Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe (Copycat) – Easy, Flavorful & Restaurant-Style 

Outback Steakhouse is well known for its juicy steaks, grilled chicken, and iconic Bloomin’ Onion, but one side dish that often deserves more attention is its seasoned rice. Light, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, this rice complements almost every entrée on the menu. Whether you’re serving steak, grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, this flavorful side brings everything together.

If you’ve been searching for the best Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe, you’re in the right place. This copycat version recreates the rich, savory flavor of the restaurant favorite using simple pantry ingredients and easy cooking techniques. You’ll also learn about Outback seasoned rice ingredients, nutrition facts, gluten-free information, and expert cooking tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Unlike many recipes online, this guide doesn’t just provide instructions—it explains why each ingredient matters, how to avoid common cooking mistakes, and how to customize the recipe based on your preferences.

Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Menu With Prices

At Outback Steakhouse, Seasoned Rice is one of the most popular side dishes available with steaks, seafood, chicken, and other entrées. It features fluffy long-grain rice cooked with savory seasonings that enhance the flavor without overpowering the main dish.

Item	Price*	Calories
Seasoned Rice	Starting around $3.99	320 Calories

Prices may vary depending on your location and restaurant. According to the official Outback Steakhouse menu, a regular serving contains approximately 320 calories.

Many customers choose seasoned rice instead of fries or mashed potatoes when they want a lighter yet satisfying side that pairs well with grilled proteins.

What Is Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice?

Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice is a savory rice side dish prepared with long-grain rice, butter, aromatic vegetables, broth, and a balanced blend of herbs and seasonings. Instead of tasting heavily spiced, it has a mild buttery flavor with subtle notes of garlic, onion, and herbs that make it incredibly versatile.

Its texture is one of the reasons people love it. Every grain remains tender and fluffy without becoming sticky or mushy. The rice absorbs the seasoned broth during cooking, creating flavor throughout rather than only on the surface.

This simple but flavorful side pairs exceptionally well with:

• Grilled steaks
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled shrimp
• Salmon
• Pork chops
• Roasted vegetables

Because of its balanced flavor, seasoned rice complements both rich and lighter main courses.

Recipe Information

Recipe Detail	Information
Recipe Type	Side Dish
Cuisine	American
Difficulty	Easy
Servings	4–6
Prep Time	10 Minutes
Cook Time	20 Minutes
Total Time	30 Minutes

Ingredients Required for Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

The secret to achieving the familiar restaurant flavor is using simple ingredients in the right balance.

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges

Why These Ingredients Work

• Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate after cooking.
• Chicken broth adds much more flavor than plain water.
• Butter gives the rice its signature richness.
• Onions and peppers create subtle sweetness while adding texture.
• Garlic and herbs build the savory flavor profile that resembles the restaurant version.

Using fresh aromatics instead of relying solely on dried spices produces a more balanced and natural-tasting dish.

Kitchen Utensils Required

You won’t need any special equipment to make this recipe.

• Medium saucepan or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Fork (for fluffing the rice)
• Lid for the saucepan

A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly and reduces the chance of the rice sticking to the bottom.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Task	Time
Ingredient Preparation	10 Minutes
Cooking Time	20 Minutes
Total Time	Approximately 30 Minutes

Allow the cooked rice to rest for about 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This extra step helps the grains finish steaming and keeps the texture light and fluffy instead of compact.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook this delicious Outback Steakhouse seasoned rice recipe. The process is simple, but following each step carefully will help you achieve fluffy, flavorful rice that’s close to the restaurant version.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. Toasting the rice lightly enhances its nutty flavor and helps each grain stay separate after cooking.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well so the seasonings coat the rice evenly.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Once the broth reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this allows steam to escape and may affect the texture.

Step 7: Rest and Fluff

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then use a fork to gently fluff the rice.

For an extra-rich finish, stir in a small pat of butter before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Outback Seasoned Rice Nutrition

If you’re wondering about Outback seasoned rice nutrition, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this homemade copycat recipe. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion size.

Best Dishes to Serve with Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice

This seasoned rice pairs well with a variety of main courses, including:

• Outback steakhouse signature Steak
• Sirloin steak
• BBQ chicken
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Grilled salmon
• Pork chops
• Meatloaf
• Roasted turkey
• Beef kebabs
• Grilled vegetables

It also works well as part of a holiday meal or family-style dinner.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Outback Steakhouse Seasoned Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. With a few simple additions, you can create different flavor variations while keeping the same delicious base.

Add More Vegetables

Mix in vegetables such as:

• Green peas
• Corn kernels
• Diced carrots
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Green onions

These additions bring extra color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.

Make It Spicier

If you enjoy a little heat, try adding:

• Crushed red
• pepper flakes
• Cayenne pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Diced jalapeños

Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Add Extra Protein

Turn this side dish into a complete meal by mixing in:

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Steak strips
• Smoked sausage
• Turkey sausage

This makes the recipe perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs brighten the flavor just before serving. Some great options include:

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Chives
• Fresh thyme

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)