15-Minute Garlic Rice for Exhausting Weeknights

This recipe for 15-Minute Garlic Rice was born out of pure, bone-deep exhaustion. We all know those weeknights—you get home late from work, the commute was terrible, and the thought of cooking a complicated meal is enough to make you want to give up and eat crackers for dinner. For a long time, on those specific nights, my side dish was always just plain, boring steamed rice. It was fast, but it was also a joyless blob of carbs on my plate.

I craved the comfort of a flavorful garlic rice (sinangag), but even that felt like too much effort. My early attempts at a “quick” version were always a letdown. I’d rush the process, throwing cold garlic into a lukewarm pan, and the result was a bland rice dish with a harsh, raw garlic taste. It wasn’t the fragrant, toasty, and comforting side dish I was dreaming of. I needed a foolproof method for a truly delicious 15-Minute Garlic Rice.

The breakthrough was realizing that speed and flavor didn’t have to be enemies. The secret wasn’t in more ingredients; it was in a tiny bit of technique. I learned that letting the garlic slowly sizzle and turn golden in the oil before adding the rice was the non-negotiable step. This simple act of patience, which takes all of two minutes, infuses the oil with a deep, sweet garlic flavor that then coats every single grain of rice.

This recipe is the perfected version of that simple discovery. It’s my tribute to the exhausted home cook who deserves something better than plain rice. This 15-Minute Garlic Rice is now my go-to side dish for at least one meal a week, and it has saved me from countless sad dinners. It’s proof that even on your most tired days, a delicious, comforting meal is only minutes away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you will be obsessed with this 15-Minute Garlic Rice recipe:

• Insanely Fast and Easy: True to its name, this entire side dish comes together in 15 minutes or less with minimal effort.
• Packed with Flavor: The simple technique of toasting the garlic properly creates a deep, savory, and incredibly aromatic flavor.
• Uses Simple Pantry Staples: All you need is leftover rice, garlic, oil, and soy sauce—ingredients you likely have right now.
• The Ultimate Versatile Side: This 15-Minute Garlic Rice is the perfect partner for literally anything—fried chicken, a simple egg, or any leftover protein.

Health Benefits

Even for a simple dish, this 15-Minute Garlic Rice has its perks. Garlic is a well-known superfood, celebrated for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. The rice provides a quick and easily digestible source of carbohydrates for energy, which is much needed after a long day. By making it at home, you have complete control over the amount of oil and sodium, making it a much healthier choice than takeout fried rice.

The Perfect Occasion for 15-Minute Garlic Rice

This recipe was designed for one specific moment, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations.

• The Exhausting Weeknight: This is its true calling. It’s the perfect, low-effort, high-reward side dish.
• A Super Quick Lunch: Pair it with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying meal in minutes.
• When You Need to Use Leftover Rice: It’s the most delicious way to transform day-old rice into something amazing.
• A Simple, Comforting Meal for One: This 15-Minute Garlic Rice is one of the easiest and most satisfying solo meals you can make.

This 15-Minute Garlic Rice is your key to a delicious, comforting, and lightning-fast meal that will save you on your most tired weeknights.

Chef’s Notes: Buttery Garlic Rice

• Use fresh garlic for best aroma – Minced cloves release natural oils that infuse butter beautifully.

• Toast rice briefly before simmering – Coating grains in butter and garlic enhances flavor and keeps texture fluffy.

• Simmer gently with lid closed – Avoid lifting the lid to preserve steam and ensure even cooking.

• Rest rice after cooking – A 10-minute rest allows grains to finish steaming and stay separate.

• Finish with butter and parsley – Adds richness and freshness right before serving.

• Adjust broth for rice type – Jasmine or basmati may need slightly less liquid; brown rice not recommended here.

• Optional flavor boosts – Lemon juice, black pepper, sesame seeds, or Parmesan can elevate the dish.

• Pairs with many mains – Grilled chicken, seared fish, stir-fries, or roasted vegetables complement perfectly.

• Freezer-friendly side dish – Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

• Dairy-free swaps available – Vegan butter or olive oil keep richness without dairy.

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Buttery Garlic Rice

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Side DishCuisine: Asian, WesternDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

308

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Dive into the ultimate side dish that elevates any meal — buttery garlic rice that’s insanely fragrant and irresistibly tasty! This easy-to-make recipe combines just the right amount of butter and garlic with perfectly cooked rice to create a side that pairs beautifully with any cuisine — from grilled chicken and seared fish to hearty stir-fries. Whether you’re cooking a family dinner or meal prepping, this luscious dish freezes well and shines brightly when freshly made. You’ll be hooked after just one bite, as bold flavors and buttery richness meld seamlessly in every fluffy grain!

Ingredients

• Dairy Fats

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided

• Aromatics Herbs

• 4 medium garlic cloves finely minced

• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley plus extra for garnish

• Main Grain

• 1 1/3 cups uncooked long grain white rice options: medium or short grain also work

• Liquids Seasoning

• 4 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if using table salt

• Alternative Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: substitute with olive oil or vegan butter vegan, dairy free

• Garlic: garlic powder or jarred minced garlic note: fresh preferred for flavor

• White Rice: jasmine rice or basmati can be used but adjust liquid accordingly; brown rice not recommended for this method

• Chicken Broth: vegetable broth or water with vegetable stock powder low sodium preferred

• Kosher Salt: sea salt or table salt adjust quantities accordingly

• Parsley: cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous note

Directions

• Sautéing Garlic – Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until melted and fragrant. Add the finely minced garlic and gently sauté for about 30 seconds until it just begins to turn golden. This brief cooking releases the essential aromas without burning the garlic, which would create bitterness. (Approx. 2 minutes)
• Toasting Rice – Immediately stir in the uncooked rice, coating each grain with the butter and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the edges of the rice grains become translucent; this step helps to enhance the texture and flavor of your final dish. (Approx. 1 minute)
• Simmering the Rice – Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. This simmering process allows the rice to absorb the flavorful broth fully while the steam gently finishes cooking the grains to tender perfection. Resist stirring or uncovering to prevent steam loss. (Approx. 15 minutes)
• Resting and Finishing Touches – After cooking, tilt the pan slightly to check for any remaining liquid. With the lid still on, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. This resting period steams the rice further, ensuring fluffiness. Following rest, fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and evenly distributed. Mix in the chopped parsley for freshness. Finally, sprinkle extra parsley on top as a garnish. (Approx. 10 minutes) Optional: For enhanced aroma, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• saucepan
• measuring cups and spoons
• mixing spoon

Notes

• For best results, always use fresh garlic minced finely to ensure fragrant butter infusion. This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins, sautéed vegetables, or as a base for bowls. Feel free to enhance flavor further by stirring in toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. To keep the dish lighter, swap butter for olive oil but note it will alter the richness. For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter seamlessly. Leftovers freeze well; reheat softly with a splash of broth to re-moisten before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 308kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 18mg
• Sodium: 331mg
• Potassium: 188mg
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0.3g
• Protein: 7g
• Vitamin A: 265IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs: Buttery Garlic Rice

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