Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse and wanted to recreate their famous side dish, this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe brings that crave-worthy flavor straight to your kitchen. It captures the buttery, savory taste fans love.

This copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe uses simple pantry staples and easy steps, making it approachable for home cooks of any skill level. It’s inspired by the classic seasoned rice recipes Texas Roadhouse is known for.

Perfect alongside steak, chicken, or vegetables, this Texas Roadhouse rice recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting texture. Serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, restaurant-style experience at home.

What is Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice and How Does It Taste?

Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice is a flavorful side dish featuring long-grain white rice cooked with butter, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of savory seasonings.

The rice gets toasted in butter first, creating a nutty foundation before being simmered in seasoned chicken broth with soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, and herbs. The result is a fluffy, golden rice with each grain perfectly separated and coated in rich, savory flavors.

The taste profile combines buttery richness with umami depth from soy sauce, a subtle smokiness from paprika, aromatic garlic notes, and a hint of optional heat from cayenne pepper. It’s comfort food at its finest-neither too heavy nor too bland, with a restaurant-quality presentation that elevates any meal.

Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked; do not rinse if you want it to brown better, but rinsing is optional)
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred; about 3-4 cloves if fresh)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat; start low if unsure)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended to control saltiness)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste (likely not needed)

Kitchen Utensils:

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

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ½ cup butter and let it melt completely, allowing it to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the 2 cups uncooked rice to the melted butter. Stir frequently and cook over medium heat for 4–6 minutes until the rice starts to turn golden brown and develops a toasty aroma. This crucial step adds depth and nutty flavor to your seasoned rice Texas Roadhouse style. If the rice browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low; if it’s not browning after 6 minutes, increase to medium-high.

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

Stir in the finely chopped onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onions soften slightly and release their aromatic fragrance. This builds the flavor foundation for your Texas Roadhouse rice copycat.

Step 4: Add Dry Seasonings and Soy Sauce

Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly for about 30 seconds until the rice is evenly coated with all the seasonings and the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and Bring to a Boil

Slowly pour in the 4 cups chicken broth while stirring to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the seasonings are well distributed throughout the liquid.

Step 6: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the seasoned rice simmer for 22–25 minutes without lifting the lid frequently. Check near the end: the liquid should be almost completely absorbed, and the rice should be tender. If it looks done after 20 minutes, turn off the heat.

Step 7: Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid. This resting period ensures perfectly fluffy grains. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle with extra dried parsley for color and presentation.

Step 8: Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, though this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe is typically perfectly balanced as written. Serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Protein Pairings:

This copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe pairs beautifully with grilled or pan-seared steaks, making it the perfect companion for ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. It also complements chicken dishes wonderfully-try it with herb-roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or crispy chicken thighs. For seafood lovers, serve this seasoned rice alongside grilled shrimp, blackened salmon, or pan-seared scallops to create a restaurant-worthy surf and turf experience.

2. Vegetable Mix-Ins:

Transform this Texas Roadhouse rice into a more substantial one-pot meal by stirring in sautéed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Consider adding bell peppers, corn, peas, diced carrots, or green beans. For a Tex-Mex twist, fold in black beans, roasted poblano peppers, and fresh cilantro after cooking for a flavorful rice bowl.

3. Spice Level Adjustments:

The beauty of making this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice copycat at home is complete control over heat levels. For a mild version perfect for kids, omit the cayenne pepper entirely. For spice enthusiasts, increase cayenne to ¾ teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also serve hot sauce on the side, allowing each diner to customize their heat preference.

4. Instant Pot Variation:

To make Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice instant pot style, use the sauté function to toast the rice and aromatics following steps 1-4, then add the broth, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. This method delivers the same delicious flavors with less active monitoring.

5. Cheese and Cream Additions:

For an extra indulgent version, stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack immediately after fluffing for a creamy, cheesy rice side. Alternatively, fold in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream for added richness that complements the buttery base beautifully.

6. Fresh Herb Upgrades:

While dried parsley is traditional in this seasoned rice recipes Texas Roadhouse style, you can elevate the dish with fresh herbs. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives just before serving for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile and beautiful color contrast.

