Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse and loved their signature side, this Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe lets you recreate it at home. This copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe captures the bold, savory flavors that make the restaurant version so memorable.

Learning how to make Outback seasoned rice is easier than you might think. With simple pantry staples, fresh vegetables, chicken bouillon, paprika, and garlic, this flavorful rice recipe turns basic long-grain rice into a delicious steakhouse-style dish.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this Outback rice recipe delivers authentic taste without leaving your kitchen. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or seafood.

What Does Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Taste Like?

The seasoned rice from Outback Steakhouse offers a savory, buttery flavor profile with layers of complexity. Each bite delivers aromatic notes of garlic and onion, complemented by the subtle sweetness of sautéed bell peppers.

The paprika adds a gentle warmth and beautiful golden hue, while the chicken bouillon provides rich, savory depth throughout. Fresh thyme infuses an herbal earthiness that balances the richness.

The texture is fluffy yet tender, with every grain perfectly separated and coated in seasoned butter. It’s comfort food at its finest-not overpowering, but flavorful enough to stand alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken without disappearing into the background.

Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Components:

• Rice: 3 cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine recommended; rinse for fluffier texture)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (unsalted preferred)
• Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely diced (about ¾–1 cup)
• Sweet bell peppers: ¾–1 cup total, mixed colors (red, yellow, or green), finely diced
• Green onion: 2–3 stalks, finely sliced (about ¼–⅓ cup)
• Minced garlic: 2 teaspoons (or 4–6 fresh cloves)
• Water: 4½–5 cups (or substitute with chicken broth)
• Chicken bouillon: 2 tablespoons granules or paste
• Fresh thyme: 2 whole sprigs (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Seasonings:

• Black pepper: ½–1 teaspoon
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: ½–1 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
• All-purpose seasoning: 1–1½ teaspoons (seasoned salt or Creole blend)
• Salt: ½–1 teaspoon (adjust based on bouillon sodium)

Essential Kitchen Tools

1. Large pot or deep skillet with tight-fitting lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Sharp knife and cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Fork for fluffing

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Resting Time: 5-10 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Servings: 6-8 people

How to Cook Rice Like Outback Steakhouse: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt the Butter

Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Yellow Onion

Add the finely diced yellow onion to the melted butter. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft but not browned. This builds the foundational flavor for your Outback seasoned rice.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Vegetables

Stir in the diced sweet bell peppers and sliced green onions. Sauté everything together for about 1 more minute to soften slightly and release their natural flavors and aromas.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Rice

Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant-be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the 3 cups of long-grain rice, stirring well to coat every grain with the butter and distribute the vegetables evenly throughout.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Bouillon

Pour in 4½–5 cups of water (start with 4½ cups and adjust if needed based on your rice type). Stir in 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon until mostly dissolved. If using chicken broth instead, you can reduce or omit the additional salt.

Step 6: Season the Rice

Add all your seasonings: black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly to combine and ensure even distribution. Tuck in 2 whole sprigs of fresh thyme-they’ll infuse subtle herbal notes and are easy to remove later.

Step 7: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Important: Do not lift the lid during cooking to keep the steam trapped inside.

Step 8: Rest and Fluff

After 25 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and achieve that perfect fluffy texture. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs, then gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and redistribute any settled seasonings and vegetables.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your homemade Outback Steakhouse rice hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Seasoned Rice

1. Protein-Packed Addition

Transform this seasoned rice from Outback into a complete meal by stirring in diced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled cooked sausage during the fluffing stage. This creates a hearty one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights while maintaining that signature steakhouse flavor.

2. Vegetable Boost

Make a healthy seasoned rice recipe like Outback Steakhouse by adding extra vegetables. Diced zucchini, corn kernels, peas, or chopped spinach work beautifully. Add heartier vegetables like zucchini during the sautéing phase, while delicate greens like spinach can be stirred in after cooking using residual heat to wilt them gently.

3. Spice Level Adjustment

Customize the heat by incorporating cayenne pepper (start with ⅛ teaspoon) or using a spicier paprika variety. This Outback Steakhouse rice recipe with paprika and cayenne appeals to those who enjoy a little kick with their dinner. Conversely, omit the black pepper and use only sweet paprika for a milder, family-friendly version.

4. Herb Variations

While thyme is traditional, experiment with fresh rosemary, oregano, or a bay leaf for different flavor profiles. Fresh cilantro or parsley stirred in just before serving adds brightness and color, making your flavorful rice recipe even more aromatic and visually appealing.

5. Perfect Protein Pairings

This Outback rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled or pan-seared steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), lemon-herb chicken breasts, garlic butter shrimp, grilled salmon, or roasted pork chops. The savory rice complements rich proteins without competing for attention, making it one of the best side dishes like Outback Steakhouse rice.

6. Complementary Sides

Create a complete steakhouse experience by serving alongside sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. The combination of this Outback rice recipe with multiple vegetable sides creates a balanced, restaurant-quality meal at home.

