This Garlic Parmesan Rice is a tasty side dish that is super easy to make. With its buttery flavor and the kick of garlic, it goes great with any meal!
You know it’s good when the smell of garlic fills the kitchen. I love to serve it with grilled chicken or veggies. It even makes leftovers wonderful—just reheat and enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. It cooks up fluffy and separates nicely. If you prefer brown rice, that works too, but remember to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth gives the rice a rich flavor. You can swap it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even plain water in a pinch, though it may lack some depth of flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess. If you need a dairy-free version, use olive oil or vegan butter. For a hint of flavor, try garlic-infused olive oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best way to go! If you don’t have any on hand, garlic powder can be used (1/8 teaspoon per clove), but the taste is not quite the same.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan really kicks this dish up a notch! If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast brings a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Rice Turns Out Fluffy?
Rinsing the rice is crucial! It removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. After rinsing, toasting the rice in the butter and garlic adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
- Use a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (don’t let it brown!), then add rinsed rice.
- Stir the rice well in the buttery mixture for ideal toasting.
- Cook the rice, covered, on low heat after it’s reached a boil to ensure it cooks evenly.
Letting the rice steam off the heat is a game changer; it allows for extra fluffiness. Fluff it with a fork for the ideal texture!
Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Garlic Parmesan Rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important because it removes excess starch and helps make your rice fluffy once cooked.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. This will infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the rice in the garlic butter. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, to lightly toast the rice, which adds great flavor.
4. Cook the Rice:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be tender and all the liquid absorbed.
5. Let it Steam:
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This steaming step helps the rice to finish cooking perfectly.
6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning:
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s evenly combined. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish your Garlic Parmesan Rice with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy this flavorful side dish!
This Garlic Parmesan Rice makes a wonderful accompaniment to grilled chicken, vegetables, or your favorite protein. Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but remember that it requires a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice takes around 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for added flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! You can enhance this dish by adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the rice just before serving. This adds great color and nutrition!
