Garlic Butter Rice is the perfect side for any meal. It’s full of flavor; buttery, garlicky – and so good you can eat it plain!

This is like the rice version of garlic bread. In my world, garlic bread goes with almost any meal except Asian food.
But this Garlic Butter Rice? Now this goes with anything. Western, Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, French. I honestly can’t think of a single cuisine or dish this would not suit.
I love making rice in this way – seasoned and flavoured so that it’s so tasty, it can be eaten plain. I could eat a meals’ worth straight out of the pot – it’s that good!

Garlic rice is a dish that is found in some Asian countries. I think it’s quite common in the Philippines. This is my everyday version – yes it’s garlicky and buttery, but not insanely so. Definitely feel free to up the garlic and butter to your taste, but I’d suggest trying the base recipe first then adjusting it to your taste. Extra butter can be stirred in at the end to your taste.
Slicing garlic thinly then cooking it until golden and crispy is optional but honestly, I think it is the crowning glory of this rice. It doesn’t add strong garlic flavour, it’s more about adding crunch with sweet garlic flavour. Keep the slices whole, as pictured, or crumble it up and disperse it throughout the rice. Or for a shortcut, you could use Crispy Fried Shallots or Garlic that’s sold in jars at Asian stores and some supermarkets. They are so good, I always have a jar on hand – I use them in salads, soups, imagine the possibilities of what you can sprinkle it on! I even use it on pasta!

Sometimes I stir scallions throughout the rice, sometimes I just garnish it lightly, as pictured. I think it adds a nice touch of freshness to the rice.
This Garlic Butter Rice is one of those sides that can transform any every day recipe into something extra tasty. I really hope you try it one of these days – I think you’ll be as addicted as I am!


Ingredients
- 6-8 cloves garlic very finely sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola, grapeseed or other neutral flavored oil
- 2 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted, divided
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼-½ cup sliced green onions
- salt to taste
- white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic slices and saute, moving constantly, until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Pour out excess oil then return to the stove.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 ½ minutes or until the garlic starts to turn light golden and the butter is well infused with garlic flavour.
- Add rice, stir to coat in garlic butter.
- Add broth, place lid on saucepan. Bring to a boil then immediately turn down to medium low.
- Cook for 12 – 15 minutes or until liquid is all absorbed by the rice. Tilt saucepan to check.
- Remove from stove but leave lid on. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with fork, transfer into serving bowl. Stir through remaining butter and scallions, or garnish as per photos. Sprinkle with crispy garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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I tried the garlicky butter rice. And it turned out very good. I didn’t have chicken broth so I used vegetable broth and it still turned out very well. I can’t wait to try it again with Chicken broth.
Great simple rice side. I did half rice, half frozen riced cauliflower to sneak in a veggie (altho it was closer to 1 cup rice, 3/4 cup cauliflower since I figured the cauliflower wouldn’t absorb as much broth). Perfect for a quick weeknight side, will become a go-to!
So happy to hear that!
Total hit! I’ve made it once a week for 3 weeks and my family can’t get enough. Even though it’s perfect as is, I’m going to play with the recipe a bit. I’m like to try it with cilantro and lime too for the next time I make enchiladas instead of my regular old Spanish rice. I can’t wait to share this recipe!
I made this in my rice cooker. (I have the worst luck with rice on the stove!) I followed the recipe, but I did not do the thin crispy garlic slices at the end. I topped the rice with a nicely seasoned and grilled chicken breast! SO GOOD!
For those that have asked how to do it in the rice cooker, melt the butter and cook with garlic on the stove. Transfer that yummy goodness to the rice cooker, stir your rice in to coat it with the garlic butter, and add remaining ingredients. Give a quick stir and cook as usual in the rice cooker! BE PREPARED! When you open that rice cooker, your mouth will most likely water!
Thank you for sharing your rice cooker tips!
This the best rice I have ever eaten. Thank you so much for sharing, Nagi.
My family loved this recipe. I used my rice cooker to make this in.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Can you substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth?
Hi Binh, it will change the flavor but you definitely can and it would still be so delicious!
The best! This is my go-to for rice these days, it goes with any dish/cuisine AND it makes for a great base for super tasty fried rice too!
Many thanks!
Incredible rice!!!! best i ever had! I had a bite to try it once it was done, can’t stop eating it since, on its own!!!!!!! Thank you so much, this will probably be the only rice i make from now on!
Yay! So happy it was such a success for you Amalia!
Changed it up a bit by forgoing the sliced garlic and adding 3 Tbsp lemon juice to make up the 2 1/2 C of liquid and then 3 Tbsp of finely chopped parsley when adding the scallions. Delicious either way.
Yum! Great changes Paula, that sounds delicious.
Could i do the same using basmati rice? I think I’m going to try it!
Hi Shannon, we have only made this recipe as listed. But other readers have tried Basmati Rice with delicious results! Good luck.
Oh my, just adding to what’s been already said really! This rice is divine, best ever! Nagi you are a star *****
So glad you have enjoyed the rice Debbie!
Can you use this in a rice cooker???
Hi Anna, we have only made this recipe as written. If you try making it in a rice cooker, let us know how it turns out.
Oh. My. Mouth! This recipe was easy and easy to execute. It tastes like if love had a flavor! The simplicity of it belies its distinctly 5 star taste. I’ve had rice all my life but it’s never been this good. My husband even loved it and he is the pickiest man aIive. This will be made weekly around here. Thank you so much for an easy win that he will never know was easy haha!
Hats off to the Chef, way to go Tracy! We are so happy when our recipes get such rave reviews, especially from the picky eaters. Thanks for sharing.
Has anyone tried this without the crispy garlic slices and scallions? Don’t have whole cloves on hand, and my husband is picking about scallions!
We have only tried this recipe as written but you can leave them out if you prefer. Let us know how it turns out!
Would try it out to make
Thanks Babitha! Let us know what you think of it.
This is restaurant quality rice! I’ve never had rice like this before. It is so flavorful! I plan on using this easy recipe again and also exploring more recipes on this site.
Thanks Jason! So happy you love it.
Hi Holly,
I Love Garlic butter rice. But please give me advice.
How to make Asian, Mexican rice within 7 days? Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.
You’ll enjoy my Easy Fried Rice Recipe and Cilantro Tomato Rice Recipe.
I plan on making this recipe tonight.. what is the best brand broth to use for it? Any suggestions?!
I usually just purchase whatever is on sale, no preference. Enjoy Aaliyah!
I have made this many times and it’s always a huge hit! Has anyone adapted the recipe to use an instant pot? Would love to try to make it that way…Thanks!
We have not tried this recipe in an Instant Pot Sarah, but we have some delicious Instant Pot recipes that may interest you!
This is so easy to prepare and quite tasty too!
We love this dish too Peggy!
Just made this garlic rice….
Oh my, your a star Nagi.
So tasty…
Thanks a lot.
I’ll definitely be using this site again for recipes.
Dawn. Yorkshire
I agree Dawn, Nagi is a kitchen magician!!
Great recipe side dish with grilled lemon garlic salmon! My husband loved it!
Yum! So happy your husband loves the rice Linda!