Texas Roadhouse Rice Recipe

The tantalizing aroma of buttery, perfectly seasoned Texas Roadhouse Rice is enough to transport you straight to your favorite steakhouse. This fluffy, flavor-packed side dish has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved accompaniments at Texas Roadhouse restaurants nationwide. With its delicate balance of savory seasonings and subtle hints of garlic and onion, this Texas Roadhouse Rice recipe creates the perfect foundation for any home-cooked meal. You’ll learn exactly how to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, achieving that signature taste and texture that keeps diners coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Texas Roadhouse Rice recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser for multiple reasons. First, it delivers that authentic restaurant flavor without requiring any special cooking equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The rice strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and tender, with each grain maintaining its integrity while absorbing the rich flavors of butter and broth.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled steaks to roasted chicken, enhancing your main course without overshadowing it. The contrasting textures between the tender rice grains and the slightly crisped bottom layer create a delightful eating experience that elevates it above ordinary rice sides.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks will have everyone gathering around the table in anticipation of that first delicious bite of Texas Roadhouse-style seasoned rice.

Ingredients

To make this authentic Texas Roadhouse Rice, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (370g) long-grain white rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup/80g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons/6g)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) turmeric powder (for that signature golden color)
• 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The key to this copycat Texas Roadhouse side dish is using high-quality chicken broth, which infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor. The combination of butter and oil creates the perfect cooking base, while the turmeric adds that distinctive golden hue that makes this seasoned rice instantly recognizable.

Pro Tips

Use the Right Rice
For authentic Texas Roadhouse Rice, long-grain rice is essential. It cooks up fluffy with distinct grains that don’t clump together. Basmati can work in a pinch, but avoid short-grain or medium-grain varieties as they’ll become too sticky and alter the signature texture that makes this recipe special.

Toast Before Boiling
The secret to developing deep flavor is toasting the rice in butter and oil before adding any liquid. This crucial 2-3 minute step coats each grain with fat and starts the flavor development process. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice turns slightly translucent at the edges and gives off a nutty aroma.

Perfect Your Liquid Ratio
While the standard ratio is 2:1 (liquid to rice), the restaurant-quality texture comes from using exactly the right amount of liquid. For this Texas Roadhouse Rice recipe, measure precisely and resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Once you add the broth, cover the pot and let the steam work its magic—this ensures even cooking and that signature fluffy texture that makes this rice so craveable.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of butter and the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely, add the finely diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn.

Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the pot with the onion-garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice evenly. You’ll notice the rice grains becoming slightly translucent around the edges while developing a subtle nutty aroma. This toasting process is crucial for developing the depth of flavor in your Texas Roadhouse Rice.

Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, and turmeric over the rice. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices coat the rice evenly, creating that signature yellow-golden hue that makes this Texas Roadhouse Rice recipe instantly recognizable.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Cook
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter on top, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to simmer undisturbed for exactly 17 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes—this critical resting period allows the moisture to distribute evenly throughout the grains. Finally, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and release any excess steam. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving your perfectly cooked Texas Roadhouse Rice.

Variations

Spicy Cajun Texas Roadhouse Rice
For those who enjoy a kick of heat, transform your Texas Roadhouse Rice recipe by adding 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning along with the other spices. You can also incorporate 1/4 cup of finely diced bell peppers (red and green) with the onions, and stir in 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños just before serving for a colorful, spicy variation that pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or blackened chicken.

Vegetarian Texas Roadhouse Rice
Create a delicious plant-based version by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Enhance the umami flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the liquid. This variation maintains the signature texture and flavor profile of the original while accommodating vegetarian dietary preferences. For additional protein and texture, stir in 1/2 cup of cooked black beans or chickpeas after fluffing the rice.

Garlic Herb Texas Roadhouse Rice
Elevate your seasoned rice by doubling the garlic and incorporating fresh herbs. Add an additional 2 cloves of minced garlic during cooking, and stir in 1 tablespoon each of freshly chopped thyme and rosemary along with the parsley. This aromatic variation complements steaks and roasted meats beautifully, offering an intensified flavor profile that still honors the original.

Storage and Serving

This Texas Roadhouse Rice keeps beautifully when stored properly. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, maintaining both texture and flavor. For longer storage, portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth for every cup of rice, cover, and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot.

For the ultimate Texas Roadhouse experience, serve this golden rice alongside a juicy steak with a pat of butter melting on top. For a complete restaurant-style meal, pair with grilled chicken, a side of steamed vegetables, and a warm roll with cinnamon butter. This rice also makes an excellent base for quick weeknight bowls—top with grilled protein, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

For an elevated presentation, pack the hot rice into a small bowl, then invert onto the serving plate to create a perfectly shaped mound, garnished with additional fresh parsley and a light dusting of paprika.

FAQs

Why is my Texas Roadhouse Rice too sticky?
The most common reason for sticky rice is using too much liquid or the wrong type of rice. Make sure you’re using long-grain rice and measuring both rice and liquid precisely. Also, avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases steam and disrupts the cooking process.

Can I make Texas Roadhouse Rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and toast the rice in a pan first, then transfer to your rice cooker along with the broth and seasonings. Use the white rice setting for perfect results.

What’s the best main dish to serve with this rice?
While this rice pairs beautifully with Texas Roadhouse-style steaks, it also complements grilled chicken, pork chops, or even seafood like shrimp or salmon. The versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent side dish for almost any protein.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rice up to two days ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and gently reheat with a splash of broth or water. The flavors actually develop more complexity over time.

How can I tell when the rice is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked Texas Roadhouse Rice should be tender with distinct grains that aren’t mushy. If you see small steam holes on the surface and all liquid has been absorbed after the cooking time, it’s ready. Let it rest covered for those crucial 5 minutes before fluffing.

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