Few dining experiences embody the spirit of casual American hospitality quite like whatever you can find at Texas Roadhouse. With a lively atmosphere, completely hand-cut steaks, and their legendary rolls, Texas Roadhouse also established many loyal fans for their down-home dishes; few have captured a following quite like Texas Roadhouse’s rice recipe.
Texas Roadhouse’s seasoned rice is more than a side dish – it is a multi-layered dish that is not just a few scoops of rice thrown together with a few condiments – utilizing butter, a smokiness – a slight kick, and a ton of flavor and texture well beyond a few bites – and is a one-of-a-kind dish.
For most guests, the Texas Roadhouse rice recipe brings back memories of family dinners, celebrations, and just a good meal. Many other home cooks, inspired by the smart taste and aroma of the Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice, have taken to recreating the dish at home.
In this blog, we’re going to uncover all the secrets behind Texas Roadhouse’s wonderful rice recipe, exploring step by step, so you can enjoy that same rich, delicious flavor from your own kitchen, without going to a restaurant.
What Makes Texas Roadhouse Rice Unique?
Simply put, Texas Roadhouse rice is unique because it is composed of:
- Toasted, buttery grains
- A deeply savory, slightly smoky flavor (from using paprika and broth)
- Aromatic notes (from the onion and garlic)
- A subtle heat and herbal freshness
Unlike steamed rice, the entire premise of this recipe is to develop layers of flavor, starting with toasting the rice, ultimately creating a fluffy, well-seasoned rice pilaf.
The Ingredients and Why They Are Important
Rice:
Use a long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati) to stay fluffy and separated. Make sure to rinse it fully to get rid of excess starch so it doesn’t stick.
Fat:
While butter is traditional and we all love it for richness, we can do a mix of butter and olive oil to make it lighter and to prevent it from burning.
Aromatics:
- Onion (white or yellow) will sweeten up and add depth.
- Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder will give a big punch to the base guide.
Spices:
- Paprika (smoked or sweet) for color and a hint of smokiness.
- Dried parsley- just a hint of herb.
- Garlic powder.
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne for optional heat.
- Black pepper or white pepper for completeness.
- Salt to taste.
Liquid:
Chicken broth is a must for depth- never use only water. Beef broth could be used as well for a beefier vibe.
Umami Boosters (Optional):
Soy sauce for strong depth and color.
Finishing Touch:
Fresh parsley for color and freshness.
How to make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
First, measure your long-grain white rice. Place in a fine mesh sieve or strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Move the rice around with your hand to help release the excess starch.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is important — if you skip this step, your rice will not be fluffy and separate but sticky and gummy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, add your butter (add a splash of olive oil if you’d like to prevent it from burning), and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add your diced onion.
Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent and soft. If you are using fresh garlic, add it now and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. This is the flavor base for your rice that will also add a savory sweetness.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
With the aromatics softened, add your rinsed and drained rice directly to the pan. Stir the rice constantly so every grain gets coated by the buttery mixture around it. Continue to toast the rice for about 4-7 minutes.
This step is key for developing the signature Texas Roadhouse flavor and ensures the rice has a slightly chewy, restaurant-style texture.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Once the rice is toasted, sprinkle in your spices: paprika (smoked or sweet); dried parsley; the garlic powder; a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat; black or white pepper; and salt.
Stir so that the spices coat the rice and onion mixture evenly. You will want to toast the spices for about a minute.
Toasting the spices releases the oils from the spices and deepens the flavor of the spices, creating a more aromatic and savory rice dish.
Step 5: Deglaze and simmer
Let’s add the liquid now. First, pour in your chicken broth (or beef broth for a nice savory flavor). If you want a bit of a kick of umami flavor and a darker color, you could add a splash of soy sauce.
Use your wooden spoon to lightly scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan- the browning is extra delicious!
Bring to a gentle boil, cover and turn the heat to low for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (Try not to take off the lid during the cook time, we want to use the steam from the lid for a nice even cook!)
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
After the rice has absorbed the liquid, turn off the heat (leave the lid on). Allow the rice to sit covered for 5 more minutes (this helps the steam finish cooking the rice and helps firm up the grains so you can fluff them instead of squishing them). When your five minutes are up, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Enjoy!
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Texas Roadhouse Butter Recipe
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Texas Roadhouse Rice Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170–390 (varies by butter/oil and broth used)
- Carbs: 54g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10–16g
- Sodium: 700mg
Note: Nutrition varies by ingredients and toppings chosen.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Rice
Don’t skip the rinsing of the rice! It saves you from gumminess.
Toast the rice sufficiently. When you do, it brings out a more delicious, nutty, restaurant-style flavor.
Make it with broth and NOT water. Broth gives it a taste and richness that can’t be matched.
Adjust your heat. Use however much red pepper or cayenne is to your liking.
Soy sauce is optional. I don’t see it in every version, but it does give nice coloring and umami.
Give it a rest time before you fluff. That final steam makes a big difference in texture.
Variations & Customization
- Vegetarian: If you use vegetable broth, it will still be vegetarian. If you use chicken broth – well, it’s not vegetarian.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding in some bell peppers, or peas, or corn, to add color and nutrition.
- Herbs: If you have dried parsley, you can use that instead of adding fresh. A sprinkle of chives or cilantro is good too!
- Protein: If you could add in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage, it could be a one-pan meal.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Roadhouse rice is a great side with:
- Grilled steaks, chicken, or pork chops
- Barbecue dishes
- Roasted vegetables
- Tex-Mex favorites like fajitas or tacos
Can you freeze Texas Roadhouse Rice Seasoned rice?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice can be frozen. After cooking it, allow the rice to cool completely. Once cool, transfer the rice into a freezer bag or an airtight container, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
Once properly stored, it will freeze for 2 to 3 months without a significant loss of flavor or texture. To use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave, or in a pot on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to add moisture.
Freezing seasoned rice is an easy way to save leftovers and always have a delicious side ready for your meal.
