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French Onion Butter Rice Recipe

4.7 from 122 reviews

French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender long-grain white rice cooked with caramelized onions, fragrant thyme, and savory beef broth. Finished with butter and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with the creaminess of buttered rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Onions and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt, and cook while stirring frequently until the onions soften and turn a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes. This process brings out a rich, sweet flavor in the onions.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the saucepan with the caramelized onions. Stir well to coat each grain in butter and onion flavors. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and enhance its nuttiness.
  3. Simmer: Pour in the beef broth along with garlic powder and dried thyme. Stir the mixture to combine, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  4. Finish & Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese if using, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, then serve the French Onion Butter Rice warm alongside your favorite entrées.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth to make a lighter, less intense flavor.
  • Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content more precisely.
  • Make sure to cook the onions slowly to avoid burning and to achieve proper caramelization.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious savory depth if included.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: French Onion Butter Rice, caramelized onion rice, buttery rice side dish, easy rice recipe, French-inspired side, rice with Parmesan, savory rice dish