Rich and Savory Golden Onion Butter Rice
Golden Onion Butter Rice is a rich, savory side dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy indulgence of butter. This easy-to-make rice dish features long-grain rice cooked in flavorful broth, enhanced by slow-sautéed golden onions and aromatic garlic, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of meals. Its comforting texture and vibrant flavor profile bring warmth and depth to any table, suitable for family dinners or festive occasions.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Rice and Broth
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fats and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Heat Butter and Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat, creating a rich base for flavor development.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and forms the signature flavor of the dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic flavor infuses but doesn’t burn.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, which helps enhance texture and flavor absorption.
- Cook with Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to activate the cooking process.
- Simmer the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and allow the rice to sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and set. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and lighten the texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving your Golden Onion Butter Rice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your broth to avoid over-seasoning.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions; low and slow heat yields the best flavor without burning.
- Use fresh parsley as garnish to brighten the dish visually and add a mild herbal note.
- This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Golden Onion Butter Rice, caramelized onion rice, butter rice recipe, savory rice dish, easy side dish, vegetarian rice, flavorful rice, comfort food