Rice has always been one of my favorite sides because it’s simple, quick to cook, and goes well with almost any meal. It doesn’t take much work, and it always turns out great.
You can mix in a few fresh ingredients, and suddenly it feels like something special right from your own kitchen.
Sometimes, though, plain rice can feel a little too basic, and that’s when I like to give it a flavor upgrade with herbs, spices, and a little color. Of course, the Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice is the perfect choice for that.
That’s what made me want to create this Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice at home. The version at the restaurant has that warm, buttery flavor with the perfect blend of herbs and spices.
I wanted something just as tasty but easy enough for a regular family dinner. So I put together this simple copycat recipe that gives the same rich flavor.
It’s a simple side that can turn an ordinary meal into something special without much effort. It’s colorful, smells amazing, and fits nicely with steak, chicken, or vegetables.
What is Seasoned Rice
Seasoned rice is regular rice cooked with herbs, spices, and vegetables. It has more flavor than plain white rice. Garlic, onions, and peppers are added while cooking. These ingredients make the rice colorful and tasty.
Many restaurants serve their own version of seasoned rice. Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice uses basmati rice as the base. They add bell peppers, carrots, and fresh herbs. The spices include paprika, black pepper, and seasoned salt.
Each grain soaks up all the flavors as it cooks. The result is a side dish that looks pretty and tastes amazing.
Why You Will Love This Copycat Seasoned Rice
You will love this recipe because it saves you a trip to the restaurant. It uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
The cooking process is straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginners. The blend of seasonings and broth creates a rich, savory flavor that makes your whole meal feel more satisfying and complete.
Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Basmati Rice (1 1/2 cups): Long-grain basmati rice gives fluffy, separate grains that don’t stick together. This rice has a nice smell and light texture. Jasmine rice or regular long-grain white rice works as a good substitute option.
- Bell Peppers (1 cup, chopped): Fresh bell peppers add sweet flavor and bright colors to the rice. Use red, yellow, or green peppers based on preference. Frozen bell peppers can save time on chopping and preparation.
- Onion (1/2 large, chopped): Yellow onions give the rice a sweet and savory base flavor that builds depth. The onions become soft and blend into the rice. White onions or red onions work well too as substitutions.
- Garlic (6 cloves, chopped): Fresh garlic adds a strong, aromatic flavor that makes the rice smell wonderful while cooking. Chop it fine so it spreads through the rice. Two teaspoons of garlic powder can be used as a quick substitute.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Fresh grated ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy flavor to the seasoned rice. It adds a special touch that makes the rice unique. Ground ginger powder works too – use only 1 teaspoon since it’s stronger.
- Carrots (1/2 cup, grated): Grated carrots add natural sweetness and a pretty orange color throughout the rice. They cook quickly and blend in perfectly. Pre-shredded carrots from a bag save time and work just as well.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 1/2 cups): Broth makes the rice much more flavorful than plain water. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian. Plain water with extra seasoning works in a pinch.
- Oil (2 tablespoons): Cooking oil helps cook the vegetables and prevents the rice from sticking to the pot bottom. Use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral cooking oil. Butter adds extra richness and flavor as a tasty substitution.
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Thyme (few stalks): Fresh thyme herbs give the rice an earthy, garden-fresh flavor that smells amazing. The small leaves come off easily when stirred. Dried thyme works too—use 1 teaspoon instead of fresh stalks.
- Green Onions (chopped): Fresh green onions provide a mild onion flavor and bright green color as garnish. They add freshness to the finished rice. Regular chives or the green part of leeks make good replacements.
- Parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley brings a clean, slightly peppery flavor and makes the rice look restaurant-quality. It adds a pop of green color. Dried parsley or fresh cilantro can work as substitutes based on taste preference.
- Seasoned Salt (1 teaspoon): This blend combines salt with other spices for extra flavor in every grain of rice. It seasons the rice perfectly throughout. Regular salt mixed with garlic powder and onion powder works as a substitute.
- Complete Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This all-purpose seasoning mix adds depth and complexity to the rice with various herbs and spices. Many brands make this type of blend. Adobo seasoning or Creole seasoning are similar replacements.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Ground black pepper adds mild heat and sharpness that balances the other flavors nicely. Fresh cracked pepper tastes even better. White pepper works too but has a slightly different flavor profile.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Paprika gives the rice a beautiful red color and mild, sweet pepper flavor without much heat. It makes the rice look more appetizing. Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor, or use cayenne for more spice.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot with lid – for cooking the rice properly
- Wooden spoon – to stir ingredients gently
- Cutting board – for chopping all vegetables
- Sharp knife – makes cutting easier and safer
- Grater – for carrots and ginger preparation
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate amounts
- Aluminum foil – to trap heat during final cooking
How To Make Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice
Step 1 | Prepare the Aromatics
Place the pot over medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until they turn soft and release a nice aroma.
Step 2 | Toast the Rice
Add the thoroughly washed basmati rice to the pot. Stir it continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and coat it evenly with the oil and vegetables.
