Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish to elevate your weeknight meals? Look no further than this delectable Garlic Butter Rice Dish recipe! With just a few basic ingredients like butter, garlic, and rice, you can create a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor.

I stumbled upon this Garlic Butter Rice Dish recipe on a cold winter night while trying to make the most of some leftover rice. Little did I know that it would become a go-to option for quick dinners and impromptu gatherings. The aromatic garlic infusing every grain takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where extra garlic was always the secret ingredient. Now, it’s a beloved favorite in my own household.

Whether you serve it alongside a hearty roast, grilled fish, or flavorful stews, this Garlic Butter Rice Dish is sure to impress your guests and family alike. Plus, with a few simple swaps, like using vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version, you can customize this dish to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and soon it will become a staple on your dining table for any occasion!

Quick Benefits

Elevates plain grains into a flavorful, buttery garlic side dish
Quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
Versatile – pairs well with a variety of main dishes and can be used in rice bowls or burritos
Can be customized with herb additions or vegetarian bouillon for different flavor profiles

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken bouillon infuses the rice with a rich and savory taste that elevates the dish.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile: This garlic butter rice pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as roast chicken, grilled fish, or sautéed vegetables, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
Family Favorite: The nostalgic aroma of garlic in every bite will remind you of home-cooked meals, making it a comforting and beloved recipe for the whole family.
Make-ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by using vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version or adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
Cultural Influence: Embrace the cultural richness of garlic rice found in various cuisines, adding a touch of tradition and history to your meal.
Fluffy Texture: Using long-grain white rice ensures fluffy, tender grains that hold their shape and absorb flavors perfectly, giving you a satisfying and delightful eating experience.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Main

4 garlic cloves, finely minced
360 millilitres water
60 grams unsalted butter
100 grams long-grain white rice
10 millilitres chicken Better Than Bouillon base

Pro Tips for Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For extra flavor, try toasting the rice in the butter until lightly golden before adding the water and other ingredients. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the grains and create a delicious base for the garlic and chicken bouillon to infuse.

Pro Tip 2: To elevate the dish further, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving. The citrusy brightness will complement the rich garlic butter flavors beautifully and add a refreshing touch to the dish.

Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your liking. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a pinch of dried oregano can add depth and complexity to the garlic butter rice, making it a versatile side dish for various main courses.

How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted.

Step 2: Toast Rice

Add the long-grain white rice and stir constantly until it turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Bouillon and Water

Add water and chicken Better Than Bouillon base, stirring until dissolved.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Incorporate the minced garlic into the rice mixture, distributing it evenly.

Step 5: Cook Rice

Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork to enhance its texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious garlic butter rice, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the rice in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to four days. To reheat, simply sprinkle a bit of water over the rice and cover it loosely before microwaving to help maintain its fluffy texture and flavorful profile.

For a vegetarian twist on this dish, you can substitute the chicken Better Than Bouillon base with a vegetable bouillon base, adjusting the salt to suit your taste preferences. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit any additional salt in the recipe. Additionally, consider enhancing the flavor by adding a handful of chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to brighten up the dish.

Garlic butter rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from roast chicken to grilled fish, sautéed vegetables, or spicy stews. It can also serve as a versatile base for rice bowls or be used as a filling in burritos. This comforting and aromatic dish is sure to become a favorite for any occasion, offering a rich and flavorful addition to your meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Garlic Butter Rice Dish, you can easily substitute the chicken Better Than Bouillon base with a vegetable bouillon base. This swap will maintain the savory flavor while making the dish suitable for vegetarians. Remember to adjust the salt level to your taste since vegetable bouillon may vary in saltiness.

If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit adding extra salt to the recipe to prevent the dish from becoming too salty. Salted butter can still provide richness and flavor to the rice without the need for additional salt. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the dish’s flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic element to the garlic butter rice.

When serving this Garlic Butter Rice Dish, consider pairing it with roast chicken, grilled fish, sautéed vegetables, or spicy stews. Additionally, you can use this flavorful rice as a base for homemade rice bowls or as a delicious filling for burritos. The flexibility and comforting qualities of this dish make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for various occasions.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making garlic butter rice balls by rolling small scoops of the cooked rice mixture into bite-sized portions and lightly frying them until crispy on the outside. These rice balls make a delightful appetizer or snack that can be dipped in a savory sauce or enjoyed on their own.

Another fun idea is to use the garlic butter rice as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with a mixture of the rice along with some cooked protein like ground meat or beans. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but remember to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid oversalting the dish.

How long can I store leftover garlic butter rice in the fridge?

You can store leftover garlic butter rice in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken Better Than Bouillon base for a vegetable bouillon base. Adjust the salt to taste since the vegetable base may have a different salt level.

How should I reheat the leftover garlic butter rice?

To reheat the leftover garlic butter rice, sprinkle it with a little water and cover it loosely before microwaving. This will help the rice retain its fluffiness and moisture.

Conclusion

As you savor the aromatic and comforting flavors of this Garlic Butter Rice Dish, I hope it brings you as much joy and nostalgia as it does for me. The simplicity of this recipe belies the richness it adds to any meal, making it a versatile and beloved favorite for gatherings or quiet nights at home.

Whether you’re a garlic lover like me or simply looking for a flavorful side dish to elevate your meals, this Garlic Butter Rice Dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its adaptability to different cuisines and occasions makes it a reliable go-to recipe that never fails to impress. So, next time you’re in need of a quick and delicious side dish, remember the magic of garlic and butter combined in this delightful rice dish. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the memories it creates around your table.

Savory Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

“Transform plain rice into a buttery, garlicky delight with this easy and flavorful Garlic Butter Rice dish, perfect for any occasion.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings3 Servings (Serves 3 as a side dish)

Ingredients

Main

4 garlic cloves, finely minced
360 millilitres water
60 grams unsalted butter
100 grams long-grain white rice
10 millilitres chicken Better Than Bouillon base

Instructions

Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted.
Toast Rice: Add the long-grain white rice and stir constantly until it turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes.
Incorporate Bouillon and Water: Add water and chicken Better Than Bouillon base, stirring until dissolved.
Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the rice mixture, distributing it evenly.
Cook Rice: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork to enhance its texture and flavor.