Introduction
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s rich, buttery, and irresistibly flavorful, Golden Butter Rice is the perfect choice. This easy-to-make dish combines fluffy rice, creamy butter, and aromatic seasonings to create a comforting and versatile addition to any meal.
With its golden hue, savory taste, and delicate richness, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even seafood. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, Golden Butter Rice is the perfect way to elevate your plate.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make at home! With just a few pantry staples and a foolproof cooking method, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice that’s buttery, soft, and full of flavor. Follow along as we walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make the best Golden Butter Rice every time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Golden Butter Rice Recipe
Golden Butter Rice isn’t just another side dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy recipe that deserves a spot on your table. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) this dish:
Irresistibly Buttery & Flavorful
The rich, creamy butter, combined with garlic, onion, and seasonings, gives this rice an unbelievably delicious taste. Each fluffy grain is infused with buttery goodness, making it perfectly savory and aromatic.
Quick & Easy to Make
This one-pot recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. With simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish right at home.
Pairs Well with Everything
Golden Butter Rice is versatile and complements a wide range of main dishes. Serve it with:
- Grilled Chicken – A perfect match for juicy, seasoned chicken breasts or thighs.
- Roasted Vegetables – Adds a buttery contrast to caramelized, oven-roasted veggies.
- Seafood & Steak – Its delicate flavors pair beautifully with shrimp, salmon, or steak.
No matter what’s on the menu, this buttery rice dish will elevate your meal!
Ingredients
Rice & Liquid
- 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati for best results)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Butter & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, prevents butter from burning)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (for the golden color and earthy flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (for extra color and spice)
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 2 cups cooked rice
Key Features
✅ Rich & Buttery – Infused with butter, garlic, and broth for maximum flavor.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✅ Golden & Aromatic – Turmeric adds a beautiful golden hue and earthy depth.
✅ Pairs with Everything – Perfect alongside grilled meats, seafood, and veggies.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg (varies based on broth used)
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Golden Butter Rice, you only need a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating its rich, buttery, and flavorful taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rice Choices
The type of rice you choose affects the texture and overall flavor of the dish. The best options include:
- Long-grain rice – Produces light, fluffy grains that don’t clump together.
- Jasmine rice – Adds a subtle floral aroma and a slightly softer texture.
- Basmati rice – Known for its delicate, nutty flavor and long, separate grains.
For the best results, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Butter & Oils
- Unsalted butter – Enhances the rice’s rich, buttery taste while giving you better control over the saltiness.
- Olive oil (optional) – Adds a slight depth of flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
Broth & Seasonings
Using the right broth and seasonings is key to achieving that golden color and deep flavor:
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – Infuses the rice with a rich, savory taste.
- Garlic & Onion – Adds aromatic depth, making the rice even more flavorful.
- Turmeric – The secret ingredient for a natural golden hue and a subtle earthy warmth.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a restaurant-quality buttery rice dish at home!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Golden Butter Rice
Making Golden Butter Rice is simple and requires just a few steps to achieve fluffy, buttery perfection. Follow this guide to create a flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal.
1. Rinse & Prepare the Rice
Rinsing the rice is an essential step to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains light and fluffy instead of sticky.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer.
- Swirl the rice with your hands and continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Drain well before cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
This step infuses the rice with a rich, buttery flavor while enhancing its golden color.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add olive oil (optional) to prevent the butter from burning.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in the turmeric and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spice to bloom and release its aroma.
3. Simmer with Broth
Cooking the rice in broth instead of water adds depth of flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the buttery mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the mixture until it starts to simmer gently, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
- Allow the rice to cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Fluff & Serve
Letting the rice rest before fluffing helps it achieve the perfect texture.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Now, your Golden Butter Rice is ready to serve! Pair it with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Take your Golden Butter Rice to the next level with these expert tips, creative variations, and perfect pairings.
Tips for Perfect Rice
Achieve fluffy, flavorful rice every time by following these key tips:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Use the right water-to-rice ratio. For long-grain rice, a ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of broth works best.
- Let the rice rest for five minutes after cooking before fluffing to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich, creamy taste.
Delicious Variations
Give your Golden Butter Rice a unique twist by experimenting with these flavorful add-ins:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a creamy, savory upgrade.
- Stir in fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives for a burst of freshness.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds, pine nuts, or cashews for added texture.
- Infuse the rice with saffron by soaking a pinch of saffron threads in warm broth before adding it to the rice.
Best Pairings
Golden Butter Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals:
- Serve alongside grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, or lamb.
- Complement seafood dishes like garlic butter shrimp, salmon, or lemon-herb fish.
- Pair with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete vegetarian meal.
With these tips, variations, and serving ideas, you can customize Golden Butter Rice to suit any meal or occasion.
FAQs About Golden Butter Rice
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can use brown rice as a substitute, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add extra broth if necessary. You may also want to use a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks fully.
What’s the best butter to use?
For the best flavor, high-quality unsalted butter is ideal. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning of the dish, ensuring the flavors are balanced without being too salty. Choose a creamy, rich butter for the most flavorful result.
Can I make it in a rice cooker?
Yes! You can easily make Golden Butter Rice in a rice cooker. Simply follow the same ingredient ratios (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of broth), and set the rice cooker to cook as usual. Once done, let it rest before fluffing for the perfect texture.
You’ll Also Love
If you enjoy Golden Butter Rice, here are a few more delicious recipes you might like to try:
Garlic Butter Rice
A simple and savory variation of golden butter rice, infused with rich garlic flavors. Perfect for pairing with any protein or veggie dish.
Lemon Herb Rice
A zesty, fresh alternative with a touch of lemon and mixed herbs, great for adding brightness to your meals.
Coconut Rice
A tropical twist on traditional rice, cooked with coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that complements curries and grilled meats.
Saffron Rice
Elevate your meal with luxurious saffron-infused rice, offering an elegant, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes.
Conclusion
Golden Butter Rice is an incredibly flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that can complement any meal. Its rich buttery taste, light texture, and beautiful golden color make it a standout on any dinner table. Whether you serve it with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables, this rice is sure to impress your family and guests.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with additional seasonings, herbs, and variations to make it your own. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, so feel free to add your personal touch!
Try this recipe and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram! We can’t wait to see how you make this delicious Golden Butter Rice your own.