By Golden Onion Butter Rice is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Golden Onion Butter Rice captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Golden Onion Butter Rice becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat
Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed rice, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice in the butter and onions.
Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and remove the bay leaves.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
