Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

I never thought seasoned rice could taste delicious. Before trying it, rice was just plain grains with a few herbs tossed in. That all changed the day I visited Outback Steakhouse.

Their seasoned rice looked simple, but the first bite blew me away. It was buttery, herby, and cooked perfectly – soft and fluffy with a gentle flavor that made every spoonful feel special.

I realized that a simple dish like rice can feel extraordinary when done the right way.

The seasoning, the mix of fresh herbs, and the cooking technique made such a huge difference.

Following this Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice recipe, anyone can get that same buttery, lightly seasoned, and perfectly fluffy rice right in their home.

Why This Seasoned Rice Tastes Just Like the Restaurant

• Layered Seasoning: Seasoned salt, complete seasoning, paprika, and black pepper build deep flavor. The mix gives a balanced taste without being too strong.
• Fresh Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and ginger cook in oil first. This step brings out bold flavor before the rice even goes into the pot.
• Colorful Vegetables: Bell peppers and carrots add mild sweetness and bright color. They blend into the rice just like the well-known side dish.
• Broth Instead of Water: Chicken or vegetable broth adds rich flavor. It gives the rice a savory taste that plain water cannot provide.
• Gentle Steam Finish: Covering the pot tightly traps heat. This helps the rice cook evenly and stay soft without turning mushy.

Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Ingredients

Rice & Liquid Base

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice – Long grain basmati creates fluffy texture. Jasmine rice works as substitute but will be slightly stickier.
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Broth makes rice flavorful. Low-sodium broth lets you control salt. Water works but rice will be less tasty.
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil – Vegetable, canola, or olive oil for sautéing. Butter adds extra richness.

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers – Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and color. Frozen bell peppers can be used if fresh are not available.
• 1/2 large onion, chopped – Yellow onion provides sweet base flavor. White or red onion can replace it.
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped – Fresh garlic gives strong aroma. Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) works in emergency but fresh is better.
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger – Fresh ginger adds warm spice. Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon) can substitute but flavor is less bright.
• Few stalks fresh thyme – Thyme brings earthy herb note. Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) or rosemary can replace it.
• 1/2 cup grated carrots – Carrots add natural sweetness and orange color. Pre-shredded carrots from store save time.
• Chopped green onions – About 1/4 cup for garnish and mild onion flavor. Chives work as alternative.
• Chopped parsley – About 2 tablespoons for fresh herb taste. Cilantro can be used instead.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – This blend has garlic, onion, and spices. Regular salt plus garlic powder works if needed.
• 1 teaspoon complete seasoning – All-purpose seasoning blend adds complexity. Creole or Italian seasoning can substitute.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper tastes better. Pre-ground works fine too.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild sweetness and red color. Smoked paprika creates deeper flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed For the Recipe

1. Large pot with lid – Heavy bottom prevents burning
2. Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring ingredients
3. Measuring cups – Accurate liquid and rice portions
4. Measuring spoons – For spices and seasonings
5. Knife and cutting board – Chopping vegetables and herbs
6. Grater – For ginger and carrots
7. Aluminum foil – Traps steam for finishing

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice

Step 1 | Prepare Your Rice

Place the basmati rice in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Swish it with your hand until the water looks cloudy. Drain and repeat three to four times, until the water runs clear.

This removes extra starch and keeps the rice fluffy. Let the rice drain well in a strainer.

Step 2 | Cook the Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped onions and cook for one minute, stirring.

When they turn soft and clear, add the garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and parsley. Mix well.

Step 3 | Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, complete seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well so the spices coat the vegetables.

Cook for about three minutes. Let the vegetables soften and release their flavor. Do not rush this step.

Step 4 | Toast the Rice

Add the drained rice to the pot. Stir so each grain gets coated with oil and spices.

Let the rice toast for about five minutes. Stir every minute so it does not stick. The rice will smell slightly nutty.

Step 5 | Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir once to loosen anything from the bottom.

Lay the thyme stalks on top without stirring them in. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil.

Step 6 | Simmer the Rice

Once boiling, lower the heat to low and cover with a lid. Do not lift the lid while it cooks.

Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice is ready when the liquid is gone and small holes appear on top.

Step 7 | Fluff and Steam

Remove the lid and take out the thyme stalks. Gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Place a sheet of foil directly over the rice, then cover with the lid again. Let it steam on very low heat for five more minutes.

