Copycat Seasoned Longhorn Steakhouse Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse in the United States, you know that their rice pilaf is more than just a side dish. Here’s the scoop on Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe!

It’s a flavorful and satisfying compliment to their perfectly grilled steaks, making it a sought-after recipe among home cooks. 

With a mix of seasonings, broth, onions, and bell peppers, the Longhorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf recipe can transform your ordinary white rice into a delightful dining experience, all from the comfort of your own home.

Creating this delicious rice pilaf at home is not only possible but surprisingly simple. 

With a few easily accessible ingredients such as white rice, chicken broth, olive or avocado oil, onions, and red bell peppers, you’re already well on your way to replicating the Longhorn Steakhouse menu classic for the whole family to enjoy. 

The key is in following the right cooking process methods and knowing when to add each ingredient for the perfect balance of texture and taste.

We’ve got the scoop on the necessary steps to recreate one of your favorite restaurants iconic rice pilaf recipes in your own kitchen. 

With a little bit of effort and attention to detail, you’ll ultimately impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that brings the delectable flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your dinner table.

The best part is that you’ll no longer have to make plain rice for dinner after you get this dish down on your recipe card! 

Longhorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf

Go ahead and hunt down these ingredients at your local grocery store to recreate this restaurant recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (unsalted butter could also be used)
• 1/4 cup finely diced red pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup dry white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Technique

1. Begin by preparing this handful of ingredients. Rinse and drain the main ingredient, the rice, chop the onion, red pepper, and fresh parsley, and mince the garlic.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and red pepper to the bottom of a skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Add the rice to the hot skillet at relatively high temperature and sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
4. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, and then add the minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, usually around 15-17 minutes. It takes a relatively long time to get rid of the excess moisture, so get ready to be patient. 
6. Remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not remove the cover during this time.
7. Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, and then stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper as per your taste preferences.

There you have it — the full recipe of Longhorn Steakhouse Rice, which is sure to take your cooking to the next level.  

The best way to incorporate some spicy flavors into this dish the next time you make it is to add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for that extra flare. 

Serve this Longhorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf as a delicious side dish, such as leftover sprouts, with your favorite steak or chicken meal. 

Don’t forget to enjoy some of Longhorn’s bourbon while you’re at it. 

Copycat Recipes

Copycat easy recipes allow you to recreate your favorite dishes from popular restaurants, such as Longhorn Steakhouse, in the comfort of your own home. 

One delicious dish to try is their seasoned rice pilaf. The addition of adding brown sugar and tablespoons of cooking oil ensures a luscious and tender texture, making each mouthful a delightful experience.

This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s seasoned rice pilaf in a cost-effective and convenient way.

Feel free to customize the dish to your preferences by adjusting seasoning levels or adding additional herbs and spices. 

You could also try using brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier alternative. 

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to whip up this dish multiple times to achieve the desired taste and texture. 

Moreover, your adventure with Longhorn Steakhouse’s delicious recipes and menu items doesn’t have to end here. 

Look into more copycat recipes of Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese if you’re absolutely crazy for a large bowl of a comforting cheesy pasta dish, with the crispy texture of a brown cheesy crust for you to bite into.   

The amazing flavors of the heavenly cheese blend of White Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan is the real star of the show. 

As well as this, don’t forget about Longhorn salmon, a smoky dish of salmon fillets with a delicious blend of seasonings, and Longhorn Brussels sprouts, one of the tastiest cruciferous vegetables and healthy foods that you’ll ever have! 

Cooking Method Variations

Here’s the scoop on two variations of the Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe – Pan Fry and Sautéed methods. 

The main difference between the techniques is that they each provide a slightly different texture and taste to the rice, allowing you to choose the best method for your preferences.

Pan Fry

The pan fry method is a great way to give the rice pilaf an added layer of flavor and texture. 

This is achieved by crispifying the rice and vegetables:

1. Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1/4 cup of finely diced red bell pepper and 2 tablespoons of finely diced onion to the skillet.
3. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and slightly caramelized (about 10 minutes).
4. In the meantime, cook the rice using your desired method, substituting chicken broth instead of water.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked (or a nice golden brown), add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing well.
6. Season the rice with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) to taste.
7. Fry the rice and vegetables together for about 5 minutes, until the rice is slightly crispy and the flavors are well combined.

Sautéed

The sautéed method tenderizes the rice and vegetables while maintaining a delicate texture. 

It is an alternative way to prepare the Longhorn Steakhouse rice pilaf:

1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1/4 cup of finely diced red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons of finely diced onion, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet.
3. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and fragrant.
4. In a separate pot, cook the rice using your desired method, substituting chicken broth instead of water.
5. Combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, mixing well.
6. Season the rice with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (optional) to taste.
7. Continue to sauté the rice and vegetables together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to achieve a light golden color.

Remember, these are only two of many possible variations to prepare the Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe. 

Feel free to experiment with your preferred cooking techniques and ingredients to create the perfect rice pilaf for your meal.

Pairings and Side Dishes

When enjoying Longhorn Steakhouse-style rice, there are a variety of options available for pairing it with main courses and popular side dishes. 

Among the main courses to consider would be steaks, seafood, and pork.

For a delicious steak, consider pairing the rice with a tender filet mignon or a juicy outlaw ribeye. 

The savory flavors of the rice pilaf will complement the richness of the beef, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.

Seafood options, such as grilled salmon or shrimp, also pair well with the rice pilaf. 

The lightness of the seafood balances the bold flavors of the rice, creating a harmonious combination.

Pork dishes, like a well-seasoned pork chop, can be another excellent partner for the rice pilaf. 

The combination of savory rice with the meaty flavor of the pork can be a delightful experience.

