Garlic Butter Rice

This garlic butter rice is the kind of side you make when dinner needs something quick but still full of flavour. The rice cooks in butter, garlic, and stock, so every grain comes out soft and fluffy instead of plain and forgettable. It all comes together in one pot and works with almost anything, from grilled chicken and crispy thighs to saucy curries or a simple fried egg on top for an easy meal.

What is garlic butter rice

Garlic butter rice is a simple rice side where the rice cooks in butter, garlic, and stock instead of water, so it comes out soft, fluffy, and full of flavour. It is an easy way to turn plain rice into something you actually look forward to eating.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Big flavour. Garlic, butter, and stock soak into the rice as it cooks.
• One pot. Everything cooks in one pan, so clean up stays easy.
• Goes with everything. Serve it with chicken, steak, fish, curries, or vegetables.
• Pantry friendly. You likely have everything you need already.
• Better than plain rice. Every grain comes out soft, fluffy, and full of flavour.

Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, and each one plays a role in building flavour.

• Long grain white rice. Gives you soft, fluffy rice with separate grains. Jasmine rice works well too.
• Butter. Coats the rice and builds the base flavour.
• Garlic. The main flavour. Fresh and finely chopped works best.
• Chicken stock. Adds depth and makes the rice taste richer than water alone.
• Salt. Brings everything together and lifts the flavour.
• Parsley. Adds a fresh finish and a bit of colour at the end.

How to make garlic butter rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the rice and stir so the grains coat in the butter and garlic.
4. Pour in the stock and add the salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then give it one quick stir.
5. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and leave the lid on. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the rice finishes steaming.
7. Fluff with a fork, stir through the parsley, and serve.

Tips for the perfect garlic butter rice

A few simple tips will help you get soft, fluffy rice with loads of flavour every time.

• Use the right rice. Long grain or jasmine rice gives you separate, fluffy grains.
• Rinse the rice. Removes excess starch and helps stop it clumping.
• Cook the garlic gently. Keep the heat moderate so it turns fragrant, not bitter.
• Use stock. It adds more flavour than water.
• Keep the lid on. The trapped steam cooks the rice properly.
• Let it rest. Leave it covered for 10 minutes so the grains finish steaming and fluff up.

Serving suggestions

Garlic butter rice works with almost any dinner where you would usually serve plain rice. Serve it with grilled chicken, crispy thighs, baked wings, pan fried fish, garlic prawns, or a good steak where the rice soaks up all the juices.

It also pairs well with stir fries, curries, and other saucy dishes where the rice helps balance the meal. For something quick, top a bowl with a fried egg and a drizzle of soy sauce.

Storage

FRIDGE
Store leftover garlic butter rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool first so it keeps its texture.

REHEAT
Add a small splash of water or stock and warm gently in a pan, stirring until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, cover and add a spoon of water so the steam loosens the grains.

FREEZER
Let the rice cool completely, then store in freezer safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as above.

Frequently asked questions

Garlic butter rice proves a simple side dish still brings big flavour to the table. If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with.

What to serve with garlic butter rice

• 5 Ingredient Bean Chilli
• Garlic Butter Lamb Loin Chops
• Crispy Chicken Schnitzel
• Slow Cooker Satay Chicken
• Sticky Chilli Jam Chicken Tray Bake
• Middle Eastern Lamb Koftas