Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe

Easy Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe: Fragrant Delight

Melting golden onion butter cascades over fluffy jasmine rice, creating a symphony of rich, caramelized flavors that dance across your plate.

Slow-cooked onions transform into a golden nectar of deliciousness, infusing each grain with deep, aromatic warmth.

The butter brings a luxurious sheen and silky texture that elevates this simple side dish to something extraordinary.

Perfectly browned onions release their natural sweetness, complementing the delicate jasmine rice subtle floral notes.

Preparing this recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction with every spoonful.

You’ll find this dish becomes an instant favorite, promising to impress at any dinner table.

Grab a fork and savor the magic of this irresistible golden onion butter jasmine rice.

Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice: Highlights

  • Caramelized onions transform ordinary rice into a rich, sweet, and deeply satisfying side dish that elevates any meal with incredible depth and complexity.
  • This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without extensive preparation.
  • Jasmine rice with golden onions pairs beautifully with countless main dishes, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees, providing a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that suits multiple cuisine styles.
  • The combination of buttery rice and caramelized onions delivers a nutrient-rich side that's both wholesome and indulgent, offering a satisfying balance of flavor and nutrition.

Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice: Shopping List

Main Ingredients:
  • Jasmine Rice: A fragrant, long-grain rice that provides a delicate and slightly sweet base for the dish.
  • Onions: Sweet onions that are caramelized to create a rich, golden-brown flavor profile.
Fats and Oils:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: These ingredients add richness and help develop deep, golden caramelization for the onions and create a smooth texture for the rice.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the rice and bring out the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Water, Broth: These liquids cook the rice to a tender consistency and add additional depth of flavor to the dish.

Equipment for Jasmine Rice with Golden Onion Butter

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing those golden onions with rich flavor.
  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking the jasmine rice to fluffy perfection.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing onions cleanly and safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise onion slicing.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help add the right amount of salt and butter.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring onions and rice without scratching cookware.
  • Colander or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps rinse rice thoroughly.

Jasmine Rice Recipe Steps

Step 1: Caramelize Sweet Onions

Select a large skillet and drizzle olive oil with a small pat of butter.

Warm the pan over medium heat until butter melts smoothly.

Add thinly sliced onions with a gentle sprinkle of salt.

Let onions slowly transform into golden, soft strands by stirring occasionally.

This process takes about 12-15 minutes.

Once onions reach a rich caramel color, transfer them to a separate dish and set aside.

Step 2: Rinse Jasmine Rice

Place jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer.

Run cool water over the grains, gently swirling with your fingers.

Continue rinsing until the water becomes completely clear, which helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 3: Toast Rice Kernels

Select a medium saucepan and melt remaining butter over medium heat.

Add rinsed rice and stir gently, coating each grain with melted butter.

This toasting process enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and helps prevent clumping.

Step 4: Simmer Rice to Perfection

Pour water or broth into the pan with toasted rice.

Season with black pepper and salt.

Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.

Cover the saucepan and let rice simmer quietly for 15-18 minutes.

After cooking, remove from heat and let rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Gently fluff rice with a fork.

Fold caramelized onions into the rice, distributing them evenly.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy the rich, golden-brown onion-infused jasmine rice.

Tips for Fluffy Jasmine Rice Every Time

  • Use cold water and gently swirl rice to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains when cooked.
  • Stir onions frequently during sautĂ©ing to prevent burning and achieve even golden-brown color without scorching.
  • Select high-quality unsalted butter for richer flavor and better control of salt content in the final dish.
  • Maintain precise water-to-rice proportion (typically 1.5: 1) for perfectly cooked, tender jasmine rice with ideal moisture.
  • Allow rice to sit covered after cooking, then gently fluff with a fork to create light, airy texture and distribute flavors evenly.

Jasmine Rice Twists and Add-Ins

  • Herb-Infused Rice: Replace butter with olive oil and add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley during the final cooking stage for an aromatic herbal version.
  • Vegan Golden Onion Rice: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable margarine, ensuring a plant-based alternative that maintains rich caramelized onion flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Use ghee instead of butter and add turmeric and cumin for additional health benefits and a warm, spicy profile.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt, use low-sodium broth, and enhance flavor with fresh cracked pepper and dried herb blends for a heart-friendly adaptation.

How to Serve Golden Onion Jasmine Rice

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this golden onion butter jasmine rice with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a heartwarming meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Veggie Lover's Dream: Top the rice with sautĂ©ed seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a vibrant, nutrient-packed side dish.
  • Creamy Gourmet Twist: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or parmesan over the warm rice to add a luxurious, tangy flavor that elevates the caramelized onion notes.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to bring a bright, fresh element that complements the rich, buttery rice.

Keeping Jasmine Rice Tasting Fresh

  • Store leftover rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Press out excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place rice in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Add rice to skillet with small amount of butter or oil. Stir gently over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed and slightly crispy edges form.

FAQs

  • Why rinse jasmine rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy when cooked.

  • Can I use a different type of onion?

Yellow onions work best for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness and ability to develop a rich golden-brown color, but white or sweet onions are good alternatives.

  • How do I know when onions are properly caramelized?

Caramelized onions turn a deep golden-brown color and become soft and sweet, which typically takes 12-15 minutes of slow cooking over medium heat.

  • Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?

Using a combination adds rich flavor from butter and prevents burning, as olive oil has a higher smoke point that helps protect the butter from scorching during cooking.

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Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe

Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent golden onion butter jasmine rice blends caramelized onions with fragrant jasmine rice for a luxurious side dish. Luxurious layers of flavor and aroma make this rice a delightful companion to many main courses you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

Aromatics & Fats:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for caramelizing onions.
  2. Introduce sliced onions with a delicate pinch of salt, gently sautéing for 12-15 minutes until they transform into a rich, amber-hued delicacy.
  3. Thoroughly rinse jasmine rice under cold water, allowing the stream to clear completely and eliminate excess starch.
  4. Melt remaining butter in a medium saucepan, coating the rinsed rice grains with a luxurious, velvety layer.
  5. Pour in water or broth, seasoning with black pepper and salt to enhance the rice’s inherent flavors.
  6. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low, creating a gentle, steamy environment.
  7. Cover and allow rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes, ensuring tender grains and complete liquid absorption.
  8. Remove from heat, letting the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to achieve perfect texture.
  9. Gently fold caramelized onions into the prepared rice, distributing their sweet, golden essence throughout the dish.

Notes

  • Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won’t clump together.
  • Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, rich golden-brown color without burning.
  • Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels, making the dish adaptable for those watching their sodium intake.
  • Toast rice in butter before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and create a more complex, aromatic dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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