Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

Rice is a superb side dish that goes well with almost anything.

It’s also one of the simplest dishes to make, and everyone enjoys it.

Texas Roadhouse style rice is slightly different from regular rice; it’s heavily seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

The rice is cooked in bacon grease or butter, giving it a delicious flavor and extra crispness.

Besides, Texas Roadhouse remains one of the favorite places to eat, so I was excited to try and recreate their rice recipe at home.

The results were fantastic; here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

●Rice (white rice or brown rice) long-grain

●Salt

●Black pepper

●Garlic powder

●½ cup butter or bacon grease

●1 yellow onion, diced

●2 tablespoons paprika

●1 tablespoon dried parsley

●1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

●5 cups chicken stock

●Soy sauce

You’ll need the following equipment:

●Large skillet or saucepan

●Wooden spoon

●Measuring cups and spoons

●Baking dish

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain any excess water and return the rice to the Pan.

Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, butter or bacon grease, onion, paprika, parsley, and crushed red pepper.

Stir until all the ingredients mix evenly.

Step 2:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; add the chicken stock and soy sauce to the rice mixture and stir well.

Pour the rice into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is crispy and golden brown.

However, avoid overcooking the rice, or it will become mushy; the rice should be wet but not swim in liquid.

Serve the rice warm and enjoy with any dish such as chicken, steak, or pork.

What is the Best Kind of Rice for this Recipe?

You can use different types of rice for this recipe. 

However, long-grain white rice or brown rice works best.

However, the rice becomes crispy if you use non-sticky rice such as basmati or jasmine.

Sticky rice is not the best because it will become too mushy.

Medium and short-grained rice is also okay but will not be as crispy.

Additionally, you can use wild rice, but it will take longer to cook (45-50 minutes). 

Use any rice that you have on hand, and the dish will still turn out great but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for Delectable Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse

Rinsing the Rice

Before cooking the rice, rinse it off to eliminate any excess starch and make the rice less sticky.

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and run cold water over it, stirring with your hand until the water runs clear.

Drain any excess water, and you’re ready to cook.

Adding Bacon Grease or Butter

Most Texas Roadhouse-style rice versions call for either bacon grease or butter.

I’ve tried both, and it was delicious.

However, if you choose to use bacon grease, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crisp.

Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate; add the butter to the Pan and cook until melted; proceed with the recipe.

Seasoning the Rice

Unlike regular white rice, Texas Roadhouse style rice is heavily seasoned.

The main seasonings are salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Additionally, the rice is cooked in bacon grease or butter, giving it a delicious flavour and extra crispy.

If you cannot get bacon grease or butter, use olive oil or vegetable oil instead, but the rice will not have the same flavour.

Stirring the Rice

It’s important to stir the rice frequently while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the Pan.

Use a wooden spoon for the best results.

Adding the Stock and Soy Sauce

Once the rice is cooked, add the chicken stock and soy sauce.

Stir well until everything is mixed in evenly.

Stock and soy sauce gives the rice a delicious salty flavour that mimics Texas Roadhouse.

Pouring into a Baking Dish

Once everything is mixed in, pour the rice into a baking dish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is crispy and golden brown.

Avoid overcooking the rice, or it will become mushy.

Why is My Rice Dry or Mushy?

There are a few reasons why your rice might turn out dry or mushy.

Overcooking the rice, adding too much liquid, not stirring the rice frequently, and using the wrong type of rice are all common causes of dry or mushy rice.

If the rice is gummy or wet, it’s likely overcooked; this happens when cooked for too long or at a high temperature.

Once it’s gummy, there’s not much you can do to salvage it; however, if it’s just a little wet, you can try stirring in some extra butter or bacon grease, which will crisp it up.

Dry rice results from not adding enough liquid; make sure you follow the recipe closely and measure out the correct amount of stock or soy sauce.

Additionally, be sure to stir the rice frequently while it’s cooking.

How to Properly Store Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse

If you have leftover rice, store it properly, so it stays fresh and doesn’t become dry or mushy.

To store, place the rice in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

Avoid cardboard takeout containers since they aren’t airtight; hence not recommended for storing rice, for they allow air to escape and dry out the rice making it hard and chewy.

Refrigerating rice helps keep it fresh for up to three days.

If you want to freeze the rice, place it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to two months.

How to Thaw your Seasoned Rice

There are three ways to thaw your frozen seasoned rice.

The quickest way is to place the frozen rice in the refrigerator overnight, and it will be thawed by morning.

If you’re in a hurry, place the frozen rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 2-3 minutes or until thawed.

Lastly, use a large bowl with water and place the frozen rice; submerge the rice in the water and let it thaw for 30-60 minutes.

Once thawed, drain off any excess water and proceed with cooking.

Once your rice is thawed, it’s important to reheat it properly before serving.

Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cook it on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated completely.

Alternatively, place the rice in a skillet over medium heat and cook until well heated.

What is the Best Dish to Serve with Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse?

There are many dishes you can serve with Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse.

Some of the favourites include burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.

However, rice is serveable with any dish, but it’s a great side dish for chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.

You can also use it topping for pizza, salads, or rice bowls.

Soups are also a great way to use up any leftover seasoned rice.

Place the rice in a soup bowl and ladle your favourite soup on top.

It is a great way to get a hearty and flavourful meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

However, experimenting with different dishes is the best way to find out what you like.

So, get creative and have fun with your seasoned rice.

Health Benefits of Eating Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse

There are many health benefits of eating seasoned rice Texas roadhouse.

Firstly, rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy throughout the day.

Additionally, rice is a good source of thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6 essential for maintaining good health.

Rice contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Lastly, rice is a low-fat and cholesterol-free food, making it a great choice for people looking to eat healthy meals.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dish, give Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse a try.

Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse FAQs:

Can I make this Recipe for a Large Crowd?

You can easily make this recipe for a large crowd or leftovers.

Double or triple the ingredients depending on how much rice you need.

Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Do I have to Thaw the Rice before Heating it?

You don’t have to thaw the rice before heating it; place the frozen rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cook it on high for 2-3 minutes or until thawed.

Alternatively, place the rice in a skillet over medium heat and cook until thawed.

Can I use Brown Rice instead of White Rice?

If you are looking for low-carb rice, use brown rice instead of white rice.

However, remember that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Start checking the rice for doneness after 30 minutes and continue cooking until it’s tender and fluffy.

Can I use a Different Type of Sauce than Soy Sauce?

You can use a different type of sauce than soy sauce.

However, keep in mind that the dish’s flavour may change depending on your sauce type.

Why did my Rice Stick to the Pan?

If the rice sticks to the Pan, likely, you didn’t use enough oil, or the Pan wasn’t hot enough.

Next time, try using more oil or cooking the rice at a higher temperature.

Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse Nutritional Facts:

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (cooked)

●Calories: 170

●Fat: 2 g

●Saturated Fat: 0.5 g

●Cholesterol: 1 mg

●Sodium: 460 mg

●Carbohydrates: 38 g

●Fibre: 2 g

●Sugar: 1.5 g

●Protein: 5 g

●Vitamin A: 496IU

●Vitamin C: 11 g

●Calcium: 30%

●Iron: 15%

Conclusion

Seasoned rice Texas Roadhouse is a delicious and healthy dish that you can serve with many different types of food.

It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

You need ingredients and equipment that are likely already in your kitchen, so there’s no excuse not to try this Recipe.

Besides, rice is a staple food in many cultures and is a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Therefore, go ahead and give Seasoned Rice Texas Roadhouse a try.

You won’t regret it, and your guests will be impressed.

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