Craving that signature Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice but don’t want to leave your kitchen? This copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe brings the bold, savory flavors of your favorite steakhouse directly to your dinner table.
Perfectly seasoned with aromatic herbs, colorful vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice, this outback seasoned rice recipe transforms a simple side dish into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re planning a steakhouse-style dinner night or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, mastering this restaurant-inspired rice dish will make you the hero of every family dinner.
What Does Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Taste Like?
This seasoned rice outback steakhouse style delivers a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and aromatic.
Each forkful offers a delightful combination of fluffy basmati rice infused with garlic, ginger, and fresh thyme, while bell peppers and onions add subtle sweetness.
The paprika brings a gentle smokiness, and the complete seasoning blend creates that signature steakhouse depth.
Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions brighten the dish with a pop of freshness, while tender-crisp carrots add a hint of natural sweetness and satisfying texture that complements grilled meats beautifully.
Ingredients for Copycat Outback Seasoned Rice
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
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
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium to large pot with tight-fitting lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Grater (for carrots and ginger)
- Fork (for fluffing rice)
- Aluminum foil
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice
Step 1: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Remove the lid and foil. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Mix in the grated carrots, chopped green onions, and parsley. Your Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice is ready to enjoy!
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Seasoned Rice
1. Protein Additions: Transform this outback seasoned rice recipe into a complete meal by stirring in diced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared steak bites. For plant-based options, add chickpeas, edamame, or crispy tofu cubes that absorb the aromatic seasonings beautifully.
2. Vegetable Variations: While the traditional outback seasoned rice ingredients include bell peppers and carrots, you can customize with mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, or corn kernels. Frozen mixed vegetables work wonderfully when you’re short on prep time, maintaining that colorful steakhouse presentation.
3. Spice Level Adjustments: Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper to give your copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice a spicy kick. Conversely, reduce the black pepper for milder palates or when serving children.
4. Steakhouse Pairing: Serve this seasoned rice outback style alongside perfectly grilled ribeye, filet mignon, or T-bone steaks. The savory rice complements the rich, beefy flavors while the fresh herbs cut through the richness beautifully.
5. Seafood Companions: This rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled salmon, blackened tilapia, butter-poached lobster tail, or garlic shrimp. The ginger and garlic notes in the rice enhance seafood’s natural sweetness without overpowering delicate fish flavors.
6. Global Fusion Twists: Add curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired version, or stir in soy sauce and sesame oil for Asian fusion. You can also incorporate Mediterranean flavors with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a completely different experience.
7. Make It a Bowl: Create a steakhouse rice bowl by topping your outback seasoned rice with grilled vegetables, a fried egg, avocado slices, and drizzle with garlic aioli or chimichurri sauce. This transforms the side dish into a satisfying, Instagram-worthy main course.
Expert Tips for Perfect Outback Seasoned Rice
1. Rinse Rice Thoroughly: The most crucial step for fluffy seasoned rice outback steakhouse style is rinsing basmati rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that causes mushiness and clumping. Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even better texture and elongated grains.
2. Toast for Depth: Don’t skip toasting the rice in oil with aromatics. This technique, called “blooming,” develops nutty undertones and creates a protective coating around each grain, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice turns slightly translucent and fragrant.
3. Broth Quality Matters: The liquid you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor of your outback seasoned rice recipe. Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, or enhance store-bought broth by simmering it with garlic cloves, bay leaves, and peppercorns for ten minutes before using.
4. Master the Liquid Ratio: For perfectly cooked basmati rice, the ideal ratio is 1 cup rice to 1.5-1.75 cups liquid. Too much liquid creates mushy rice, while too little leaves it undercooked and crunchy. Adjust based on your altitude and pot type-heavier pots may require slightly less liquid.
5. Resist the Temptation to Stir: Once you’ve brought the copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice to a boil and covered it, resist lifting the lid or stirring during cooking. Each peek releases essential steam needed for even cooking. Trust the process and let the rice steam undisturbed.
6. The Foil Trick Works: Placing foil between the pot and lid before the final resting period traps moisture more effectively than the lid alone. This steaming step allows the rice to finish cooking in residual heat while ensuring every grain becomes perfectly tender and fluffy.
7. Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Mix in delicate ingredients like grated carrots, fresh herbs, and green onions after cooking is complete. Adding them too early causes vegetables to become mushy and herbs to lose their vibrant color and fresh flavor, diminishing that restaurant-quality presentation.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the container to restore moisture, or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Craving that signature Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice but don’t want to leave your kitchen? This copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe brings the bold, savory flavors of your favorite steakhouse directly to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic herbs, colorful vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice, this outback seasoned rice recipe transforms a simple side dish into something extraordinary.
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
- 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. Your Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice is ready to enjoy!
Notes
Store leftover Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the container to restore moisture, or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Common Questions About Outback Seasoned Rice
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about this recipe that people often ask.
Can I use jasmine or long-grain white rice instead of basmati?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine or long-grain white rice in this outback seasoned rice recipe, though the texture and aroma will differ slightly. Basmati offers a distinctive nutty fragrance and elongated grains that stay separate, which is characteristic of authentic seasoned rice outback steakhouse style. Adjust cooking time slightly-jasmine rice typically cooks faster at 15-18 minutes.
What is “complete seasoning” in the ingredients list?
Complete seasoning is a Caribbean-inspired all-purpose blend containing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and sometimes celery seed or dried herbs. If you don’t have it, substitute with equal parts garlic powder and onion powder, or use Creole seasoning, adobo seasoning, or even Italian seasoning as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and your copycat Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice becomes completely plant-based. The vegetables, aromatics, and seasonings provide plenty of savory depth without any animal products. Add nutritional yeast for an extra umami boost if desired.
Why is my rice mushy or undercooked?
Mushy rice typically results from too much liquid or cooking at too high heat without proper steaming. Undercooked rice indicates insufficient liquid or cooking time. For the perfect outback seasoned rice, maintain the 1:1.5-1.75 rice-to-liquid ratio, ensure a tight-fitting lid, and allow the full 5-minute resting period after turning off the heat.
Can I prepare this seasoned rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables and aromatics in a pan first, then transfer everything to your rice cooker with the rinsed basmati rice, broth, and seasonings. Use your rice cooker’s white rice setting. Once done, let it sit on “warm” for 5 minutes, then fold in the fresh carrots, green onions, and herbs for that authentic restaurant experience.
This Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe proves that restaurant-quality dishes are absolutely achievable in your home kitchen. With aromatic basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and the perfect blend of seasonings, you’ve now mastered a versatile side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
The combination of proper technique-from rinsing and toasting to the crucial steaming step-ensures fluffy, flavorful rice every single time.
Whether you’re serving it alongside juicy steaks, grilled seafood, or as part of a satisfying rice bowl, this copycat Outback seasoned rice delivers that beloved steakhouse experience without the reservation. Give it a try tonight!