Description
French Onion Butter Rice is a savory and flavorful side dish combining caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and rich butter with tender long-grain rice. The addition of soy sauce and thyme enhances the depth of flavor, making it a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Fats and Garnish
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes and develops a deep, sweet flavor that is the base of the dish.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. This step prevents the garlic from burning and delivers a subtle aromatic punch.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the butter and onion flavors, which enhances its nutty taste and texture.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or saucepan with a lid and let the rice simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to finish cooking with residual steam. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the rice for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the French Onion Butter Rice warm as a delicious side dish to your favorite mains.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing deep flavor; avoid rushing this step with high heat.
- You may substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian or beef broth for a richer taste.
- Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese after cooking.
