Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked jasmine rice. But when you infuse it with deeply caramelized onions and rich butter, that bowl becomes a savory experience you’ll want to return to again and again. This Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice is fragrant, fluffy, and bursting with buttery flavor and golden onion sweetness that turns a simple side into a main attraction.

This rice dish pairs effortlessly with just about anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, yet it’s so flavorful it stands confidently on its own. Whether you’re building a cozy weeknight meal or looking for a simple but standout side for your next dinner party, this recipe brings both elegance and ease to your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice

This dish is more than just rice. It’s a layered blend of comforting aromas and taste that make it unforgettable. The caramelized onions bring out a natural sweetness, while butter smooths everything into a creamy, rich backdrop. Jasmine rice, with its naturally floral aroma, is the perfect partner to soak up the savory flavors.

It’s also versatile, budget-friendly, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. And if you’re someone who usually skips rice at dinner, this one will make you rethink that decision completely.

What Kind of Onions Should I Use for This Rice?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any onion you have on hand. Yellow onions develop the deepest caramelized flavor and are ideal for their balance of sweetness and pungency. White onions give a slightly sharper edge, and red onions offer color and a mild sweetness. If you want to get fancy, mix a couple of types for added depth. Just be sure to cook them low and slow until golden and meltingly soft.

Ingredients for the Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice

The ingredients for this dish are simple, but each plays a starring role. Let’s talk about what makes this rice so special.

  • Jasmine Rice
  • Butter
  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Water or Chicken Broth

Jasmine Rice is essential for its fragrant, slightly nutty aroma and soft, fluffy texture. It absorbs the onion and butter flavors beautifully.

Butter gives the rice its luscious texture and richness. It’s also the base that helps the onions caramelize to golden perfection.

Yellow Onion provides the savory sweetness that anchors the flavor. Sliced thin and caramelized until golden, it creates the soul of the dish.

Garlic enhances the aromatic profile with a mellow, savory depth. Add it at the end of onion cooking so it doesn’t burn.

Salt balances the sweetness of the onions and rounds out the flavor.

Black Pepper adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.

Water or Chicken Broth is used to cook the rice. Broth adds extra richness, but water works well if you want to keep it light.

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How To Make the Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat. Add your thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This can take about 20 to 25 minutes, but it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Toast the Rice

Once your onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the jasmine rice and stir to coat every grain with the buttery onion mixture. Let it toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the water or broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam.

Step 4: Fluff and Serve

Fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix the onions evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy the buttery, savory goodness in every bite.

How to Serve and Store This Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings and makes a fabulous side dish or base for a rice bowl. You can serve it immediately as part of a larger spread, or let it shine on its own with a drizzle of extra melted butter or chopped herbs on top.

To store leftovers, let the rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

What to Serve With Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice?

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Pair this rice with the flavorful and comforting Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a protein-packed meal that feels both cozy and fresh.

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

A perfect balance of richness and zing, Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon adds a bright note to the buttery rice.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Try it with Roasted Zucchini and Squash for a lighter, veggie-forward pairing.

No Peek Chicken Casserole

Serve alongside No Peek Chicken Casserole for a hearty and deeply comforting dinner.

Classic Caprese Salad

Balance the richness of the rice with a cool, tangy Classic Caprese Salad for a refreshing touch.

Want More Rice Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this buttery jasmine rice, you’ll probably fall in love with these delicious companions too:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you use yellow or sweet onions? Add a sprinkle of herbs or cheese? I’d love to hear your spin.

Explore beautifully curated rice dishes, cozy comfort meals, and health-boosting favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next must-try recipe.

Conclusion

Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice is the kind of dish that surprises you with how much flavor can come from so few ingredients. It’s buttery, deeply savory, and endlessly versatile. Keep it in your weeknight rotation or elevate it for guests—either way, it’s a comforting winner every single time.

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Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Savory Golden Onion Butter Jasmine Rice is a comforting and fragrant rice side dish made with caramelized onions, butter, and aromatic jasmine rice. This easy buttery rice pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, or roasted veggies and is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Perfect for rice lovers looking for something cozy, rich, and flavorful.


Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice

2 tablespoons butter

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth


Instructions

1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden, about 20–25 minutes.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the jasmine rice and stir to coat in the butter and onions. Toast the rice lightly for 1–2 minutes.

4. Pour in water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for another 10 minutes to steam.

6. Fluff with a fork, season to taste, and serve warm.

Notes

Use yellow onions for best caramelized flavor.

If using water instead of broth, adjust salt to taste.

This rice pairs beautifully with lemony, herby proteins.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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