Butter Rice
Creamy butter rice with a savory onion or garlic flavor, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the rice, boiling water, butter, salt, and onion or garlic powder in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best butter rice, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky. If you don't have onion or garlic powder, consider using fresh minced onion or garlic for a more robust flavor. You can also customize this dish by adding herbs like thyme or parsley, or even incorporating vegetables to create a more complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Butter rice is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with proteins like grilled chicken or baked salmon. It can also complement vegetarian recipes such as stuffed bell peppers or a hearty vegetable stir-fry. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This will help maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Rice contains roughly 610 calories, with 14g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water amount. Brown rice typically requires about 1.5 times the water and a longer cooking time, approximately 50-60 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness before serving.
What other flavors can I add to butter rice?
You can enhance the flavor of butter rice by adding spices such as cumin or paprika. For a savory twist, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms or peas. Additionally, mixing in grated cheese, like Parmesan, right before serving can elevate the dish further.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Butter rice is an excellent meal prep option. You can make a larger batch at once and portion it out for the week. Just remember to store it properly and reheat it gently to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).