Garlic Rice
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Garlic rice is a tasty side dish you can make in just 35 minutes. It goes well with many meals, from roast chicken to stir fries. This buttery rice is so good, you can eat it on its own.
You’ll need butter, garlic, rice, and chicken stock. The recipe is easy to follow. First, you cook the garlic in butter. Then you add the rice and stock. After cooking and resting, you mix in more butter and parsley. The result is fluffy, flavorful rice that will make your dinner extra special.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious garlic rice:
- 50-75g (4-5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 cups uncooked white rice (long grain, medium grain, short grain, or basmati)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
You can adjust the amount of butter to your taste. Use more for a richer flavor or less for a lighter version. The garlic is key, so don’t skimp on it!
For the rice, pick your favorite type. Each kind will give a slightly different texture, but all work well. Make sure to use low-sodium stock to control the saltiness.
Remember, you don’t need to rinse the rice for this recipe. The ingredients list is simple, making it easy to whip up this tasty side dish any night of the week.
Instructions
Making garlic rice is simple and quick. Follow these steps for a tasty side dish that goes well with many meals.
Sauté Garlic
Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often. The garlic should turn light golden and smell nice. Be careful not to burn it, or it may taste bitter.
Coat Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the pan with the garlic butter. Stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll see the rice grains start to look clear. This step helps the rice soak up the garlic flavor.
Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and add salt. Turn the heat up to high. Once the liquid starts to bubble, put the lid on the pan. Right away, turn the heat down to low. If your stove isn’t very strong, you might need to use medium-low heat.
Cook 15 Minutes
Let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Don’t stir it or lift the lid during this time. The steam inside the pan cooks the rice evenly. Lifting the lid lets the steam out and can make the rice cook unevenly.
Rest 10 Minutes
After 15 minutes, tilt the pan a bit to check if all the water is gone. If it is, take the pan off the stove. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 10 more minutes. This step helps the rice finish cooking and makes it fluffy.
Fluff Rice
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Add the rest of the butter and stir until it melts. This makes the rice extra tasty. If you like, mix in some chopped parsley for color and flavor. Your garlic rice is now ready to serve!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily adapt this garlic rice recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some options to try:
Rice substitutes:
- Brown rice (increase cooking time to 45 minutes)
- Wild rice blend
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
Butter alternatives:
- Olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option
- Ghee for a nuttier flavor
You can swap chicken stock for vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian. For extra flavor, try adding:
- Diced onions (sauté with garlic)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- A squeeze of lemon juice before serving
To make it a complete meal, stir in:
- Cooked chicken or shrimp
- Sautéed vegetables
- Canned beans
For a different twist, try these variations:
- Spicy garlic rice: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne
- Coconut garlic rice: Use coconut milk for part of the liquid
- Lemon garlic rice: Add lemon zest and juice
Remember to adjust seasoning as needed when making substitutions.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use a non-stick pot to prevent the rice from sticking. This makes cleaning up much easier.
For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf or some lemon zest to the pot before cooking.
Don’t peek while the rice is cooking! Lifting the lid lets out steam and can mess up the cooking process.
Let the rice rest after cooking. This helps it absorb any extra moisture and become fluffier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one.
You can freeze garlic rice for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For a quick meal, top leftover garlic rice with a fried egg and some veggies.
Try using different types of rice like jasmine or basmati for new flavor combos.
If your rice turns out too wet, leave it uncovered on low heat for a few minutes to dry out.