Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice is a delicious side dish to serve with a variety of meals. White jasmine rice is mixed with butter, minced garlic, and chopped onion.

Everything is simmered in broth until the rice absorbs all of the liquid for the perfect fluffy consistency. It’s the perfect side dish to serve with a variety of meals including chicken, pork, beef, or fish.

A bowl of garlic butter rice with two spoons, surrounded with bowl of cubed butter, garlic bulbs, and plaid tea towel.

Butter Garlic Rice Side Dish

Tired of the same boring rice? Try this easy garlic butter rice recipe! I love adding simple ingredients to rice because it can create incredible flavors!

This recipe uses a traditional way to make rice (in a pot on the stove), but adds onion, garlic and butter. It’s so simple but makes a wonderful difference! You can pair this garlic butter rice with any chicken recipe, pork or beef. Add leftovers to a wrap or salad bowl!

For this recipe, there are a few simple tricks to getting the right consistency. I’ve explained those below in the “recipe tips” section.

Recipe Ingredients

Simple ingredients add really incredible flavor here! I recommend using broth (not water) as it adds great flavor! Here’s an overview of the recipe ingredients with the full details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:

JASMINE RICE – White uncooked jasmine rice will take less time to cook and works great for this recipe. If using long-grain white rice, it will take a little longer to cook. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of uncooked rice which will make 4-6 servings depending on size you serve.
ONION – ¼ cup diced yellow onion is first sauteed and then mixed with the rice. Be sure to chop the onion small to create the perfect texture.
BUTTER – 1 Tbsp of salted butter is sauteed with the onion and really helps to create delicious flavor. Next, 3 Tbsp of salted butter are mixed into the cooked rice just before serving.
OLIVE OIL – 1 Tbsp of olive oil is also used to sautee the onion and garlic.
BROTH – Broth adds a delicious depth of flavor to the rice. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also just use water, but it won’t add any flavor.
GARLIC – 4 minced garlic cloves add that perfect garlic taste. Feel free to use less if you’re not a big garlic fan.

Four images of a white pot showing steps to make recipe. First is broth with pepper and a wood spatula. Second is liquid mixed with chopped onion. Third is rice added to broth. Fourth is cooked rice with chunks of butter and a fork.

How To Make Garlic Butter Rice

This method is simple and is the same for making most rice recipes. First, saute the onion with garlic, then simmer the rice in the broth. Here’s an overview of how to make it with the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

SAUTE ONION – First, add 1 Tbsp butter and olive oil over medium-high heat to a large pot. Next, sautee the chopped yellow onion with garlic for 1-2 minutes, until it turns translucent.
TOAST RICE – Next, add the uncooked rice. You can lightly toast it during this time if desired. After, add in the broth. Stir everything together, gently scraping the bottom of the pot as well.
SIMMER – Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. No need to stir during this time. Just make sure to have a low heat to prevent burning the rice on the bottom.
STEAM – Once the liquid has been soaked up, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 5-10 minutes to let the rice steam.
FLUFF – Remove the lid and add in 3 Tbsp of butter, salt and pepper. Lightly fluff the rice with a fork then serve while still warm.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic butter rice can be stored in the fridge, or it can be frozen. Here’s how to do it:

REFRIGERATE – This garlic butter rice recipe should be cooled completely to room temperature first. Then add it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
FREEZER – Cooked rice can also be frozen! Consider making a double batch of this recipe and freezing half for a future meal. Add it to an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Frozen rice can be thawed overnight in the fridge, or thawed in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl).
TO REHEAT – Add the cold rice to a microwave-safe bowl. I like to add a splash of water on top. This will help to freshen up the rice as it reheats. You can heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. My husband also likes to add leftover rice to a frying pan to make fried rice.

A white pot with garlic butter rice and a wood spoon. Small bowls of chopped parsley, cubed butter and garlic bulbs surround the pot.

Recipe Tips

RINSE RICE FIRST – Rinse long-grain rice before you cook to release excess starch. Just add it to a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Rinsed rice can be added right to the pot.
DON’T STIR – Never stir the rice while it’s boiling in the broth or it will result in mushy rice.
LOW HEAT – First, bring the liquid to the beginning of a boil, then let the rice simmer on low heat until all of the liquid is absorbed by the rice. If the pot is too high, it may burn the bottom of the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different style of rice?

Yes, you can. White basmati rice will also work for this recipe. I haven’t personally tried using brown rice but I think it will work as well.

Do I have to use chicken broth?

No you can use vegetable broth or beef broth as well. You can also use water but the rice will lack the same flavor.

Why Is My Rice Mushy and Sticky?

You may have added too much liquid and overcooked the rice. The style of rice or brand you choose can affect how much liquid to add.

Next time you make rice, add 1/4 cup less liquid and see if that fixes the problem. Continue adding a bit less each time until you reach your desired consistency.

Also, don’t stir the rice too much while it’s cooking as this can make a mushy texture.

Close up of white rice sprinkled with bell pepper and chopped parsley. Two spoons in bowl as well.

This garlic butter rice is an easy way to add more flavor to boring bland rice! Grab some garlic, butter, and onion, and saute it in a pot. Give the rice a quick rinse (to help remove excess starch) and add it all to a pot to simmer with the broth. The results are so simple and amazing!

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