This French Onion Butter Rice is the perfect comfort dish! It features tender rice cooked in a savory onion broth, giving it a lovely flavor that’s hard to resist.
Pair it with a crispy chicken or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug. I could eat this every day and never get bored! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish. Basmati or jasmine rice adds a lovely aroma. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use brown rice, but remember it will need a longer cooking time.
Onions: Yellow onions are key for that sweet caramelized flavor. If you only have white or red onions, those can work too, but the flavor will differ slightly. Sweet onions like Vidalia can also add a nice touch!
Beef Broth: For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is perfect. If you want a less intense flavor, you could even use chicken broth. Personal tip: homemade broth always elevates the dish!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. They will offer a different taste but can still work well!
How Do I Get The Perfect Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is the secret to adding deep flavor to this dish. It needs patience, so don’t rush it! Here’s how to achieve that golden goodness:
- Cook the onions low and slow. Start at medium heat, then reduce it if they begin to brown too quickly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning; this helps them cook evenly.
- Watch for a rich, deep color before adding the garlic. This will take about 25-30 minutes; it’s worth the wait!
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, they’ll bring an incredible depth of flavor to your rice. Enjoy it all together for a beautiful meal!
French Onion Butter Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
For the Onion Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (for rich onion flavor) or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 40-50 minutes total for this dish. Allow around 10 minutes for prep work, then about 25-30 minutes for caramelizing the onions. Finally, another 15-18 minutes to cook the rice. The wait is worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn a deep golden brown—this process takes about 25-30 minutes. If the onions start to burn, lower the heat.
2. Add Garlic:
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains well with the buttery onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
4. Cook the Rice:
Pour in the broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it’s melted and well mixed in. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve:
Serve the French Onion Butter Rice warm, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if using. Enjoy the rich, buttery, onion flavor, and savor every cozy bite!
This comforting dish pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins or can stand alone as a delightful vegetarian main. Enjoy!
FAQ for French Onion Butter Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes. Additionally, you may need to increase the broth to about 3 cups since brown rice absorbs more liquid.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This way, you can enjoy the dish without any animal products!
What Can I Serve with French Onion Butter Rice?
This dish pairs well with a variety of mains. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s also hearty enough to stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian dish!