Easy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe (Flavor Packed!!)

Ordinary white rice is transformed into the best savory side dish in this Garlic Rice recipe! Super fluffy and loaded with garlic and butter, one taste and you’ll never settle for blah rice again.

It’s no secret that when garlic and butter get together, they form the ultimate duo. Rich, savory, and just plain addictive, they make everything better, from succulent steak bites and grilled salmon to mashed potatoes and beyond.

Rice side dishes are no exception, as showcased in this Garlic Rice recipe. It’s an undeniably delicious dish that deserves a spot in your weekly repertoire!

Why you’ll love it

This 7-ingredient recipe is a celebration of simplicity. Garlic and white rice are toasted in oil and butter before the rice is simmered with chicken broth and cooked until fluffy and flavorful. 

It’s a mouthwatering side dish that’s easy to throw together in about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for both busy weeknight dinners and elegant dinner parties! Serve the fluffy, buttery, and garlicky goodness as a side dish with all your favorites, like this Easy Roasted Chicken, Instant Pot Beef Stew, Baked Salmon, and more.

Craving a simple main dish instead? Good news: garlic rice holds its own as the main course. Add chicken, shrimp, sausage, or even a fried egg for extra protein, then dig in!

Ingredients 

• Olive oil + butter – Cooking the garlic and toasting the rice in both olive oil and melted butter gives this dish a great baseline of rich and savory flavors.
• Garlic cloves – This wouldn’t be a garlic rice recipe without them! Use freshly minced garlic cloves to release their full flavor potential.
• White rice – I recommend using fluffy, long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati rice. You can substitute brown rice, but it will need more liquid and will take longer to cook.  
• Chicken broth – Opt for a great-tasting store-bought chicken broth or make it yourself. Sometimes, I’ll use homemade bone broth for a boost of collagen. 
• Salt
• Flat leaf parsley – For a pop of freshness and a vibrant finishing touch. 

How to make garlic rice

Heat the olive oil and some of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Add the rice and toast the grains until they’re aromatic and translucent. 

Pour the broth into the pot and season with salt. Heat it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the rice is tender.

Take the pot off the heat and let the rice rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Finally, stir in the remaining butter and parsley, add more salt to taste, and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

• Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess surface starch to yield the fluffiest garlic rice. 
• Don’t skip toasting the rice! This step intensifies its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy. Also, remember to frequently stir the rice as it’s toasting to prevent it from burning. 
• Try not to lift the lid as the rice is simmering because releasing the steam can sometimes result in unevenly cooked rice.

Variations

Personalize your garlic rice with these effortless variations:

• Add veggies – Boost the nutritional value and flavor by sautéing extra vegetables along with the garlic, such as diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or peas. You can also wilt leafy greens like spinach or kale into the rice during the final minutes of cooking.
• Make it a meal with meat – Mix in cooked meats such as shredded chicken, shrimp, crumbled sausage, thinly sliced steak, shredded turkey, or diced ham for a quick and satisfying meal-in-one.
• Try plant-based proteins – Alternatively, ditch the meat and stir in your favorite plant-based proteins, like baked tofu, fried tempeh, beans, chickpeas, or toasted nuts.
• Experiment with flavor – Try adding a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist, stir in a pinch of cayenne, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or add some freshly chopped herbs like chives or cilantro for a burst of freshness. 

Serving suggestions

Consider serving the garlic rice as a side dish with any of these delectable dishes:

• Chicken Piccata
• Shrimp Piccata
• Miso Glazed Salmon
• Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry
• Thai Beef Stir Fry
• Smoked Beef Short Ribs
• Persian Beef Stew
• Sticky Mongolian Meatballs 
• Slow Cooker Lamb Curry
• Creamy Tarragon Pork Tenderloin Medallions 

FAQs

Can I make garlic rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can absolutely make garlic rice in a rice cooker! Sauté the garlic and toast the rice in the oil and butter on the stove, then transfer the mixture to your rice cooker. Add 2 cups of broth, close the lid, and cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions or until the rice is tender and fluffy.

For more tips and guidance, check out my Rice Cooker Rice Guide.

What about the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Again, sauté the garlic and toast the rice using the Sauté function on the Instant Pot, then pour in the broth. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for around 4 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Fluff with a fork before serving. 

For more helpful tips, check out my Instant Pot Rice Guide. 

Where did garlic rice originate?

Garlic rice, also known as “arroz de ajo” in Spanish cuisine, is believed to have originated in Spain. It has since become a popular dish in various cuisines worldwide, but especially in the Philippines.

Is this the same as Filipino garlic rice?

While similar, this recipe is not identical to traditional Filipino garlic rice, also known as “sinangag”. The authentic dish is typically made by frying day-old rice with chopped onions, garlic, and soy sauce or fish sauce until crispy. 

Storing and reheating

Once the leftover garlic rice has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers to keep them longer, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

To reheat, warm the rice in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

More rice recipes

• Bacon Fried Rice
• Coconut Lime Rice
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Instant Pot Fried Rice
• Rice Cooker Rice
• Greek Lemon Rice
• Spinach Rice
• Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)

​​​​Did you make this garlic rice?

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