There are some nights when I truly feel like I can’t even think about what to make for dinner, let alone actually cook it! Leftover nights are great, but sometimes I want something a little more special, something that feels comforting and homey. That’s where this recipe for buttery homemade rice pilaf comes in. It’s a lifesaver! I remember one particularly chaotic Wednesday evening, soccer practice had run late, everyone was starving, and I needed something quick and satisfying. This buttery homemade rice pilaf saved the day.
My grandmother used to make a similar dish, though hers was always a bit of a secret recipe. I spent years trying to recreate it from memory, and while it’s not exactly the same, this buttery homemade rice pilaf is pretty darn close and has become a family favorite in its own right.
The magic of this buttery homemade rice pilaf is in its simplicity. It’s not fussy, it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it’s incredibly adaptable. Plus, the aroma of the rice cooking with butter and herbs fills the house with such a warm, inviting smell. The savory flavors of this buttery homemade rice pilaf are a big hit in my family and can be made with a variety of herbs and even broth to add different flavor notes.
My kids, who are notorious for their picky eating habits, actually request this buttery homemade rice pilaf regularly. I’ve even caught my husband sneaking a spoonful straight from the pot! What I love most about it is that it feels like a restaurant-quality side dish, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. Even on my busiest weeknights, this buttery homemade rice pilaf comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off simmering.
I was initially intimidated by cooking rice on the stove because I often ended up with mushy or burnt rice. But this recipe is foolproof, and I’m excited to share that easy technique with you today. It’s time for your own delicious buttery homemade rice pilaf. Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- I like to use extra virgin olive oil for a bit of extra flavor, but any neutral oil will work.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what gives this buttery homemade rice pilaf its rich, decadent flavor. I always use unsalted so I can control the salt content.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Yellow or white onion works best. Make sure it’s finely chopped so it cooks evenly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor. I add it later in the cooking process to avoid burning it.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- I prefer long-grain white rice for this recipe because it cooks up light and fluffy. Be sure to rinse it well to remove excess starch.
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Chicken broth adds a deeper, richer flavor, but vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian option. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium broth. This really helps add so much flavor to the buttery homemade rice pilaf and is what my family prefers.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Adjust to taste, especially if using salted broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Freshly ground black pepper adds the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. You can also use other herbs like thyme or chives. We’ve even used rosemary in the past when making this buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- 1 bay leaf
- Adds a subtle depth of flavor. Be sure to remove it before serving!
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
- Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, watching carefully so they don’t burn. My kids love when I add this to our buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a nice touch of acidity.
I try to use organic ingredients whenever possible, especially when it comes to the rice and broth. And here’s a tip my mom taught me: store your bay leaves in the freezer to keep them fresh longer! A pinch of saffron can also add a touch of color and aroma to this buttery homemade rice pilaf.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! I learned the hard way that burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish. This is the foundation for your flavorful buttery homemade rice pilaf, so take your time and don’t rush this step.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the oil and butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and slightly translucent. Toasting the rice helps to prevent it from becoming sticky and gives this buttery homemade rice pilaf a nuttier flavor. This is a crucial step for getting that perfect, fluffy texture.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Don’t peek! It’s so important to not lift the lid while the rice is simmering, or the steam will escape, and the rice won’t cook evenly. This is a classic step for a great buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy. Then, remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped parsley (and toasted almonds, if using). Stir gently to melt the butter and combine everything. My daughter loves to help with this part! This buttery homemade rice pilaf is almost ready to serve!
- Add Lemon (Optional): If desired, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over the rice and stir gently to incorporate. The lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the butter. I really enjoy how this addition elevates the buttery homemade rice pilaf when serving to guests.
- Serve: Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite protein or vegetables.
I’ve accidentally added too much water before – the rice was a sticky mess! Now I always measure my liquids carefully. If you find your rice is still a little too wet after the simmering time, just remove the lid and cook over low heat for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid evaporates. My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch. If you are looking to spice this buttery homemade rice pilaf up, I suggest adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the salt and pepper.
Serving Ideas
This buttery homemade rice pilaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes. In my house, it’s a regular side dish for grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces around the edge of the pot!
For a more complete meal, you can add some cooked shrimp or chickpeas to the buttery homemade rice pilaf. It also makes a great base for a grain bowl with roasted vegetables and a tahini dressing.
I love to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier, even though it takes just seconds to do. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is also a delicious addition.
This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s easy to make, everyone loves it, and it feels a little more special than plain rice. It’s even elegant enough to serve at a holiday dinner. We also love adding a side of green beans with this buttery homemade rice pilaf.
The recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! Leftovers are rare, but if we somehow have any, they make the best lunch the next day. I often pack it in my kids’ lunchboxes with some leftover chicken or vegetables. You can easily reheat the buttery homemade rice pilaf in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of butter or oil.
For a fun twist, try serving this buttery homemade rice pilaf in individual ramekins. It looks so elegant! You can also use different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a different flavor and texture. This will change the flavors slightly in the buttery homemade rice pilaf. The possibilities are endless!
For additional serving ideas, check out this Rice Pilaf Recipe from Food Network.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. I would recommend using 2 1/2 cups of broth and simmering for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Keep in mind that brown rice will have a chewier texture than white rice, and will have a different flavor than the buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This buttery homemade rice pilaf is great for meal prepping. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of butter or oil.
- Can I freeze this?
- Yes, you can freeze this buttery homemade rice pilaf. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.
- What if my rice is too sticky?
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent it from becoming sticky. If your rice is still sticky, try spreading it out on a baking sheet and letting it air dry for a few minutes. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, which can help to separate the grains. Also, making sure you measure accurately when adding the broth to the buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- What if my rice is still crunchy after the simmering time?
- This usually means that there wasn’t enough liquid. Add another 1/4 cup of broth and continue to simmer, covered, until the rice is tender. Also, ensure that you do not peak and let out any of the steam while making this buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- Can I add vegetables to this?
- Definitely! You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to the saucepan along with the onion and garlic. You can also add roasted vegetables after the rice is cooked. This adds some great texture and taste to the buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, you can also substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Many vegan butter alternatives would work really well in this buttery homemade rice pilaf.
- What herbs can I use besides parsley?
- Thyme, rosemary, chives, and dill all work well in this recipe. You can also use a combination of herbs.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth. Most rice is naturally gluten-free, so this buttery homemade rice pilaf is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
This buttery homemade rice pilaf is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of home. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own little twist and making it their own. For additional information on how to make rice pilaf, check out this Rice Pilaf Guide from Serious Eats.
For me, it’s a reminder of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with warmth and the aroma of good food. And now, it’s a recipe that my own kids request regularly, which makes my heart happy.
Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Always rinse your rice. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Don’t overcook the rice. It’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked than overcooked.
- Let it rest. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy.
My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. I love that it’s so adaptable to everyone’s preferences. And I love that it’s a blank canvas for adding whatever vegetables or proteins we have on hand.
Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! It’s a forgiving recipe, and even if you make a mistake, it will still taste delicious.
I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! What variations did you try? What did your family think?
Happy cooking, and I hope this buttery homemade rice pilaf becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Delicious Buttery Homemade Rice Pilaf
This Delicious Buttery Homemade Rice Pilaf is a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal. Fluffy rice is infused with rich butter and savory broth for a comforting and flavorful experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the butter, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the rice in the saucepan for a few minutes before adding the broth.