Salut les gourmands!
There’s something magical about the smell of butter sizzling with onions—it’s like an instant hug for your senses. The first time I made Golden Onion Butter Rice, I just wanted something simple yet comforting. Little did I know it would become my go-to side dish for almost everything. The onions caramelize beautifully, the butter gives that deep, nutty flavor, and the rice turns out so light and fluffy you could eat it on its own!
This dish is perfect when you crave something rich but easy. Whether you serve it with roasted chicken, grilled veggies, or even just a fried egg, it always delivers comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and quick to prepare—ideal for weeknights or cozy weekends.
If you love buttery, golden, and aromatic rice, you’re about to discover your new favorite recipe.
Presentation
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Inspired by the warm, buttery flavors of Middle Eastern and South Asian kitchens, this version adds a European touch with rich caramelized onions and creamy butter. The result? A golden, aromatic rice that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your Golden Onion Butter Rice:
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) basmati or jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (for that golden color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, prevents butter from burning)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Preparation
1. Caramelize the onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they turn soft, golden, and slightly sweet—about 10 to 12 minutes. Set a small handful aside for garnish later.
2. Toast the rice
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for 30 seconds. Then pour in the uncooked rice and stir until every grain is coated in that glorious buttery mixture. Let it toast gently for 1–2 minutes; this step gives the rice a nutty, rich base flavor.
3. Cook the rice
Add the broth, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 15–18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
4. Finish and fluff
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Top with the reserved golden onions and fresh herbs.
And just like that, you’ve got perfectly golden, buttery rice ready to steal the show!
Petit conseil pro 🍽️
- For deeper flavor: Use brown butter—melt butter until it turns golden and smells nutty before adding the onions.
- For extra aroma: Toss in a pinch of cumin or cardamom while cooking the onions.
- For meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a little butter to revive that silky texture.
- For a visual upgrade: Press the rice into a small bowl, flip it onto a plate, and garnish—it’ll look restaurant-ready!
Accompaniments
Your Golden Onion Butter Rice pairs wonderfully with so many dishes:
- 🍗 Lemon herb roasted chicken – perfect for family dinners.
- 🥩 Grilled beef or lamb skewers – the buttery rice soaks up all those juicy flavors.
- 🥕 Honey-glazed vegetables – for a colorful and healthy combo.
- 🍳 Fried or poached eggs – simple, quick, and satisfying.
- 🧄 Garlic yogurt sauce or cucumber raita – for a refreshing balance.
Bonus tip: This rice also tastes amazing the next day—just reheat it in a pan with a tiny pat of butter and it’s good as new!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Golden Onion Butter Rice is:
✅ Comforting and flavorful
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Easy to make
✅ Beautifully golden and fluffy
It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Let’s Chat, Food Lovers ❤️
What’s your secret for making the perfect buttery rice?
Do you prefer adding spices, herbs, or maybe even crispy onions on top?
Share your tips and your delicious results in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
À vos tabliers!
And of course… Bon appétit! 🍽️