Simple Butter Rice Recipe – Perfect Side Sish
Looking for a side dish that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please the whole family? Butter rice is the answer! This buttery, seasoned rice is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with just about anything—baked lemon garlic chicken thighs, grilled lamb kebabs, or as a base for a Mediterranean rice bowl. With its rich flavor and fluffy texture, this recipe will surely become a staple at your dinner table!
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Rice is such a versatile dish—you’ll find it in cuisines from Asia to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It’s a staple ingredient that can be transformed into countless delicious meals. I love serving rice for dinner because it’s quick to make, and my kids never say no to it—especially when it’s as flavorful as this butter seasoned rice! Let’s see what we will need to make it.
📝 Recipe Ingredients
- Rice: I love using basmati rice for my butter rice because it cooks in just 10 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights! If you don’t have basmati rice, don’t worry. You can use any type of rice, whether it’s white or brown. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and stick to the absorption method.
- Butter: Good-quality, fresh butter is absolutely essential to make this delicious side dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the butter from burning.
- Salt: A pinch of high-quality salt is all you need to season the rice.
- Chicken Stock: Homemade chicken stock is my secret weapon for making this rice taste amazing. I like to make a batch once a week and store it in the fridge or freezer so it’s always on hand. Of course, store-bought stock works too if you’re short on time!
And that’s it! With just these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious butter rice that’s bursting with flavor.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients 👇
👩🍳 How To Make Butter Rice
Step 1: To make butter rice is super easy, and we start by washing the rice. It’s important to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and excess starch.
Step 2: Next, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add a splash of olive oil.
Step 3: Add the washed and drained rice to the pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and fry the rice, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the rice starting to get sticky and aromatic—this is when you know it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Pour chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the liquid is level with the rice.
Step 5: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes without opening the lid. After that, take the pan off the heat and let it rest, still covered, for another 5-10 minutes.
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. It’s as simple as that!
Recipe FAQs
Leftover butter rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the rice in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock or water, cover it, and heat on low for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork once warmed through.
Note: Butter rice doesn’t freeze well due to its texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Butter rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with just about any dish! You can serve it with roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or pan-seared fish for a delicious, balanced meal. It also makes an excellent base for Mediterranean rice bowls or a light side for roasted vegetables. The rich, buttery flavor of the rice complements a wide range of dishes, making it perfect for any occasion!
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of butter rice! Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. The flavor may be slightly different, but the rice will still turn out delicious.
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version of butter rice, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
More Rice Side Dishes You Will Love
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Thank you! Elena
Simple Butter Rice Recipe – Perfect Side Sish
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Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 50 grams butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and excess starch. Drain well.1 cup basmati rice
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add a splash of olive oil.50 grams butter, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Add the washed. Fry the rice, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly sticky and aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken stock and pinch of salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the liquid is level with the rice.2 cups chicken stock, ½ teaspoon salt
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes without opening the lid. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
Notes
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