Garlic Butter Rice with Parsley

Garlic Butter Rice with Parsley is one of those simple dishes that quietly steals the spotlight. Fragrant garlic sautéed in rich butter, fluffy white rice, and a generous handful of fresh parsley come together to create a side dish that’s comforting, aromatic, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to make something truly delicious.

This recipe is inspired by classic European and American home cooking, where butter and garlic are used to enhance everyday staples. Garlic butter rice pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to seafood and stews, making it a reliable, go-to recipe for almost any meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet deeply satisfying. The garlic infuses the butter with a rich aroma, the rice cooks up light and fluffy, and the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy, and it always complements the main course perfectly.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Rich, comforting garlic-butter flavor
• Pairs well with almost any main dish
• Easy to customize with herbs and spices

Once you try garlic butter rice, plain rice will never feel the same again.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / European
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 215 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine works well)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Rinse and drain rice
2. Sauté garlic in butter
3. Toast rice briefly
4. Add liquid and simmer
5. Rest, fluff, and finish with parsley

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the drained rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains in the garlic butter. Toast for about 1 minute to enhance flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour in the broth or water, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir once and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Step 6: Rest and Fluff

Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.

Step 7: Add Parsley

Stir in chopped parsley just before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or fish
• Pair with roasted or sautéed vegetables
• Use as a base for rice bowls
• Serve alongside curries or stews
• Top with a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook garlic—it can become bitter
• Use warm broth for even cooking
• Let rice rest before fluffing
• Add parsley at the end to keep it fresh
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Butter Rice

Stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar after cooking.

Lemon Garlic Rice

Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Herb-Forward Rice

Add thyme, chives, or dill along with parsley.

Brown Rice Version

Use brown rice and increase liquid and cooking time.

Spicy Garlic Rice

Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze cooled rice for up to 2 months
• Reheat with a splash of water or broth

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork for fluffing

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Rice with Parsley is a simple yet elegant side dish that transforms everyday rice into something truly special. With its rich garlic aroma, buttery flavor, and fresh herb finish, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable.