Best copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice

I have to tell you that making seasoned rice didn’t go perfectly the first time because I accidentally grabbed sugar instead of salt and yes I know it sounds like a disaster but somehow it still turned out delicious and that’s the thing about cooking because things don’t always go as planned and sometimes that’s what makes it fun and have you ever tried a recipe like seasoned rice and thought “uh this isn’t exactly what I imagined” because I have too.

I remember one evening I was tired from work and just wanted something quick and I had all the ingredients ready but somehow my pan was too small and the seasoned rice started spilling over the edge so I was like “seriously” but instead of stressing I laughed and grabbed a bigger pan and kept going and that’s when I realized these little mishaps make the end result feel earned and it tastes better because you’ve been part of it and not just following steps blindly.

And honestly this seasoned rice has this magic because you can mess it up a little or skip a step or add a pinch extra of this or that and it still works and it’s comforting and it’s cozy and it’s kind of like a warm hug after a long day and have you ever had a dish that just felt homey because that’s exactly what this is so grab your ingredients don’t worry about being perfect and let’s make some tasty seasoned rice together.

ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

ingredients notes

• Rice: Make sure to rinse your rice under cold water before cooking. This helps remove extra starch and makes your rice fluffy.
• Water or chicken broth: Using broth gives your rice more flavor, but water works just fine.
• Oil or butter: This helps keep the rice from sticking and adds a little richness.
• Seasonings: You can change the amounts depending on how strong you want the flavor. Kids usually like it less spicy.
• Optional garnish: Parsley or cilantro makes it look pretty and adds a fresh taste.

How to make seasoned rice?

step 1: prepare the rice

Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This takes away extra starch so the rice will not be sticky. Then, drain it in a small strainer.

step 2: heat the oil or butter

In a medium pot, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. When it’s melted and warm, add your rice. Stir it around for 1–2 minutes so every grain gets coated with oil. This helps the rice taste nutty and prevents it from sticking.

step 3: add seasonings

Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the rice. Stir it well so every grain gets a little bit of flavor. You can even let the spices toast with the rice for 30 seconds to make them smell extra yummy.

step 4: add water or broth

Pour in your water or chicken broth slowly while stirring. Make sure the liquid covers the rice evenly. Turn the heat up until the liquid starts to boil.

step 5: simmer the rice

Once the liquid is boiling, lower the heat to very low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook for about 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir while it’s cooking, or the steam will escape and the rice won’t cook properly.

step 6: rest the rice

After 18–20 minutes, turn off the heat but do not remove the lid. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes. This helps it finish cooking and makes it extra fluffy.

step 7: fluff and serve

Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. If you want, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top to make it look pretty. Now your seasoned rice is ready to eat!

kitchen equipment needed

• Medium pot with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer for rinsing rice
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Fork for fluffing

storage options!

You can store leftover seasoned rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, put it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a pot with a little bit of water, stirring occasionally. If you want to freeze it, place the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

variations!

Seasoned rice can be changed in many ways to match your taste. You can add vegetables like peas, corn, carrots, or bell peppers. If you like more flavor, add a little soy sauce or a splash of lemon juice. You can also make it with brown rice or jasmine rice instead of white rice. For a fun twist, stir in shredded cheese or cooked chicken for a one-pot meal. The possibilities are endless, and it’s fun to experiment.

what to enjoy with this seasoned rice?

I have to tell you that seasoned rice is one of those dishes that feels simple but can be so fun because you can eat it in so many ways and honestly I love it with some Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies because the sweet and salty mix is just wow and have you ever tried pairing a savory dish with a cookie because if not you’re in the right place.

One afternoon I was making seasoned rice for lunch and I thought I’d just eat it plain because I was in a rush and then I remembered those Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies I had baked the night before and I said hmm why not and I crumbled one on top of my rice and wow it was like a little surprise in every bite and that’s when I realized seasoned rice isn’t just a side it can be a little adventure too and have you ever had a meal that made you grin a little because it was so unexpected.

So here’s the fun part because seasoned rice works with so many foods you can get creative and I’ve tried it with roasted chicken because it’s classic and comforting and I’ve tried it with sautéed veggies because it’s colorful and healthy and then there’s shrimp and seasoned rice which feels fancy and exciting and sometimes I just make it with scrambled eggs because lazy mornings need flavor and don’t forget you can pair it with beans because it’s simple and filling and sometimes I even crumble those Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies on top again because yes I love that sweet surprise and finally seasoned rice with a drizzle of soy sauce because salty and umami flavors always win.

Honestly it’s kind of amazing how something so simple can feel different every time because you change just one thing and suddenly it’s like a new meal and sometimes the rice sticks a little or burns a tiny bit and that’s okay because cooking isn’t about perfection and have you ever had a dish that made you laugh because it didn’t go exactly right but still tasted amazing because that’s exactly what seasoned rice does.

So grab your pot and your favorite ingredients and try some seasoned rice and see what combos you love, and maybe you’ll even discover your own favorite pairing like I did with Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies and trust me, it’s worth it because every bite is comforting and fun and a little bit surprising

Tips for making the best seasoned rice

• Rinse the rice well to make it fluffy.
• Use broth instead of water for more flavor.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking; steam is important.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, not a spoon, to keep it light.
• Taste the rice at the end and add more salt or seasonings if needed.
• Try toasting the rice in oil before adding water for a nutty flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for color and extra taste.

FAQ

what is this recipe made of?

It is made of rice, water or broth, oil or butter, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika.

what does seasoned rice taste like?

It tastes soft, warm, and slightly buttery, with gentle hints of garlic, onion, and paprika.

can i use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook and might need a little more liquid.

can kids eat this rice?

Absolutely! The flavors are mild, and the texture is soft, perfect for little ones.

can i make it spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder, but keep it mild for kids.

how long does it take to cook?

About 18–20 minutes on the stove plus 5 minutes of resting time.

can i add vegetables?

Yes, peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers are all great choices.

how do i store leftover rice?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

can i reheat rice in the microwave?

Yes, add a little water and cover it to keep it from drying out.

can i make this rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, just follow the same ratio of rice to liquid and seasonings.

can i use butter instead of oil?

Yes, butter adds a richer flavor and works just as well.

is this rice healthy?

Yes, it’s a simple dish made from wholesome ingredients, and you can add vegetables to make it even healthier.