7. Cheese Enhancement

For an indulgent twist, stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese immediately after fluffing. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, adding creamy richness that elevates this already delicious rice recipe for dinner to new comfort-food heights.

Essential Tips for Perfect Outback-Style Seasoned Rice

1. Rice Selection Matters

Long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine produce the fluffiest, most separated grains-exactly what you want when learning how to cook rice like Outback Steakhouse. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier and won’t achieve that signature texture. Rinsing your rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain stays distinct.

2. Don’t Skip the Sauté Step

Taking time to properly sauté your onions until translucent releases their natural sugars and creates a flavor foundation. This technique is crucial for an authentic copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe. Rushing this step or adding raw vegetables directly to the liquid results in less developed flavors and a less impressive final dish.

3. Liquid Ratio Precision

The standard ratio for long-grain rice is approximately 1½–1⅔ cups liquid per cup of dry rice. Since we’re using 3 cups of rice, 4½–5 cups of liquid works perfectly. If you notice your rice is consistently too dry or mushy, adjust by ¼ cup increments next time. Different rice brands and altitudes can affect absorption rates.

4. The No-Peek Rule

Once you’ve covered the pot and reduced to a simmer, resist the temptation to lift the lid. Each time you peek, valuable steam escapes, disrupting the cooking process and potentially leaving you with undercooked or unevenly cooked rice. Trust the process-your patience will be rewarded with perfectly tender Outback seasoned rice.

5. Bouillon vs. Broth Decision

Chicken bouillon granules or paste offer concentrated flavor and convenience, but they’re typically high in sodium. If using low-sodium broth instead of water and bouillon, you’ll have better control over salt levels. For the most authentic taste, stick with bouillon, but taste before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

6. Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

Fresh thyme sprigs provide a subtle, aromatic quality that’s hard to replicate, but dried thyme works in a pinch (use ½ teaspoon). Add dried herbs with the other seasonings since they need more time to rehydrate. Fresh herbs added at the beginning infuse their oils throughout cooking, while adding them at the end provides a brighter, more pronounced flavor.

7. Resting Time Is Non-Negotiable

The 5–10 minute resting period after removing from heat allows moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the rice, preventing a wet bottom layer and dry top. This final steaming also helps stubborn grains finish cooking. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes when attempting rice recipes for dinner-don’t rush perfection!

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover seasoned rice Outback Steakhouse style in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth (cover with a damp paper towel) for 2–3 minutes, or warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Common Queries and FAQs About Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice

When you give this Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

Q: Can I make this Outback rice recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This seasoned rice Outback style actually reheats beautifully. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, store refrigerated, and reheat when needed. Add a tablespoon of water or broth when reheating to restore moisture and fluffiness.

Q: What can I substitute for chicken bouillon?

A: Replace the water and bouillon combination with 4½–5 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable bouillon or broth. Beef bouillon creates a richer, deeper flavor that pairs wonderfully with red meat.

Q: My rice turned out mushy. What went wrong?

A: Mushy rice usually results from too much liquid or overcooking. Reduce the water by ¼ cup next time, and ensure you’re using long-grain rice. Also, avoid stirring during the cooking process, which breaks down rice grains and releases excess starch.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid. Brown rice requires about 45–50 minutes of simmering and approximately 5½–6 cups of liquid. The texture and flavor will differ from the original Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice, but it creates a nutritious alternative.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: It depends on your all-purpose seasoning choice. Rice, vegetables, and most spices are naturally gluten-free, but some seasoned salt blends contain gluten. Check your bouillon and seasoning labels, or use certified gluten-free alternatives to ensure this healthy seasoned rice recipe like Outback Steakhouse meets dietary needs.

Q: Why do I need to use a tight-fitting lid?

A: A proper seal traps steam inside the pot, which is essential for cooking rice evenly. Steam cooks the top grains while the liquid absorbs into the bottom grains. A loose lid allows steam to escape, resulting in undercooked rice and wasted water.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A: Yes, but use a very large pot to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase cooking time slightly (check at 30 minutes) since the larger volume takes longer to absorb liquid. This Outback rice recipe scales well for gatherings and meal prep.

Q: What’s the best way to dice vegetables uniformly?

A: Uniform dice ensures even cooking. Aim for pieces about ¼-inch in size. Finely diced vegetables integrate throughout the rice better than large chunks, distributing flavor more evenly-key to mastering how to make Outback seasoned rice properly.

This copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe proves you don’t need a restaurant kitchen to create incredible side dishes like Outback Steakhouse rice. With simple ingredients, proper technique, and attention to detail, you can master how to cook rice like Outback Steakhouse right at home.

The combination of aromatic vegetables, savory bouillon, and perfectly balanced seasonings transforms basic rice into something truly special. Whether you’re serving this flavorful rice recipe alongside a juicy steak for date night or incorporating it into your weekly rice recipes for dinner rotation, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try this restaurant-quality side dish tonight and bring the steakhouse experience to your table!

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