Texas Roadhouse is known for its mouthwatering dishes and irresistible rolls, but one menu item that often gets overlooked is their seasoned rice. This fluffy, buttery rice is infused with savory spices, making it the perfect side for any meal. Here’s how to recreate Texas Roadhouse’s seasoned rice at home—simple, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion, and spices gives this rice a savory punch that pairs perfectly with almost any dish.
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
- Versatility: It complements a variety of proteins from steak to grilled chicken and even seafood.
Ingredient Overview
To achieve that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Butter: For that rich, nutty flavor and perfect texture.
- White Rice: Long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine work best. They stay fluffy and absorb flavors well.
- Onion: Adds great depth and enhances the savory notes.
- Fresh or Dried Parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky flavor reminiscent of the original.
- Garlic Powder: For a delicious garlicky taste. You can substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch will give a nice kick.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you love heat, add it to taste.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a rich umami flavor and extra depth.
- Chicken Stock: Cooking the rice in stock instead of water enhances the flavor significantly.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning to taste at the end.
Preparing the Rice Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful dish that mirrors the beloved Texas Roadhouse recipe.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This process removes excess starch and helps keep the grains separate.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the washed rice to the skillet.
- Tip: Stir consistently for about 5-7 minutes until the rice turns lightly golden brown. This step is crucial, as it enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Add 1 small diced onion, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice. If you’re using cayenne, add it here too.
- Cook: Stir the ingredients well and cook for about 2-3 minutes. This caramelizes the onion and allows the spices to become fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Cover and Simmer
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This is where the magic happens—steam builds up to cook the rice perfectly.
- Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this will release steam and affect the texture.
Step 6: Rest the Rice
Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This resting period allows any remaining steam to fluff up the rice.
Step 7: Fluff and Serve
Using a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot: Enjoy this seasoned rice as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and quality stock will enhance the overall flavor.
- Control the Heat: If you prefer milder rice, omit or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Questions
Why is my rice mushy?
Mushy rice can result from using too much liquid, not rinsing the rice, or stirring too often during cooking. Always rinse your rice and maintain the proper liquid-to-rice ratio.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally requires more water and a longer cooking period.
How can I reheat leftover rice?
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Recreating Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice at home is both easy and rewarding. Its bold flavors and fluffy texture make it a fantastic side dish to elevate any meal. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite without the wait.
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Do you love Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice? This copycat recipe is buttery and flavorful. It is also jam-packed with bold spices. Better yet, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4-1/2 ground cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 1/2 cups chicken stock/broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water a few times. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear. Set the rice aside to drain. Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the washed rice. Sauté, stirring often for 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Add the onion, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne (if using). If you are using dried parsley, add it now. Stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and soy sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Cook until the seasoned rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Turn off the heat. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh parsley, if using. Fluff with a fork to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
