This golden butter rice is a fragrant, warmly spiced dish infused with ginger, turmeric, and a generous amount of butter. Inspired by the flavors of classic golden milk, it delivers aromatic comfort and a beautiful golden hue perfect for pairing with many meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms simple rice into something truly special. Cooking the rice directly in butter allows every grain to absorb rich flavor, producing a silky texture and irresistible aroma. The combination of ginger, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, making it great alongside curries, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a stand-alone comfort dish. It’s easy, reliable, and impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fine salt
2 cups basmati rice or other long-grain white rice
3 cups water
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/3 cup sliced green onions (optional)
Directions
Melt the butter in a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. As soon as the butter begins to bubble, add the ginger, turmeric, cayenne, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk and cook for 1 minute.
Add the rice and stir thoroughly until every grain is fully coated in the spiced butter.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, gently shake and swirl the pot to distribute the rice evenly, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with walnuts and green onions if desired.
Substitute vegetable broth for water to add extra depth.
Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a more dessert-like golden milk profile.
Stir in raisins, chopped dried apricots, or toasted almonds for added texture.
Replace basmati with jasmine rice for a slightly different aroma and softer texture.
Mix in roasted vegetables—such as carrots, peas, or cauliflower—for a hearty side.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through. You may also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals while fluffing occasionally. Avoid freezing, as the buttery texture may become grainy once thawed.
FAQs
How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?
Rinsing basmati rice before cooking and avoiding stirring during simmering help maintain fluffy grains.
Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid according to brown-rice package instructions.
Is this dish spicy?
It has mild warmth from cayenne, but you can reduce or omit it for a non-spicy version.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh ginger gives a brighter flavor. If substituting, use about 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
What type of pot works best?
A heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid helps maintain even heat and prevents steam from escaping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Keep the ratios the same and use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid oversalting.
Why add sugar to a savory rice dish?
The brown sugar balances the spices and enhances the golden milk–inspired flavor profile.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas after fluffing the rice.
How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pot?
Proper butter coating and not lifting the lid during cooking help ensure non-sticky, fluffy grains.
Conclusion
Golden butter rice is a simple yet luxurious dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a richly flavored side. With its warm spices, buttery texture, and beautiful color, it easily complements a wide range of meals. Whether served at a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings fragrance, comfort, and elegance to the table.
Golden butter rice is a fragrant, spiced rice dish infused with turmeric, ginger, and butter for a warm, silky, and vibrant side that’s easy to make and pairs with a wide range of meals.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fine salt
2 cups basmati rice or other long-grain white rice
3 cups water
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/3 cup sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the ginger, turmeric, cayenne, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk and cook for 1 minute.
Add the rice and stir thoroughly until fully coated in the spiced butter.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Gently swirl the pot to distribute the rice evenly.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Remove lid, fluff rice gently with a fork, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with walnuts and green onions if desired.
Notes
Rinse rice before cooking to prevent mushiness.
Use a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid for even cooking.
Substitute vegetable broth for water for added depth.
Reduce or omit cayenne for a milder version.
Add roasted vegetables or cooked protein to make it a full meal.
