We haven't been out to a steakhouse in a while, but Max kept asking for "that brown rice with the yummy flavor." So, we decided to recreate the famous Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice right here in our kitchen. To make it a full meal that looks exactly like the picture, we tossed in tender steak bites and veggies. It is savory, buttery, and honestly tastes even better than the restaurant version.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- How To Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- What Pairs Well With Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Variations
- Equipment
- Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
- Top Tips for Best Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice FAQs
- A Steakhouse Dinner at Home
- Related
- Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Why You Will Love This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
You will love this recipe because it transforms a simple side dish into a hearty, flavor-packed dinner. The rice is toasted in butter and spices—cayenne, paprika, and garlic—giving it that signature "roadhouse" kick. By folding in seared steak and colorful veggies, it becomes a complete bowl of comfort that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
How To Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
The secret to that deep flavor is toasting the rice in butter and spices before adding the liquid. We start by searing juicy steak bites, then use that same flavorful pan to sauté onions and toast the rice with paprika and soy sauce. We simmer it all in beef broth until fluffy, then stir the steak and veggies back in for a colorful, golden finish.
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Ingredients
The Rice Base
- 1 ½ cups white jasmine or long-grain rice (uncooked)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (yes, it needs this much for that restaurant taste!)
- 1 small yellow onion; finely diced
- 3 cups beef broth (for rich color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for kick)
The Steak & Veggie Add-Ins
- 1 lb sirloin steak; cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; thawed
- ½ cup sweet corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing steak)
- Green onions; chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Method
Sear the Steak
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Toast the Rice
- In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add the uncooked rice, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the rice is toasted and smells nutty.
Simmer
- Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the steak.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Combine and Finish
- Remove from heat. Gently fold in the thawed peas, carrots, corn, and the cooked steak bites.
- Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to warm everything through.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish generously with chopped green onions to look just like the picture.
MAX’S REACTION
"It smells like the restaurant! The steak pieces are like hidden treasures inside the rice. I like that it's a little bit salty and buttery. Can I have extra corn in mine?"
What Pairs Well With Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
If you are making the classic side dish version (without the steak mixed in), this rice screams to be served next to a grilled ribeye or BBQ chicken. However, this loaded bowl version pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to scoop up the stray rice grains. A cold glass of sweet tea completes the roadhouse vibe.
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Variations
Chicken & Rice
Swap the steak for cubed chicken breast and use chicken broth instead of beef broth. This makes for a lighter Texas roadhouse seasoned rice with chicken dinner.
Spicy Kick
If you love heat, double the cayenne pepper and add a dash of red pepper flakes. The original recipe has a tiny kick, but you can definitely amp it up.
Mushroom Pilaf
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the rice. The mushrooms soak up that buttery beef broth flavor and add a great earthy texture.
Shrimp Style
Instead of steak, stir in sautéed garlic butter shrimp at the very end. The seafood pairs surprisingly well with the savory soy-butter rice base.
Equipment
- Large skillet with a tight-fitting lid (or Dutch oven)
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Mom Tip: Use a pan with a heavy bottom to prevent the rice from burning while it simmers.
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This rice actually tastes amazing the next day as the flavors meld.
Reheating
Microwave with a damp paper towel over the bowl to steam the rice and keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Make Ahead
You can chop the onions and cut the steak the night before. You can also measure out your spice blend in a small jar so you are ready to cook immediately.
Top Tips for Best Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Do not skip the browning step for the rice! Toasting the grains in the butter encapsulates the starch, which helps keep the grains separate and fluffy rather than turning into mush. Also, use real butter. Margarine or oil just won't give you that authentic Texas Roadhouse rice richness that makes it so addictive.
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice FAQs
Why is my rice mushy?
You might have used too much liquid or stirred it too much while simmering. Leave the lid on and don't touch it until the timer goes off!
Is this spicy?
It has a warmth to it from the paprika and cayenne, but it isn't "hot." If cooking for toddlers, you can omit the cayenne pepper.
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice or Jasmine rice works best. Brown rice will require more liquid and a much longer cooking time (about 45 minutes).
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions and toast the rice in a pan first, then transfer everything (rice, spices, broth, soy sauce) to the rice cooker and press "Cook."
A Steakhouse Dinner at Home
This recipe has saved us so much money on eating out, and honestly, eating it in sweatpants at home is way more relaxing. It is a flavor bomb that the whole family enjoys. If you are looking for more comforting dinner bowls, try our warming Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup, the rich and savory Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce, or our nutritious Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls for a healthier twist.
Share your Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice! Tag us @HannahCooking with #TexasRoadhouseRice; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
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Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sear seasoned steak cubes in oil in a large skillet until browned; remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan; sauté onions until soft, then stir in rice and spices to toast.
- Add beef broth and soy sauce; bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Fold in peas, carrots, corn, and cooked steak; let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
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