This Garlic Parmesan Rice is a tasty side dish that’s super easy to make. It’s packed with flavor from garlic and topped with cheesy goodness. Who doesn’t love cheesy rice?
I love serving this rice with grilled chicken or a fresh salad. It’s a perfect way to make my meals feel fancy without all the fuss. Plus, it smells amazing while cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish as it remains fluffy. Jasmine adds a nice fragrance, while basmati has a nutty flavor. If you prefer brown rice, just adjust the cooking time—brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quicker substitute if you’re in a pinch. Generally, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic.
Broth: Chicken broth gives great flavor, but vegetable broth works wonders too for a vegetarian option. You can also use water but may need to adjust the seasoning as it won’t have the same rich taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese creates a smooth texture. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano makes a tasty alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great non-dairy substitute if you’re avoiding cheese.
How Can I Ensure the Rice Turns Out Perfectly Fluffy?
The key to fluffy rice is rinsing it before cooking. This removes excess starch that can make the rice gummy. Aim for the water to run clear when rinsing. Also, toasting the rice in butter before adding liquid enhances the flavor and helps keep grains separate.
- After adding the broth, bring it to a boil. Then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Don’t lift the lid while it cooks to keep the steam in!
- Letting the rice steam off the heat for 5 minutes is crucial—it allows the grains to finish cooking and become fluffy.
Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this Garlic Parmesan Rice takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious side dish ready to complement your main meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent your rice from being sticky. Once done, drain well.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is fully melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir it around to coat it completely in the garlic butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting step adds great flavor!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring everything to a boil. Keep an eye on it, because it can boil over quickly!
5. Cook the Rice:
Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the delicious broth.
6. Let it Steam:
After the cooking time is up, take the saucepan off the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This steaming step is key for perfectly fluffy rice.
7. Finish and Serve:
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding salt and pepper to taste. Finally, serve your Garlic Parmesan Rice hot, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely garnish!
This creamy and flavorful garlic Parmesan rice makes a wonderful side dish and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite protein. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time—typically around 40-45 minutes. Make sure to increase the broth to about 2 ½ cups to ensure it cooks properly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetable-Friendly?
Absolutely! Just substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. The flavor will still be delicious and rich!
What Should I Do If My Rice Is Gummy?
If your rice turns out gummy, it may have been overcooked or too much starch was left on the grains. For future cooking, ensure you rinse the rice well before cooking and monitor the cooking time closely. Try to maintain a gentle simmer rather than boiling vigorously.
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to help restore moisture and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