Moving on to side dishes for this tasty recipe, here are some options to complement the Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe:

• Broccoli: Roasted or fresh steamed broccoli with a drizzle of lemon juice can add a fresh, bright contrast to the dish. Using fresh steamed asparagus or those leftover brussel sprouts is a good choice as well.  
• Bread: A warm and crusty slice of bread or garlic bread is an ideal addition to soak up any flavorful juices left on the plate.
• Creamed spinach: The creaminess of this classic side dish brings a contrasting texture to the seasoned rice pilaf, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Mashed potatoes: For those craving a hearty meal, adding a side of creamy mashed potatoes to accompany the rice can provide comfort and balance to an already delicious meal.
• Salad: A light and crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing or soy sauce can offer a refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of the rice dish.
• Chicken: For a more full meal, try recreating the popular parmesan crusted chicken from the Longhorn menu using chicken breasts, Parmesan, and buttery panko crumbs for that additional meaty protein which you might be longing for. Tip: There are many copycat Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken recipes available online for you to explore. 

Also, try adding condiments to your dish, such as spicy sauce, or a savory bourbon glaze for a great flavor to satisfy your taste buds. 

Choose from these pairings and side dishes when enjoying Longhorn Steakhouse-style rice pilaf for a delicious and well-rounded dining experience.

Nutrition and Health

Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe, specifically the Rice Pilaf, is a flavorful and nutritious side dish. 

Made with simple ingredients like olive or avocado oil, finely diced red pepper, onion, parsley, and seasoned with salt and pepper, it is relatively low in calories and contains beneficial nutrients.

As per the nutritional information provided by Longhorn Steakhouse, a 1 cup serving of Seasoned Rice contains:

• 200 calories
• 43g carbs
• 4g fat
• 5g protein

While the recipe is low in sugar, it still offers a delicious taste profile. 

The use of vegetables like red pepper, which is rich in vitamin c, and onion not only provides color and flavor but also essential vitamins and minerals.

Given that the Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe complements various dishes, it pairs exceptionally well with seafood. 

Choosing seafood options like fish or shrimp alongside the Rice Pilaf provides a protein boost and lends itself to a balanced and healthy meal. 

Additionally, seafood is known to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contributes significantly to heart health.

The Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe provides a healthful side dish with its low sugar content and nutritional properties from the vegetables. 

When paired with seafood, it offers a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal suitable for those seeking healthier options when dining out.

Storing and Reheating

Storing your leftover Longhorn Steakhouse rice pilaf properly will help maintain its quality and flavor. 

To store the rice pilaf, follow these steps:

1. Allow the rice pilaf to cool to room temperature.
2. Transfer the cooled rice pilaf to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
3. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To freeze the rice pilaf, follow these additional steps:

1. Spread the rice pilaf in a thin layer on a sheet pan.
2. Place the sheet pan in the freezer until the rice pilaf is frozen solid.
3. Transfer the frozen rice pilaf to a freezer-safe airtight container or a sealable plastic bag, removing any excess air. If you lost the kid to your container, consider using aluminum foil to cover any delicious appetizer or full meal. 
4. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer.

When it’s time to reheat the rice pilaf, use the following guidelines:

• For refrigerated rice pilaf, reheat in the microwave, sprinkling some water over the rice and covering it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-second intervals, fluffing the rice in between, until thoroughly reheated.
• For frozen rice pilaf, it is not necessary to defrost it first. Follow the same microwave reheating steps mentioned above, but increase the initial heating time to 1 minute intervals, then move to 30-second intervals, fluffing and checking the temperature of the rice between intervals.

If you have any frequently asked questions about storage and reheating of the Longhorn Steakhouse rice pilaf, feel free to consult online sources or experiment with different storage and reheating methods to ensure the best results based on your preferences.

Expert Tips and Tricks

When whipping up a delicious Longhorn Steakhouse rice dish, there are some expert tips and tricks to keep in mind. 

These little nuggets of wisdom can help you achieve an even better flavor and presentation when preparing this classic side dish.

1. Choose the Right Rice: The type of rice used plays an essential role in the final outcome of the dish. Opt for a long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine. These varieties help create a fluffy and separate texture, rather than a sticky or clumpy result.
2. Wash the Rice: Before cooking the rice, rinse it thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. This process helps to remove any excess starch that could cause the rice to be sticky.
3. Flavorings: When sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic, consider adding your choice of extra flavorings like a touch of cumin or paprika. These spices can enhance the dish’s taste profile and help you tailor it to your preferences.
4. Easy Cooking Method: Here’s a useful technique for cooking the rice: start by boiling in beef stock or chicken stock, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, followed by letting the rice sit, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Not only does this method yield perfectly cooked rice, but it also allows the beef stock flavor to be absorbed.
5. Fresh Parsley: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh parsley in this rice dish. Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and refreshing flavor to the recipe. Be sure to stir it in towards the end of cooking to preserve its bright green hue and taste.
6. Presentation: To make the dish look more appetizing, consider using a ring mold or small bowl to form the rice onto a plate, creating a more visually appealing presentation. Add a sprig of parsley as a garnish for an extra touch of elegance.

By following these expert tips and tricks, you can elevate your Longhorn Steakhouse rice dish and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.  

Final Thoughts

The Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe is a delicious and comforting side dish that perfectly complements any meal.

With its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, this rice dish is a delightful accompaniment to steak, chicken, seafood, or even enjoyed on its own.

The rich blend of spices and the tender texture of the rice create a truly satisfying dining experience.

Whether dining at the restaurant or recreating the recipe at home, the LongHorn Steakhouse rice offers a taste of the American Southwest with each spoonful.

Embrace the warmth and hearty goodness of this dish, and let it transport your taste buds to a culinary journey that delights and leaves a lasting impression.

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