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French Onion Butter Rice

French Onion Butter Rice

French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms the rich, savory taste of French onion soup into a buttery, aromatic rice side or main. With caramelized onions, creamy butter, and herbaceous notes, this easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins or stands alone as a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice
  • 2 1/2 cups warm Beef or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly and cook them slowly in butter over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent burning, allowing the onions to soften and turn a deep golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Add minced garlic to the pan with the caramelized onions, stirring briefly to release its aroma. Add the rice and toast it lightly in the buttery onion mixture for a few minutes to coat each grain thoroughly.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the warm beef or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15-20 minutes depending on the rice variety.
  4. Finish and Fluff: Remove the rice from heat. Stir in fresh thyme if using, season with salt and pepper to taste, and fluff gently with a fork to keep the grains light and separate.

Notes

  • Slow and low heat caramelizing yields the best flavor and color for the onions.
  • Using warm broth prevents temperature shock and promotes evenly cooked rice.
  • Unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning levels.
  • Toasting the rice enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Let the rice rest covered off heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Butter Rice, caramelized onion rice, savory rice side, comfort food rice, butter rice recipe, easy rice side dish