Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

The warm, fragrant aroma of perfectly seasoned rice fills the kitchen as you recreate the beloved Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice at home. This buttery, flavorful side dish captures the exact taste and texture that makes the restaurant version so irresistible. The tender grains are infused with a savory blend of spices, creating that distinctive Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice flavor that pairs perfectly with steaks, chicken, or seafood. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that ensure perfect rice every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table without the wait or expense. The rice achieves that perfect balance of textures—fluffy individual grains that still cling together just enough to form the perfect forkful. The buttery richness is complemented by savory broth and a custom spice blend that gives it that distinctive Texas Roadhouse flavor profile.

What makes this copycat recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of toasted rice, rich butter, and carefully selected seasonings creates layers of flavor that develop as the rice cooks. Unlike plain white rice, this seasoned version stands confidently as a memorable side dish rather than an afterthought.

Even better, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With minimal prep work and mostly hands-off cooking time, you can focus on preparing your main dish while the rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors. It’s the perfect make-ahead side that actually improves as the flavors meld, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

For the perfect Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, you’ll need:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on your broth’s saltiness)
• 2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

The long-grain rice is crucial for achieving the right texture—it stays fluffy and separate when cooked. Using chicken broth instead of water adds depth and richness that plain rice simply doesn’t have. The combination of dried herbs and spices creates that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor profile that makes their rice so distinctive.

Pro Tips

Toast the Rice First: For maximum flavor development in your Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, always toast the rice in butter before adding any liquid. This crucial step develops a nutty flavor and helps each grain maintain its integrity during cooking. Heat the butter in your pan until it’s just beginning to foam, then add the rice and stir constantly until it turns slightly golden (about 2-3 minutes). You’ll notice a delightful popcorn-like aroma when it’s ready for the next step.

Perfect Your Liquid Ratio: The secret to perfectly textured rice is getting the liquid ratio exactly right. While the standard ratio is 2:1 (liquid to rice), the Texas Roadhouse version benefits from a slightly adjusted ratio. Use exactly 4 cups of broth for 2 cups of rice, which allows for the additional moisture from vegetables while still ensuring the rice cooks to the ideal texture—neither too mushy nor too firm.

Rest Before Serving: Once your rice has finished cooking, resist the urge to immediately fluff and serve. Instead, remove it from heat, keep the lid on, and allow it to rest for a full 10 minutes. This resting period is when the magic happens—excess moisture redistributes, flavors deepen, and the texture perfects itself. Only after resting should you gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring each grain remains separate while still maintaining that signature Texas Roadhouse consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. Measure out the rice, dice the bell peppers finely, and combine all dry seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, oregano, black pepper, cayenne, and salt) in a small bowl to create your spice blend.

Step 2: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the uncooked rice to the butter and peppers, stirring constantly to coat each grain. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges and gives off a nutty aroma. This toasting process is crucial for developing that authentic Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice flavor.

Step 4: Sprinkle your prepared spice blend evenly over the toasted rice and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices in the hot butter. This releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor profile.

Step 5: Carefully pour in the chicken broth (it may steam vigorously), and give everything a good stir to ensure no rice grains are clumping together. Bring the mixture to a full boil.

Step 6: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for exactly 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for properly cooking the rice.

Step 7: After 18 minutes, remove the pan from heat but keep it covered. Allow the rice to rest, undisturbed, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows for even moisture distribution and texture development.

Step 8: Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to mash the grains. Fold in the fresh parsley just before serving your homemade Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice.

Variations

Vegetarian Texas Roadhouse Rice: Create a meat-free version of this Texas Roadhouse rice copycat by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. To enhance the umami flavor that might be missing without the chicken base, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast and ½ teaspoon of soy sauce to the liquid before cooking. This variation maintains all the savory richness of the original while being completely vegetarian-friendly.

Spicy Southwestern Rice: Transform the basic recipe into a bolder, spicier side dish by doubling the cayenne pepper and adding ½ teaspoon of ground cumin and ½ cup of drained, canned corn kernels. After cooking, fold in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro instead of parsley, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice. This variation pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and southwestern-inspired main courses.

Brown Rice Adaptation: For a more nutritious version, substitute brown rice for white rice. Increase the cooking liquid to 4½ cups and extend the cooking time to 35-40 minutes. The nutty flavor of brown rice actually complements the Texas Roadhouse seasoning blend beautifully, creating a heartier version of the restaurant favorite with additional fiber and nutrients.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Properly stored, your Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. For longer storage, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers where it will keep well for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions: This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with classic Texas Roadhouse-inspired meals. Serve alongside grilled steaks or barbecued ribs with a dollop of garlic butter for an authentic steakhouse experience. For a complete meal, pair it with roasted chicken and steamed vegetables, allowing the seasoned rice to shine as the flavor anchor of the plate.

For an elevated presentation, pack the warm rice into a small ramekin or measuring cup, then invert it onto the serving plate for a perfectly shaped rice mound. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal that mimics the restaurant presentation.

FAQs

What makes Texas Roadhouse rice different from regular rice?
The distinctive flavor of Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice comes from toasting the rice in butter before cooking, using chicken broth instead of water, and incorporating their signature blend of spices. The addition of finely diced bell peppers adds texture and color that sets it apart from basic rice preparations.

Can I make this recipe with instant rice?
While you can use instant rice, the texture and flavor won’t be identical to the restaurant version. If using instant rice, toast it briefly in butter, then follow the package directions for cooking time, substituting chicken broth for water and adding all the seasonings.

Why is my rice turning out mushy?
Mushy rice typically results from using too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure to measure precisely and maintain a low simmer with the lid tightly sealed. The 10-minute rest after cooking is also crucial for proper texture development.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free chicken broth (some brands may contain gluten as a thickener).

Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Toast the rice, peppers, and spices in a pan first, then transfer to your rice cooker along with the chicken broth. Use the white rice setting and let it cook according to your machine’s specifications.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice is comfort food at its finest — a buttery, aromatic side dish that transforms ordinary meals into memorable dining experiences. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to a special steakhouse dinner without ever leaving home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity combined with its depth of flavor, proving that sometimes the side dish can be just as impressive as the main course. Whether you’re pairing it with a perfectly grilled steak or enjoying it alongside your favorite protein, this seasoned rice will quickly become a requested staple in your cooking repertoire.

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