Step 8 | Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and remove the lid and foil. Sprinkle the grated carrots and green onions on top.

Gently fold them into the rice. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Use the Right Pot: Thin pots can burn rice easily. A heavy-bottom pot spreads heat better.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Too many vegetables can add extra moisture and change the texture of the rice.
• Check Salt Level: Some broths are already salty. I always taste first before adding extra salt.
• Let It Rest: Resting time helps the rice firm up and improves the texture.
• Avoid High Heat: Cooking on high heat can dry out the bottom layer and burn the rice.

Cooking Method Variations

Rice Cooker Method: Sauté vegetables in a pan first. Transfer everything to the rice cooker with rinsed rice and broth. Cook using the white rice setting. Let it sit 5 minutes before fluffing.

Instant Pot Method: Use sauté mode for vegetables. Add rice and broth. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes before opening.

Oven Method: Sauté vegetables on the stove. Mix with rice and broth in an oven-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

Recipe Variations

1. Mexican-Inspired: Add one teaspoon cumin and half teaspoon chili powder to seasonings. Use cilantro instead of parsley. Mix in half cup corn and diced tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice over finished rice.
2. Asian Flavour: Replace complete seasoning with one tablespoon soy sauce. Add half teaspoon sesame oil at the end. Use sliced mushrooms instead of bell peppers. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for authentic taste.
3. Spicy Version: Add one to two chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers. Mix in half teaspoon cayenne pepper with other spices. Top finished rice with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
4. Smoky Version: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Add half teaspoon liquid smoke to the broth. This creates deep smoky flavor without grilling.
5. Lemon Herb Version: Add zest of one lemon to the rice before cooking. Use fresh basil and oregano with thyme. Squeeze lemon juice over finished rice.

What Dishes Pair Well With Outback Seasoned Rice

I like to serve this rice with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or steak.

You can pair it with roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans for a simple meal. It also goes well with turkey wings or pork chops.

When you add a fresh salad on the side, the meal feels balanced. You can even serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a full plate. The rice has a mild, savory flavor, so it works with many main dishes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Process: This rice is great to make a day early. The flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. Just let it cool down first.

Refrigeration: Put any leftover rice in a sealed container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It stays fresh and tasty.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this rice! Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for about 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before you want to reheat it.

Reheating Methods: To reheat, sprinkle a little water on the rice. Then, microwave it until hot. You can also reheat it in a pan on the stove with a tiny bit of oil or butter.

Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe FAQs

1. What type of rice does Outback Steakhouse use?

Outback uses long-grain rice, usually basmati, for a light, fluffy texture. The grains stay separate and absorb flavors well, making each bite buttery and aromatic.

2. Is Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice gluten-free?

Yes, the rice itself is gluten-free. Just ensure all added seasonings, broths, or garnishes do not contain gluten. Homemade versions let you control every ingredient.

3. How do you prevent sticky rice?

Rinse rice thoroughly to remove starch. Avoid over-stirring while cooking and use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Resting covered helps grains stay separate.

4. Can this rice be cooked using vegetable broth only?

Yes, vegetable broth works well. Flavor will be slightly lighter but still rich and savory. Vegetable broth keeps recipe plant based.

Many people prefer vegetable broth when serving rice with vegetable meals.

5. Why add vegetables at the start of cooking?

Cooking vegetables early releases natural sugars and aroma oils. This builds strong flavor base for rice. Rice absorbs these flavors during cooking.

This method creates deeper taste compared to adding vegetables at the end. Early cooking also softens vegetables so texture blends well with rice.

6. Why is my rice still hard after cooking?

If your rice is hard, it usually means it didn’t have enough liquid or didn’t cook long enough. You can add a few more tablespoons of broth or water, put the lid back on, and cook it on low heat for another 5 minutes.

Letting it steam with the heat off for 10 minutes also helps the grains finish cooking.

7. What is “complete seasoning”?

Complete seasoning is a popular spice blend in many kitchens. It is a mix of different spices, often including onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed. It is made to be an all-purpose seasoning for meats and side dishes.

If you can’t find it, a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and a little celery salt works as a substitute.

The Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe is simple, buttery, and easy to cook at home. With the right seasoning and method, you can create rich flavorful rice.

Try cooking it yourself and share this recipe with friends.