Step 3 | Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Then, add the seasoned salt, complete seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together to blend the flavors well.
Step 4 | Cook the Rice
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 5 | Let it Steam
Turn off the heat. Cover the pot with a piece of foil, then place the lid back on top. Let it sit for 5 more minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Step 6 | Fluff and Garnish
Remove the lid and foil. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Mix in the grated carrots, chopped green onions, and parsley. The Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Making Restaurant Style Seasoned Rice
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chop the onion, bell peppers, and carrots into small, even pieces so they cook evenly and look neat in the final dish.
- Use Quality Broth: Skip the water – using good-quality chicken or vegetable broth adds rich flavor and makes the rice taste more like the restaurant version.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A sturdy pot distributes heat evenly, preventing the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom.
- Don’t Stir After Adding Liquid: Once you pour in the broth, avoid stirring. Stirring can break the grains and make the rice mushy.
- Foil for Fluffiness: The foil trick really helps trap steam and gives the rice that fluffy, restaurant-style texture.
What to Serve with Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, chicken, or pork chops. The mild flavors don’t compete with your main protein.
At Outback Steakhouse, they serve this rice with their famous steaks and grilled chicken dishes. The restaurant presents it as a colorful base on the plate with the meat on top.
You can serve this rice with baked salmon or grilled shrimp for a lighter meal. The vegetables in the rice add color and nutrition to your seafood dinner. It also works great with fried fish or fish tacos for a complete meal.
For a vegetarian option, serve this rice with roasted vegetables or a salad. You can also pair it with black beans and avocado for a filling plant-based dinner.
This seasoned rice tastes amazing with beef stew or chicken curry spooned over the top. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Prep the vegetables the night before to save time. Chop the onions, bell peppers, and herbs. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Grate the ginger and carrots too.
Measure out all the spices and keep them together. The next day, you just need to cook. This cuts your cooking time in half. The rice itself doesn’t cook well ahead though. Make it fresh for best texture and flavor.
How to Store: Let the rice cool down completely before storing it. Spread it on a large plate or baking sheet. This helps it cool faster and prevents bacteria growth. Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days.
How to Reheat: Reheat the rice in the microwave for quick meals. Put a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for one to two minutes until hot.
You can also reheat it on the stovetop. Put the rice in a pan with a little water or broth. Cover and heat on low, stirring occasionally until warm throughout.
Freezing Process: Store cooled rice in freezer-safe bags for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed for quick meals.
Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe FAQs
1. My rice turned out a bit sticky. What did I do wrong?
Sticky rice can happen if the rice was not rinsed well before cooking, or if the pot was stirred too much during cooking. Also, make sure you use the correct amount of liquid and let the rice steam with the lid on at the end.
2. Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker instead of on the stovetop?
Absolutely! A rice cooker makes this recipe even easier. Sauté your vegetables and spices in a regular pan first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker. Add the washed rice and broth directly into the rice cooker bowl. Stir it once, then close the lid and press the cook button.
The rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. Once it switches to the warm setting, let it sit for five minutes before opening.
Add your fresh green onions and carrots at the end just like the stovetop method. This hands-off approach gives you perfect rice every single time.
3. How can I tell when the rice is perfectly done and ready to serve?
Your rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender when you bite into them.
After about 15 to 20 minutes of cooking with the lid on, tilt the pot slightly to see whether any liquid remains at the bottom.
The rice should look dry on top with small steam holes throughout. When you taste a grain, it should be soft all the way through with no hard center.
The rice will also easily separate with a fork and look fluffy rather than wet or clumpy. Allow it to rest for five minutes after cooking to firm up perfectly.
4. Why does my rice burn on the bottom even when I follow the recipe exactly?
Burning usually happens because your heat is too high or your pot doesn’t distribute heat evenly. Once you put the lid on and reduce to low heat, make sure your burner is truly on the lowest setting possible.
Some stoves run hotter than others, so you might need to adjust. Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent hot spots that cause burning. Thin, cheap pots tend to scorch rice more easily.
Also, don’t skip the foil step because it helps distribute steam evenly. Try using a heat diffuser plate under your pot to spread the heat more gently across the bottom.
Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice copycat recipe - ready in 35 minutes! Fluffy basmati rice with herbs, veggies & spices for a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice, rinsed well
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- ½ large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup grated carrots
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil, or substitute butter)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Few stalks fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the pot over medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until they turn soft and release a nice aroma.
- Add the thoroughly washed basmati rice to the pot. Stir it continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and coat it evenly with the oil and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Then, add the seasoned salt, complete seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together to blend the flavors well.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Turn off the heat. Cover the pot with a piece of foil, then place the lid back on top. Let it sit for 5 more minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Remove the lid and foil. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Mix in the grated carrots, chopped green onions, and parsley. The Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice is ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: (about 1 cup per serving)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 450mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g
The Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe is a warm, flavorful side dish that turns any meal into something comforting and satisfying. It’s colorful, aromatic, and easy to prepare using simple pantry ingredients.
Serve it with your favorite meat or vegetables for a meal everyone will enjoy.
