let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Can I reheat this rice? Yes, you can! Just add a splash of water to the rice before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop. This helps to revive that lovely buttery texture. Just don’t forget to cover it to keep it moist!

What can I add to change the flavor? Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even throw in some cooked shrimp for a delightful twist. Feel free to get creative with herbs—thyme or cilantro would be fantastic!

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! As long as you’re using gluten-free broth or water, this Buttery Garlic Rice is a safe choice for those avoiding gluten. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover Buttery Garlic Rice (which is a rarity in my house!), here’s how to store it. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply add a splash of water to the rice and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, covered to keep it moist. This little trick will help restore that creamy, buttery texture we all love. Trust me, reheating it right makes all the difference!

Call to Action

If you try this Buttery Garlic Rice recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any tweaks you made. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share your delicious creations on social media with your friends—I can’t wait to see them!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For a tasty side dish, you might also enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp or Honey Glazed Carrots.

For more information on the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline.

Buttery Garlic Rice: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Dish

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful rice dish infused with garlic and butter.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
4 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat with butter and garlic.
Pour in the water, and add salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
You can use vegetable broth instead of water for added taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Buttery Garlic Rice, Garlic Rice, Rice Side Dish

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