How to Make Butter Rice: A Delicious & Flavorful Side Dish
Learn how to make butter rice with this easy, flavorful recipe. A perfect side dish for any meal, this buttery, seasoned rice is simple to make and delicious!
Butter rice is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. It has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of seasoning. The texture is soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked. Best of all, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
What is Butter Rice?
Butter rice is a flavorful dish made by cooking rice with butter, onions, and seasonings. The butter enhances the taste and gives the rice a smooth, velvety texture. This dish is an upgrade from plain white rice and adds extra depth to your meals.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but satisfying. The combination of butter, bouillon, and bay leaves brings out a delicious, savory taste that works well with chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need the following:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon chicken stock
- 3 cups water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Butter Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare perfect butter rice:
- Cook the onion in butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for a few minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Toast the rice. Stir in the rice and coat it with the butter. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add seasonings and liquid. Pour in the water and add the bouillon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
- Cook the rice. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and serve. Remove the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
What to serve with Butter Rice
This rice could be served with so many main dishes! The rice will go great with fish, chicken, beef, and pork. Here are a couple of recipe ideas to get you started:
Best Places to Serve Butter Rice
Butter rice is a versatile dish that fits many occasions. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
- Weeknight dinners: Serve it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or baked fish.
- Holiday meals: It pairs well with turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Potlucks and gatherings: Butter rice is easy to transport and complements any buffet spread.
- Lunch meal prep: Store it in individual containers for a quick, reheatable side dish.
Variations to Change It Up
You can customize butter rice in several ways to match your taste preferences:
- Garlic butter rice: Add minced garlic when cooking the onions for a richer flavor.
- Herb butter rice: Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, or basil before serving.
- Cheesy butter rice: Mix in shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese at the end.
- Spicy butter rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Mushroom butter rice: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
Can You Store or Make Butter Rice Ahead?
Yes! This recipe is easy to store and reheat.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheating: Warm it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze the rice in portioned containers for up to one month. Reheat it directly from frozen or let it thaw in the fridge first.
Common Questions about this Recipe
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add extra water. Brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook fully.
2. Can I make butter rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions and butter separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and cook as usual.
3. What if my rice turns out mushy?
Too much water or overcooking can make rice mushy. Use the right water-to-rice ratio and check it at 15 minutes.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
5. What should I do if my rice is too dry?
Add a splash of warm water and let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing.
Butter Rice
Ingredients
- 6 T unsalted butter
- ½ c onion diced
- 1 ½ c long grain white rice
- 2 t better than bouillon chicken stock
- 3 c water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 t salt
- ½ t pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter and onion.
- Heat over medium low for several minutes, until the onions are tender.
- Add in the rice and stir to coat.
- Add in the bouillon, water, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Cover with a lid and continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork and remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
Butter rice is a simple, flavorful, and versatile side dish. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that complements any meal.
Try making butter rice tonight and see how easy it is! Don’t forget to experiment with variations to find your favorite twist. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family!
More Side Dishes to Try:
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
