
This savory golden onion butter jasmine rice transforms an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The caramelized onions melt into the fluffy jasmine rice, creating a buttery, aromatic companion that pairs perfectly with nearly any main course.
I first made this rice when I needed something quick to serve with grilled chicken. My family was so impressed they now request it with almost every meal, and guests always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice: Delivers a naturally sweet aroma and fluffy texture that's perfect for absorbing flavors
- Butter: Creates richness and helps toast the rice grains before cooking
- Large onion: Provides natural sweetness when caramelized and gives the dish its signature flavor
- Water or broth: Forms the cooking liquid; broth adds extra depth of flavor if available
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and properly seasons the rice
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavors
- Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning during the onion caramelization
- Garlic powder: Optional but adds another dimension of savory notes
- Fresh parsley: Optional; brings brightness and color to the finished dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Add your thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt, which helps draw out moisture. Cook for a full 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally but not constantly to allow proper browning. The onions should reduce significantly in volume and develop a rich golden color and sweet aroma. Patience is key here as rushing this step will result in less flavor.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Thoroughly rinse your jasmine rice under cold running water, swirling with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gumminess. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the drained rice and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until each grain is coated in butter and looks slightly translucent around the edges. Pour in your liquid of choice, along with salt and pepper, and bring to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- After the rice has rested for 5 minutes off heat, gently fluff it with a fork using a lifting motion rather than stirring to maintain the grain integrity. Fold in the caramelized onions gradually, distributing them evenly throughout the rice. The warmth of the rice will reawaken the aroma of the onions. Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter fresh parsley over the top if using.

My favorite part of this recipe is watching the transformation of simple onions into sweet, golden morsels of flavor. My grandmother taught me that patience with onions always rewards you tenfold in the final dish, and this recipe proves her right every time.
Perfect Pairings
This golden onion rice makes an excellent companion to grilled or roasted proteins. The buttery, savory notes particularly complement chicken, fish, or pork. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness of the rice. The dish also pairs wonderfully with saucy curries or stews, as the rice absorbs the extra flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage
The caramelized onions can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This significantly reduces preparation time when you're ready to make the full recipe. The completed rice dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, cover, and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, fluffing occasionally until heated through.
Variations to Try
For a more aromatic version, try adding a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, or a bay leaf to the rice while cooking. These warm spices infuse throughout and add subtle complexity. For a heartier dish, stir in toasted nuts like pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving. You can also transform this side into a light main course by adding cooked chickpeas or lentils, creating a satisfying vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you caramelize onions for this dish?
Caramelize onions by cooking them slowly in a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they become golden brown and soft, which takes about 12-15 minutes.
- → Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, while jasmine rice offers a delicate aroma, you can substitute it with basmati rice or long-grain white rice for a similar texture and flavor.
- → What can I serve this rice with?
This rice complements dishes like roasted chicken, grilled fish, or vegetarian curries. It's versatile enough to pair with any meal.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan version.
- → Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
Absolutely. Rinsing jasmine rice under cold water removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky cooked rice.
- → Can I add extra spices for flavor?
Yes, you can add spices like turmeric, cumin, or paprika to enhance the dish’s flavor profile, depending on your taste preferences.