If you’ve ever eaten at Texas Roadhouse, you already know the deal. That seasoned rice pilaf? Oh man-it’s the real MVP of the sides. Fluffy, buttery, and full of flavor, it’s one of those dishes that sticks in your memory. And now, you can bring that same goodness straight to your own kitchen.
This Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe is all about nailing that signature flavor. We’re talking buttery rice toasted to perfection, sautéed onions, bold seasonings, and the rich depth of chicken broth. With a sprinkle of parsley on top, it’s restaurant-quality, but made by you.
So let’s not waste time-grab your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and let’s cook this copycat magic. It’s time to bring that Texas flavor home!
What Does Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Taste Like?
This seasoned rice pilaf delivers a big flavor punch in every bite. The buttery base pairs beautifully with the nutty notes from toasted rice, while the onions and garlic add a savory depth that makes the whole dish sing.
Then you’ve got that classic Texas Roadhouse flair-smoked paprika, black pepper, and soy sauce give it a smoky, slightly salty kick. The optional cayenne? That’s just the extra flair if you want a little heat. I love this rice in my Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl with some Pickled onions.
The result? Fluffy, flavorful rice with a golden finish, perfect as a side for steak, chicken, or just on its own. It’s a bowl of Southern comfort with a little bold attitude.
Ingredients Required for Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Medium nonstick skillet or saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf at home
1. Toast the Rice:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it begins to bubble, add the rice and stir continuously for 4–6 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the chopped onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
3. Add Seasonings:
Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, cayenne pepper (if using), and soy sauce. Mix until everything is well combined-about 30 seconds.
4. Simmer the Rice:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 22–25 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed.
5. Rest and Fluff:
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with a bit more dried parsley for that signature Texas Roadhouse look.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf
1. Grilled Steak and Rice Pilaf
We’ve done this one more times than we can count. That buttery seasoned rice next to a juicy ribeye or sirloin? It’s a total Texas Roadhouse moment right at home. The rice soaks up all those steak juices-it’s magic.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken with a Side of Rice
This pairing is perfect when you want something lighter. We marinate some chicken breasts in lemon, garlic, and herbs, grill them up, and serve them right over a bed of this rice. The freshness of the lemon with the savory rice? Chef’s kiss.
3. Texas BBQ Ribs and Rice
If you’ve got leftover BBQ ribs (or you’re making a fresh rack), serve them with a scoop of this rice. The smoky paprika in the pilaf ties in beautifully with the BBQ flavors. We did this combo last weekend-everyone went back for seconds.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Here’s a little trick we tried: use this rice pilaf as a filling for bell peppers. Mix it with some ground beef or turkey, stuff it into halved peppers, bake, and boom-easy, flavorful dinner. We’ve been hooked ever since trying it!
5. Shrimp Skewers on Top
We skewered up some seasoned shrimp, grilled them quickly, and laid them right over the rice pilaf. It’s one of those 20-minute meals that tastes like you worked way longer. The shrimp bring a slight sweetness that works so well with the savory rice.
6. Crispy Fried Chicken and Rice
Comfort food on comfort food! We served crispy Southern-style fried chicken with this pilaf once for a Sunday dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite. The contrast between crispy and fluffy is so satisfying.
7. Rice Bowl with Veggies and Egg
This one’s our go-to lunch: pile the rice into a bowl, top with sautéed veggies, and add a fried or poached egg on top. The yolk mixing with that seasoned rice? Don’t even get us started.
8. With Grilled Salmon
We paired this pilaf with grilled salmon for a date-night dinner at home. A little lemon zest over the salmon, a side of this seasoned rice, maybe a glass of white wine-so simple but so elegant.
9. Chopped Steak or Salisbury Steak
Chopped steak in mushroom gravy with a mound of rice pilaf on the side-this is old-school diner goodness. We tried this combo one night when we were out of mashed potatoes, and honestly? We liked it even better.
10. As a Filling in Burritos
Okay, hear us out-this rice in a burrito? Yes. We tried it with some grilled chicken, black beans, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch. It’s not traditional Tex-Mex, but it’s ridiculously tasty. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Some Tips on This Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe
1. Use real butter!
Butter makes the rice taste rich and yummy-just like the restaurant kind.
