Gluten-Free Garlic Butter Rice

Ingredients

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• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice Shop
• 4 cups water or low-sodium gluten-free vegetable broth Shop
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. 1 Rinse the uncooked long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water or gluten-free vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. 2 Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
3. 3 While the rice is simmering, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. 4 Once the rice has finished simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This steaming period allows the rice to become perfectly fluffy. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
5. 5 Pour the fragrant garlic butter mixture over the fluffed rice. Add the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the garlic butter and seasonings. If desired, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Cook the garlic gently over medium-low heat and pull the pan off as soon as it turns pale gold. It keeps cooking in the hot butter and turns bitter if browned.
• Low-sodium broth, as listed, leaves room for the salt added in step 5. A full-salt broth can make the rice too salty.
• For deeper garlic flavor, stir a spoonful of the garlic butter into the cooking water before the rice simmers and toss the rest in at the end.

Common questions