Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice: 1 Secret for Best Flavor
I am so excited to finally share this recipe with you. If you are anything like me, you probably go to Texas Roadhouse just for the sides. I mean, the rolls are great, but that seasoned rice is the real star. It has this incredible savory aroma that hits you the second the plate lands on the table. The texture is so buttery and every single grain is packed with flavor. I spent way too much time in my kitchen trying to get this right and I finally perfected it. Now you can have that exact restaurant experience at home without even putting on shoes.
Why You Will Love This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
You are going to obsess over the flavor profile of this dish. The secret is the way the beef broth and soy sauce work together to create a deep umami taste that you just cannot get with plain water. It tastes expensive but it is actually a total budget-friendly side dish. You can throw this together with some chicken or a steak and it feels like a feast. Plus, it is way better than those boxed rice mixes you find at the store.
Essential Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
To get that perfect texture, you really need to use long-grain white rice. It stays fluffy and does not get mushy like other types might. We are also using some specific spices to get that signature orange hue and a little savory kick. Here is what you need to grab from your pantry.
- Long-grain white rice
- Unsalted butter
- Beef broth which is the big secret to that dark color
- Finely diced onion and celery
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
This whole process only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. One thing people always get confused about is when to add the liquid. You have to wait until the rice has been lightly toasted in the butter first. That is how you get that restaurant quality finish. Just follow these simple steps and you will be golden.
1. Sauté the Aromatics
First, get a good sized pot and melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and celery. You want to cook them until they are soft and smelling amazing. This builds the base for all that flavor.
2. Toast the Rice
Now you are going to pour your dry rice right into the pot with the butter and veggies. Stir it around so every single grain gets coated in that butter. Let it toast for a minute or two until it looks slightly golden. This keeps the rice from sticking together later.
3. Simmer and Steam
Pour in your beef broth, soy sauce, and all those seasonings. Give it one good stir and then turn the heat down to low. Put the lid on tight and do not touch it for 18 to 20 minutes. Just let it do its thing.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
I have messed this up before so listen to me when I say do not lift the lid while the rice is steaming. I know it is tempting to check on it but you will let all the steam out and the rice will be crunchy. Another thing I learned is to rinse your rice in a fine mesh strainer before you start. It gets rid of the extra starch and makes the grains much fluffier. Trust me on this one.
How to Store and Reheat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
If you have leftovers, they keep really well. Just put the rice in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you want to eat it again, put it in the microwave with a tiny splash of water or extra beef broth. This keeps it from drying out so it tastes just as good as the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
I know you might have a few questions about swapping things out so here are the answers to what people usually ask me.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
You can definitely use chicken broth if that is all you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the color will be much lighter and it will not have that same deep beefy flavor that the original restaurant version has.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, this recipe is easy to make gluten-free. Just double check your beef broth label to be safe.
Nutritional Information
Here is the estimated data for a single serving size of about 3/4 cup of this texas roadhouse seasoned rice.
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice: 1 Secret for Best Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
You can make this rice side dish at home. It uses white rice with butter and spices to mimic the restaurant version.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in your pot.
- Cook your onion for three minutes.
- Add your rice and stir for two minutes.
- Add your broth and soy sauce.
- Add your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring your liquid to a boil.
- Lower your heat and cover your pot.
- Simmer for 18 minutes.
- Turn off your heat and let your rice rest for five minutes.
- Fluff with your fork and serve.
Notes
- Rinse your rice to remove starch.
- Keep your lid closed during cooking.
- Use low sodium broth to reduce salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 225
Keywords: texas roadhouse seasoned rice, copycat rice, buttery rice