2. Toast the rice just right.
Stir it a lot while cooking in butter. It should turn a little brown, not burnt!
3. Chop your onions small.
Tiny onion pieces mix in better and cook faster.
4. Garlic makes it tasty.
Don’t skip the garlic-it gives your rice a big flavor boost!
5. Mix spices in before the broth.
Stir all your dry spices in so the flavor spreads everywhere.
6. Go easy on the cayenne.
It’s spicy! If you don’t like heat, leave it out.
7. Pour broth slowly.
Add it a little at a time and stir so it soaks in nicely.
8. Don’t peek while it simmers.
Keep the lid on so your rice cooks just right.
9. Let it rest after cooking.
Turn off the heat and wait 5 minutes. That makes the rice extra fluffy!
10. Fluff with a fork, not a spoon.
A fork keeps the rice soft and loose-not mushy!
How to Store and Reheat Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Properly
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth and microwave in 30-second intervals, fluffing in between.
Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it begins to bubble, add the rice and stir continuously for 4–6 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, cayenne pepper (if using), and soy sauce. Mix until everything is well combined-about 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 22–25 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with a bit more dried parsley for that signature Texas Roadhouse look.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf that people often ask.
1. What is Texas Roadhouse rice made of?
From our experience, Texas Roadhouse rice is made with long grain white rice, butter, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and a blend of savory seasonings. The flavor comes from a combination of soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a touch of parsley. It’s all about that buttery, well-seasoned, slightly toasted rice texture that makes it so addictive.
2. What are the ingredients to rice pilaf?
Classic rice pilaf typically includes long grain rice, butter or oil, broth (like chicken or vegetable), and aromatics such as onion and garlic. From our version of the Texas Roadhouse copycat, we also add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, soy sauce, and dried parsley. It’s simple, but the key is toasting the rice before simmering-it really brings out the flavor.
3. What is the difference between rice and rice pilaf?
Good question! The difference comes down to how the rice is cooked. Plain rice is typically boiled or steamed. But pilaf is toasted in butter or oil first, often with onions or garlic, before being simmered in broth. This toasting step makes a huge difference-it adds a nutty, slightly rich flavor that plain rice just doesn’t have.
4. What makes rice pilaf yellow?
In our experience, the yellow tint in rice pilaf usually comes from spices like turmeric or paprika. In this Texas Roadhouse-style recipe, the golden color comes from the smoked paprika and the butter-toasted rice. Some recipes also add a tiny pinch of saffron or annatto, but paprika works beautifully for both flavor and color here.
5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. We’ve tried this with brown rice and had to simmer it closer to 40–45 minutes. The flavor is still great, just slightly nuttier and firmer in texture. Make sure to adjust the broth amount and cooking time accordingly.
6. Can I make this rice pilaf vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. We’ve done this a few times, and it still turns out delicious. All the other ingredients are plant-based, so this switch is easy and perfect if you’re cooking for vegetarians.
7. Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
Not at all. We’ve made this recipe both ways, and it tastes great with or without the cayenne. If you like a little kick, add it in. But if you’re feeding kids or prefer it milder, feel free to skip it-there’s plenty of flavor from the other seasonings.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it reheats really well! We often make it a few hours early or even the day before. Just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the fluffiness. It’s great for meal prep or when you’re hosting.
9. What do I serve with Texas Roadhouse rice pilaf?
This rice goes with everything. We love it with grilled steak, chicken, ribs, or even salmon. It’s also a great side with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Basically, if it’s on the Texas Roadhouse menu-it pairs well with this rice.
10. Why do I need to toast the rice first?
Toasting the rice in butter before adding the broth is what makes pilaf pilaf. It brings out the natural nutty flavor of the rice and adds a slightly rich, almost caramelized base. We’ve tested it both ways, and the toasted version always wins in flavor and texture.
There you have it-a simple, delicious Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf Recipe you can whip up any night of the week. It’s buttery, bold, and packed with flavor just like the one you know and love. So go ahead-give it a try and wow your family (or just yourself). Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with your fellow rice lovers!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!