Garlic butter beef rice has become my ultimate weeknight hero, a dish that promises incredible flavor without the fuss. I first discovered this amazing garlic butter beef and rice recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something satisfyingly quick. The aroma of sizzling garlic and butter hitting the hot pan, followed by the savory beef, was enough to make my mouth water instantly. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that always feels special, perfect for turning any ordinary evening into a delicious adventure. Let’s get cooking this easy garlic butter beef with rice!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef Rice
This isn’t just another beef and rice dish; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple. Here’s why this garlic butter beef rice recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Incredible Flavor: The rich, savory garlic butter sauce is absolutely irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can have this on the table in under an hour.
- Satisfying Meal: Tender beef and fluffy rice make for a hearty and filling dinner.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or a fried egg on top.
- Impressive Results: It tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, but you made it yourself!
- Minimal Cleanup: Mostly cooked in one skillet, making post-dinner chores a breeze.
- Perfect for Beginners: This easy garlic butter beef with rice is forgiving and foolproof.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Gather these ingredients for a truly delicious garlic butter beef and rice dish. This recipe focuses on quality components for that perfect savory flavor.
- 1.5-2 lbs flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced – slicing against the grain is key for tenderness.
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – for that essential umami base in the marinade.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce – adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the beef.
- 1/2 tsp sugar – balances the salty and savory notes in the marinade.
- 1 tsp sesame oil – for its distinct nutty aroma in the marinade.
- 1 tsp cornstarch – helps the marinade cling to the beef and tenderize it.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – adds a little warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for the aromatic marinade.
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated – gives the marinade a zesty kick.
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional) – if you like a little heat in your garlic butter beef rice.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided – the star of our rich sauce.
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce) – more garlic equals more flavor for this butter garlic steak and rice!
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth – thins the sauce and adds body.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – cuts through the richness of the butter.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – for seasoning the sauce.
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey – a touch of sweetness for the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional) – adds an unexpected herbal note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – season the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice – fluffy rice is the perfect base for this dish.
- 3.5 cups cold water – for cooking the rice.
- 1/2 tsp salt – for seasoning the rice.
- Fresh chopped green onions or chives (for garnish) – adds freshness and color.
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) – for texture and nutty flavor.
- Extra sesame oil (optional, for garnish) – a final drizzle for aroma.
- Fried eggs (optional, for serving) – a runny yolk makes this garlic butter ground beef and rice extra decadent.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Follow these simple steps to create a truly amazing garlic butter beef and rice dish that will impress everyone. This recipe breaks down the process into manageable parts for a perfect outcome every time.
Marinating the Beef
First, thinly slice your steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss the beef slices in this mixture until well-coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the deepest flavor in your garlic butter beef rice bowl.
Cooking the Perfect Rice
Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for fluffy rice! Combine the rinsed rice, cold water, and salt in a pot. Bring it to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! Once done, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This method ensures perfectly cooked rice for your butter garlic steak and rice. For more tips on cooking rice, check out this guide.
Crafting the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, and optional oregano. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep this delicious sauce warm for the final assembly of your garlic butter beef rice recipe easy.
Searing the Beef and Combining
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Carefully add the marinated beef in a single layer – cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding, which causes steaming rather than searing. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Transfer the seared beef to a plate. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the warm garlic butter sauce over it. Toss everything together and simmer for just 30-60 seconds to coat the beef and heat through, creating the best garlic butter beef rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Want to elevate your garlic butter beef rice from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. These tips ensure your dish is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture every time.
- Slice Against the Grain: This is non-negotiable for tender beef. Partially freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes it much easier.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Searing the beef in batches is crucial. Overcrowding steams the meat, preventing that beautiful golden-brown crust we’re after.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding it to the beef. Adjust salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice to get it just right for your garlic butter beef and rice skillet.
- Rest the Rice: Letting the rice rest after cooking allows the steam to redistribute, making it fluffy and preventing mushiness.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Beef Rice?
The real magic lies in searing the beef properly over high heat and not overcooking it. Combined with a rich, homemade garlic butter sauce, this creates an incredibly satisfying flavor profile for your simple garlic butter beef rice bowl. For more on achieving perfect searing, you can consult this resource.
Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Rice ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead! Marinate the beef up to 4 hours in advance, and cook the rice a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the beef quickly in the skillet with the sauce, and gently warm the rice. This makes assembling your garlic butter beef rice for dinner even faster. Learn more about meal prepping.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Beef Rice?
