If you’ve ever been charmed by the comforting, flavorful rice served at Texas Roadhouse, you’re in for a treat with this copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that bursts with subtle spices and savory goodness, making it a perfect side or even a stand-alone star. Whether you’re craving that familiar restaurant vibe at home or looking for a reliable recipe to bring a bit of warmth and zest to your dinner plate, this recipe delivers every single time with its fluffy texture and layered flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe shines because of its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the fluffy long-grain rice forming the perfect base, to the chicken broth that infuses every bite with rich, savory depth. The spices add just the right dash of warmth and color, making this dish both eye-catching and delicious.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The foundation of the dish — long-grain rice stays fluffy and separates nicely when cooked properly.
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of water adds savory undertones that elevate the rice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps sautéing the aromatics for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings subtle umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a fragrant, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic with a gentle sweetness and savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds vibrant color and a hint of smoky warmth.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: For a bit of herbal brightness and visual appeal.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Gives a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Optional – diced onions, chopped green bell peppers, pinch of cayenne pepper: These extras add crunch, color, and a touch of heat if you’re up for it.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. If you’re using diced onions and green bell peppers, add them now. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften slightly, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises something delicious ahead.
Step 2: Add Spices for Depth
Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, stirring briefly so these powders toast lightly in the oil. This gentle cooking releases their flavors, creating a fragrant base that makes the rice taste truly special.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the long-grain white rice to the pot and stir frequently for a few minutes. Toasting the rice in the seasoned oil not only gives it a lovely nutty note but also helps keep the grains separate once cooked. It’s a little extra step that pays off beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the soy sauce. Add paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly coated with these wonderful flavors before bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let the rice simmer quietly for 18 to 20 minutes, allowing it to absorb all that tasty broth and seasoning until perfectly tender. Resist the urge to peek too often — you want steam trapped inside for optimal fluffiness.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
After the rice is done cooking, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Fluffing separates the grains and keeps the texture light and inviting. Now your Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole dish, creating a delightful balance with the seasoned rice’s warmth.
Side Dishes
This seasoned rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish, mirroring the Texas Roadhouse experience right at your dinner table. It also complements hearty beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the rice in little ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also fold it into burritos, stuff it into stuffed peppers, or use it as a bed for spicy chili or creamy sauces. The versatility of this Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe is part of what makes it so beloved!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great candidate for repurposed meals throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe to enjoy another day. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of water or broth helps to rehydrate the grains, keeping the rice fluffy instead of dry. Covering the dish while reheating traps steam, reviving the original texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will take longer to cook and needs a bit more liquid. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you’ll have a healthier twist on the classic Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe.
Is it necessary to use soy sauce?
While soy sauce adds a nice savory umami flavor and a touch of saltiness, you can leave it out or substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options. The dish will still be delicious and well-seasoned.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip any optional additions that aren’t vegan. The olive oil and spices deliver plenty of flavor to satisfy vegan taste buds.
How spicy is this rice?
The base recipe is mildly seasoned and not spicy at all. However, if you enjoy heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce really kicks it up nicely without overpowering the dish.
Can I cook this in a rice cooker?
You can! Use the same proportions of rice and broth in your rice cooker, add the seasonings and oil, and let it cook. Just sauté the onions and spices in a separate pan first for that full flavor foundation.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe enough if you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful side that’s easy to make and hits all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes that brings a little extra joy to weeknight dinners and has all your guests asking for seconds. Give it a try and see how this simple yet scrumptious rice recipe can become your new kitchen staple.
Print
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe delivers a flavorful and aromatic side dish inspired by the famous steakhouse. Featuring long-grain white rice cooked in savory chicken broth with a blend of spices, garlic, onion, and a hint of soy sauce, this dish is perfect to complement steaks, grilled meats, or any hearty meal. The optional diced onions and green bell peppers add extra texture and freshness, creating a delightful and satisfying rice side that’s simple to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Diced onions (about ¼ cup)
- Chopped green bell peppers (about ¼ cup)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Put a medium-sized pot on the stovetop over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil warm up until shimmering.
- Sauté diced onions: Add diced onions if using to the hot oil and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth to the rice.
- Add spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Cook briefly for about 30 seconds to release their flavors but do not burn.
- Toast the rice: Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the pot, stirring constantly to coat the rice in the oil and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes. This enhances the nutty flavor and prevents sticking.
- Pour in liquids and season: Add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the rice. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook the rice: Let the rice simmer gently on low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Adjust salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can include chopped green bell peppers and a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions.
- Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Be careful not to lift the lid while rice is cooking to ensure even steaming.
- Leftover rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
