This French Onion Butter Rice is the perfect warm and cozy dish! It combines fluffy rice with rich, buttery flavors and sweet caramelized onions for a delightful meal.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just cook the rice with some onions, butter, and seasonings. It goes great with grilled meats or even on its own. You’ll want to keep this recipe close! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish because it cooks nicely and stays fluffy. If you want to try something different, Jasmine or Basmati rice can work well too!
Onions: Yellow onions are the star here, bringing sweetness when caramelized. If you’re in a pinch, you could swap them for sweet onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth enhances the taste, but if you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute. Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works just fine!
Cheese: Gruyère adds a lovely creaminess. If it’s hard to find, Swiss cheese is a good alternative. You can also skip the cheese for a lighter version!
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is crucial for a deep sweet flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to prevent burning. The goal is slow cooking to bring out the sugars.
- Add a touch of salt to draw out moisture and speed up the process.
- Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, to ensure even cooking.
- Be patient! It takes about 20-25 minutes to get that lovely golden brown color.
If you find the onions browning too fast, just lower the heat a bit. Remember, patience is key!
French Onion Butter Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Cooking:
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a total of 35-40 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Be patient while they cook to develop that wonderful deep, sweet flavor!
2. Prepare the Rice:
While your onions are caramelizing, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it. This step is important as it helps to remove extra starch and keeps your rice fluffy.
3. Toast the Rice:
Once the onions are ready, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and stir in the rinsed rice. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, mixing well, which allows it to soak up some buttery goodness!
4. Cook the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and thyme to the skillet. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer:
Lower the heat, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. Check to make sure the rice is tender and that the broth has been absorbed.
6. Let it Steam:
Remove the skillet from heat, but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the rice to steam perfectly!
7. Fluff and Serve:
After steaming, gently fluff the rice with a fork. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover briefly to let it melt, then add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Enjoy your cozy French Onion Butter Rice as a delicious side dish or a comforting main meal!
FAQ for French Onion Butter Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, about 40-45 minutes, and typically requires more broth (about 2.5 cups). Just keep an eye on it for doneness!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’re good to go! This will still provide a rich flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or some cooked protein like shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a full meal. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste!