7. Burrito Bowl Base:

Use this Texas Roadhouse rice recipe as the foundation for homemade burrito bowls. Top the seasoned rice with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a complete meal that rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Essential Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

1. Rice Rinsing Decision:

Whether to rinse your rice depends on your texture preference. For this recipe, leaving the rice unrinsed allows the natural starches to help with browning during the toasting step, creating deeper flavor and a slightly creamier final texture. However, if you prefer very separate, distinct grains, you can rinse the rice beforehand-just know the toasting process may take an extra minute or two to achieve golden color.

2. Butter Toasting Technique:

The toasting step is crucial for developing the signature nutty flavor in this copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe. Watch the rice carefully during this phase and adjust your heat as needed. The rice should smell fragrant and turn a light golden color, but shouldn’t burn or turn dark brown. Stirring constantly ensures even toasting and prevents sticking or scorching on the bottom of the pan.

3. Soy Sauce Selection:

Using low-sodium soy sauce is highly recommended for this Texas Roadhouse rice recipe because the chicken broth also contains sodium. Regular soy sauce combined with standard chicken broth can make the dish overly salty. If you only have regular soy sauce, reduce the amount to ⅓ cup or use low-sodium chicken broth to balance the saltiness. Tamari can be substituted for a gluten-free option.

4. Don’t Lift the Lid:

Resist the temptation to frequently check on your rice while it’s simmering. Each time you lift the lid, you release steam and lower the temperature, which can result in unevenly cooked rice. Trust the process and only check once around the 20-minute mark to ensure the liquid is absorbing properly and the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom.

5. Liquid Absorption Timing:

Different rice brands and even different batches can absorb liquid at slightly different rates. If you check at 20 minutes and the rice is tender with no liquid remaining, it’s perfectly fine to turn off the heat early. Conversely, if there’s still visible liquid at 25 minutes, allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The key indicator is tender rice with absorbed liquid, not just the timer.

6. Scaling the Recipe:

This seasoned rice Texas Roadhouse recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep. When doubling, use a larger pot to ensure adequate space for the rice to cook evenly. Keep the cooking time roughly the same-you may only need to add 2-3 additional minutes. For halving the recipe, reduce cooking time by about 3-5 minutes and check for doneness earlier.

7. Flavor Depth Enhancement:

For even more complex flavors in your Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice instant pot or stovetop version, try these restaurant-grade techniques: use a combination of chicken and beef broth for added depth, add a bay leaf during simmering (remove before serving), or finish with a small pat of butter stirred through the fluffed rice for extra richness and glossy appearance.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water and a damp paper towel covering to restore moisture, or warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Common Queries and FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this Texas Roadhouse rice recipe?

A: While you can substitute brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly (40-45 minutes) and increase the liquid to 4½ cups. The texture and flavor will differ from the original restaurant version, which uses white long-grain rice.

Q: Is this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice copycat gluten-free?

A: The recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the rice up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a bit of added broth or water to refresh the texture before serving.

Q: What can I substitute for butter to make this healthier?

A: You can use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter, though the flavor will be less rich. For the best taste while reducing saturated fat, use half butter and half olive oil.

Q: Why is my seasoned rice Texas Roadhouse style mushy?

A: Mushy rice typically results from too much liquid or overcooking. Ensure you’re measuring your liquid accurately (4 cups) and not lifting the lid too frequently during cooking, which can cause condensation to drip back into the rice.

Q: Can I freeze this copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe?

A: Yes, this rice freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture may be slightly less fluffy than fresh but will still taste delicious.

Q: How do I make this Texas Roadhouse rice recipe in a rice cooker?

A: You’ll need to toast the rice and sauté the aromatics in a separate pan first (steps 1-4), then transfer everything to your rice cooker with the broth. Cook on the white rice setting and allow the keep-warm function to finish steaming for 5 minutes after the cycle completes.

This Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe brings the beloved steakhouse favorite right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of toasted rice, aromatic seasonings, and savory broth creates a side dish that’s far more exciting than plain rice yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant meal or simply looking for a flavorful rice dish to elevate your dinner routine, this copycat version delivers authentic taste every time. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice has earned such a loyal following!

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