The biggest pitfalls are overcooking the beef and burning the garlic. Always use high heat for searing and cook the beef quickly. For the sauce, keep the heat low when sautéing garlic to prevent bitterness. Following these steps ensures a delicious garlic butter beef rice.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Rice
This delicious garlic butter beef rice is so versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion! For a classic restaurant-style experience, serve it piping hot in bowls, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of the tender beef and rich sauce over fluffy rice. A fried egg with a runny yolk is a must-try addition; the yolk mixes into the garlic butter beef and rice, adding an incredible creaminess. You can also pair this amazing butter garlic steak and rice with a simple side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, for a complete and balanced meal. It’s truly the best garlic butter beef rice for a satisfying dinner. Consider adding some fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Let’s break down the nutritional profile of this delicious garlic butter beef rice. While exact numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general idea per serving. This easy garlic butter beef with rice is a hearty meal.
- Calories: Approximately 550-650
- Fat: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Sugar: 5-8g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your garlic butter beef rice bowl.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Leftover garlic butter beef rice is a treasure, perfect for a quick meal later! Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any remains into airtight containers. Store these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep this delicious garlic butter beef and rice longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. This makes having a quick garlic butter beef rice bowl for lunch or dinner incredibly easy. For more on food storage, see these tips.
To reheat, you have a few options. For the best results with your garlic butter beef rice, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This helps maintain the moisture and flavor. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway for even warming. Just be sure it’s steaming hot before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Can I use a different cut of beef for this garlic butter beef rice recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin steak are my favorites for this garlic butter beef and rice recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender, you can also use ribeye or even skirt steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best results. If you’re using ground beef, you can make a delicious garlic butter ground beef and rice version; just brown the ground beef first, drain excess fat, and then proceed with the sauce.
How do I make this garlic butter beef rice bowl healthier?
To make this a healthier garlic butter beef rice, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef, like a 90/10 lean ground beef or a lean sirloin. Reducing the amount of butter used in the sauce and swapping some of it for olive oil or broth can also help lower the fat content. Serving it with a larger portion of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, adds fiber and nutrients, making it a more balanced garlic butter beef rice with vegetables. You could also try using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low carb variation.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce for the marinade?
No worries if you don’t have oyster sauce! You can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce for a similar sweet and savory depth. Another option is to add a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to the marinade. These substitutions will still give your beef a wonderful flavor for your garlic butter beef rice bowl recipe, even if it’s not exactly the same as the original.
Can I make the garlic butter beef and rice recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components ahead to save time! Marinate the beef for up to 4 hours, and cook the rice a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the beef quickly in a skillet with the sauce, and gently warm the rice. This makes assembling your simple garlic butter beef rice bowl for dinner incredibly fast and convenient, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Variations of Garlic Butter Beef Rice You Can Try
This versatile garlic butter beef rice recipe is a fantastic base for endless creative twists! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a different cooking method, or just a new flavor profile, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your own delicious garlic butter beef rice journey.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Beef Rice: Kick up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes to the marinade and sauce, or even a dash of sriracha. This creates a wonderfully fiery garlic butter beef stir fry rice.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Rice: For an extra decadent experience, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the sauce at the end. This makes for a truly luxurious creamy garlic butter beef rice.
- Garlic Butter Beef Rice Skillet with Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and color by tossing in your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking the beef. This easily transforms it into a complete garlic butter beef rice with vegetables.
- Garlic Butter Sirloin Steak and Rice Bowl: If you have sirloin steak on hand, it works beautifully! Slice it thin and marinate as directed for a quick and flavorful butter garlic steak and rice that’s perfect for a hearty bowl.
Amazing Garlic Butter Beef Rice: 1 Pan Wonder
- Total Time: 75 Minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful garlic butter beef and rice dish featuring tender, marinated beef coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3.5 cups cold water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fresh chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Extra sesame oil (optional, for garnish)
- Fried eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Thinly slice 1.5-2 lbs flank or sirloin steak against the grain to 1/4-inch thickness. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch grated ginger, and optional pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk well. Add sliced beef to marinade, toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Rinse 2 cups long-grain white rice under cold water until clear. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine rinsed rice, 3.5 cups cold water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift lid. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add 6-8 minced garlic cloves; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Stir in 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken/beef broth, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar/honey, and optional 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over high heat until smoking hot. Melt remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the skillet. Add marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness. Transfer seared beef to a plate, cover loosely to keep warm. Once all beef is seared, return it to the skillet. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the beef and toss to coat. Simmer for 30-60 seconds to combine flavors and heat through.
- Spoon cooked rice into serving bowls. Top generously with garlic butter beef and sauce. Optionally, add a fried egg, chopped green onions/chives, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain. Freezing the beef slightly for 15-20 minutes can make slicing easier.
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering or resting to ensure proper cooking.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce; low and slow is key.
- Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- A fried egg with a runny yolk is highly recommended for added richness.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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