Are you a fan of Outback Steakhouse's delicious seasoned rice? That perfectly fluffy, subtly sweet, and herby rice is the perfect complement to any steak or chicken dish. You don't need a reservation or a trip to the restaurant to enjoy this fantastic side! This easy recipe lets you recreate that signature Outback flavor right in your own kitchen. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet impressive side dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
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Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the saucepan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to toast slightly. This helps to prevent them from becoming mushy. Toasting also enhances the overall texture and flavor of your seasoned rice.
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Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to maintain even cooking and prevent steam loss.
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Stir in Butter & Garnish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Seasoned Rice:
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the rice. Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth provides a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will be mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and check for doneness before the full 20 minutes are up.
- Fluff the rice properly: Fluffing the rice with a fork helps to separate the grains and prevent clumping, ensuring a light and airy texture.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add some herbs: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese after the rice is cooked.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness and freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams
This Outback Steakhouse copycat seasoned rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet flavorful side dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!