French Onion Butter Rice Recipe

French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting, flavorful twist on traditional rice, infused with the rich sweetness of caramelized onions and fresh thyme. This easy-to-make side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meals or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it becomes fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
5. Step 5: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted. Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use clarified butter for a cleaner butter flavor and higher smoke point during sautéing.
• Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a richer taste.
• Add a splash of white wine before adding broth for extra depth.
• Top with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other long-grain rice varieties like jasmine, but cooking times may vary slightly. Avoid short-grain rice as it becomes stickier and changes the texture.

How can I speed up the caramelizing onions step?

Caramelizing onions takes time to develop their sweet flavor, but you can increase the heat slightly and stir more frequently to shorten the process. Just watch carefully to avoid burning.

French Onion Butter Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

French Onion Butter Rice is a deliciously aromatic and comforting side dish featuring caramelized onions sautéed in butter, mixed with fragrant long-grain rice and fresh thyme, all simmered to perfection in vegetable broth. This easy recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup elements with fluffy, buttery rice, making it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of meals.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati preferred)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Onion Butter Mixture

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and sauté them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, developing the rich, sweet flavor essential for the dish.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice directly to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir and toast the rice for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant, which helps enhance the rice’s nutty flavor.
3. Simmer with Broth and Thyme: Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Cook until the liquid has been fully absorbed by the rice.
4. Rest and Add Butter: Remove the skillet from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest and steam for an additional 5 minutes. Afterward, stir in the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter until it melts completely, adding richness and a velvety texture to the dish.
5. Fluff and Season: Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference. Serve the French Onion Butter Rice hot as a flavorful side.

Notes

• Use basmati rice if possible for a fragrant, fluffy texture, but other long-grain rice can substitute.
• For an even deeper flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when toasting the rice before adding the broth.
• Ensure slow caramelization of the onions to avoid burning and achieve a sweet, rich taste.
• This rice pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a comforting vegetarian main dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: French onion rice, caramelized onion rice, butter rice, side dish, vegetarian rice recipe, thyme rice