Name: Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488870H9M36S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp salted butter; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 Tbsp salted butter (additional); ¼ cup chopped yellow onion (small); 4 minced garlic cloves; 1½ cups uncooked white jasmine rice; 3 cups chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper

If you’ve never tried Garlic Butter Rice, you are in for a delightful treat that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. This dish combines the rich, creamy essence of butter with the irresistible aroma of garlic, all gently wrapped around fragrant jasmine rice. The Garlic Butter Rice not only elevates a simple side but can easily shine as a star accompaniment to almost any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Garlic Butter Rice. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery silkiness to the aromatic punch of garlic and onion, finishing with the savory depth of chicken broth that infuses each grain with flavor.

Salted butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel essential to the classic taste.
Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
Yellow onion, chopped small: Provides a mild sweetness and slight crunch once cooked.
Garlic cloves, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
Uncooked white jasmine rice: Known for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.
Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor of the rice far beyond plain water.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly balanced throughout.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Toast the Rice

Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat, melting one tablespoon of salted butter with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook gently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant—this creates the flavor base that makes Garlic Butter Rice so irresistible. Then, add the uncooked jasmine rice and toast it lightly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is essential as it enhances the nuttiness of the rice and helps each grain stay separate and fluffy.

Step 2: Simmer the Rice in Broth

Pour in three cups of flavorful chicken broth and stir everything together, making sure no rice sticks to the bottom. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently. Resist the urge to stir during this part, as you want the rice to absorb the broth evenly without breaking down. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed, then remove from heat but keep the lid on to allow the rice to steam for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This final rest ensures the Garlic Butter Rice becomes delightfully tender and fluffy.

Step 3: Finish with Butter and Seasoning

Uncover the rice and fluff it up with a fork, so each grain is light and separated. Stir in the remaining three tablespoons of salted butter, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. The butter melts smoothly into the hot rice, coating every grain with decadence, while the seasoning rounds out the flavors perfectly. Your Garlic Butter Rice is now ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can take your Garlic Butter Rice to the next level. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal contrast. For a bit of texture and nuttiness, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds are heavenly sprinkled on top. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the overall dish and layer in a delightful zing!

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Rice pairs beautifully with just about anything. It’s perfect alongside juicy grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, absorbing every last drop of their savory juices. For something heartier, serve it with pan-seared salmon or a rich stew—each bite of the rice balances out bold, meaty flavors like a dream. Even a simple sautéed green bean or fresh salad can round out your meal when paired with this luscious rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Try molding the Garlic Butter Rice into compact little domes using a small bowl or ramekin before plating. You can also use it as a bed under grilled seafood or meats, adding height and elegance to your presentation. For casual meals, stashing it into lettuce wraps with vibrant veggies and protein turns it into a fun, handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Rice keeps well in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain texture and freshness. It makes for an easy next-day side or quick meal base.

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Butter Rice to enjoy later—just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will retain much of its delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice, cover it loosely, and microwave in short bursts or warm it gently on the stove. Adding a small knob of butter during reheating helps revive that luscious garlic butter goodness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and has a chewier texture. Adjust the cooking time and broth quantity accordingly to ensure the best results.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the Garlic Butter Rice rich and flavorful without any animal products.

Can I prepare Garlic Butter Rice in a rice cooker?

Definitely. Follow the initial sauté steps on the stove, then transfer everything to your rice cooker with the broth and cook according to your device’s white rice setting. Finish with the butter and seasoning afterward for best results.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal or to accompany other dishes in a larger spread.

What if I don’t have yellow onion on hand?

You can use white or red onions instead, though yellow onion provides the mildest, sweetest flavor. Alternatively, shallots can make a great substitute for that gentle aroma.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Rice is one of those feel-good dishes that manages to be both simple and sensational. It’s a versatile, comforting staple that’s ready to transform your everyday meals with its buttery, garlicky charm. I hope you dive in and enjoy making this beloved dish as much as I do—it just might become your new favorite kitchen go-to.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

This Garlic Butter Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made by toasting jasmine rice with garlic, onions, and butter before cooking it in savory chicken broth. Whether prepared on the stovetop or in a multicooker, this rice dish is perfectly fluffy, rich in buttery garlic flavor, and easy to make, making it a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (stovetop) or 18 minutes total (3 minutes pressure + 15 minutes natural release in multicooker)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop or Multicooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Oil

1 Tbsp salted butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp salted butter (additional)

Vegetables and Aromatics

¼ cup chopped yellow onion (small)
4 minced garlic cloves

Rice and Liquids

1½ cups uncooked white jasmine rice
3 cups chicken broth

Seasoning

½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare aromatics and toast rice: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of salted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and chopped yellow onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the uncooked jasmine rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains in butter and oil.
Cook the rice on stovetop: Pour in the chicken broth, then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir briefly to combine. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer undisturbed until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of salted butter until melted and incorporated, then serve.
Cook the rice in a multicooker: Use the ‘sear’ or ‘sauté’ setting on medium heat and follow step 1 to cook the aromatics and toast the rice. Then add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Close and lock the pressure cooker lid, seal the vent, and set it to high pressure for 3 minutes. After the timer goes off, do not immediately release the pressure; instead, let it naturally release for 15 minutes. Then carefully open the vent to release any remaining steam, open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, mix in the remaining 3 tablespoons of salted butter until melted and combined, then serve.