Herb and Garlic Rice

Introduction

Herb and Garlic Rice is your ticket to transforming any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Fragrant garlic mingles with the brightness of fresh herbs, infusing every grain of fluffy rice with aromatic flavor. This recipe is perfect as a versatile side, elevating weeknight dinners or complementing festive mains. Its simplicity and flavor make it a go-to crowd-pleaser for home cooks seeking both convenience and taste.

Why Make Herb and Garlic Rice?

This rice dish scores big points for its savory, herb-infused notes and reliable ease. Whether you pair it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a medley of roasted vegetables, the herb and garlic combination adapts beautifully. Plus, it’s flexible—use whatever herbs you have on hand, making it a year-round staple for your meal rotation.

Choosing, Prepping, and Serving Your Herb and Garlic Rice

Using quality long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, ensures a fluffy result. Start by sautéing fresh garlic gently in olive oil or butter to release its full aroma. Stir in your rice, and let it toast for extra flavor before simmering in broth. Finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley, chives, dill, or basil—and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This technique draws out the layered flavors and results in an irresistibly fragrant side dish.

Meal Pairing Suggestions

Serve Herb and Garlic Rice alongside protein-rich mains such as lemon-herb chicken, baked fish, or sautéed shrimp. For a plant-based meal, pair it with grilled vegetables or a hearty bean stew. It also works beautifully as a base for grain bowls or as a flavorful stuffing for bell peppers or tomatoes.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

One batch yields about 4 servings, with each containing roughly 180–200 calories (mainly from carbohydrates and a healthy dose of olive oil or butter). It’s naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan by using plant-based fat and vegetable broth.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
3. Add the rinsed rice. Stir frequently for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly and coat with oil.
4. Pour in the broth. Add salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat. Let rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
7. Uncover, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in chopped herbs, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
8. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm as a flavorful side or as a meal base.

Weekly Meal Planning

Herb and Garlic Rice is an excellent foundation for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe within your meal plan to streamline planning, generate smart shopping lists, and get the most out of fresh herbs used in multiple meals.

Planning Benefits:

– CookifyAI calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes for the week
– Your shopping list sorts ingredients by grocery store sections for stress-free trips
– Avoids duplicate purchases (like herbs and rice), minimizing food waste
– Keeps you organized, efficient, and ready for a delicious week

Pro tip: If several of your weekly recipes use the same herbs, schedule each recipe to see exactly how much you’ll need, making your herb and garlic shopping a breeze!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes