Brown Rice with Onions Garlic and Pecans

Transform your everyday grain game with this hearty and flavorful Brown Rice with Onions, Garlic, and Pecans—a perfect side dish that marries nutty earthiness with caramelized sweetness. This recipe elevates wholesome brown rice by infusing it with golden sautéed onions and fragrant garlic, while toasted pecans add delightful crunch and a layer of rich nuttiness. A touch of butter ties everything together for a warm, comforting finish, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes for an optional garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, this dish is naturally gluten-free, packed with texture, and versatile enough to complement roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a light salad. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that turns pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
• 3 cloves (minced) garlic
• 0.5 cups (chopped) pecans
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for garnish) parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold running water to remove excess starch and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden brown.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

In a separate dry skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the caramelized onions and garlic. Stir in the toasted pecans, butter, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using), and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(902.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	984.5

Total Fat 77.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.8g
Cholesterol 32.9mg	0%
Sodium 1288.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.7g
Protein 12.0g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 139.2mg	0%
Iron 3.2mg	0%
Potassium 540.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.9%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 26.4%