Description

This Easy Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe brings bold and flavorful Texan-inspired seasoning to fluffy long-grain white rice with the smoky depth of turkey bacon and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a versatile side dish or a standalone meal, it combines simple ingredients for a colorful, satisfying, and plant-based twist on a classic steakhouse favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Broth

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups warm chicken broth (vegetarian alternative available)

Protein and Aromatics

4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Seasonings and Sauces

1 tablespoon natural tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh Herbs and Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Base Aroma: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant to create a flavorful foundation for the rice.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pan. Cook until crispy, allowing the smokiness to infuse the base with rich, deep flavors.
Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in diced bell peppers and shredded carrots, cooking for a few minutes until slightly softened. Mix in smoked paprika, chili powder, natural tomato paste, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to coat the ingredients evenly in vibrant seasoning.
Cook the Rice: Add rinsed long-grain rice to the pan, stirring well to combine with the seasoned vegetables and bacon. Slowly pour in warm chicken broth (or vegetarian alternative), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate grains. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier rice.
Use warm broth to maintain steady cooking temperature and even tenderness.
Sauté spices with vegetables to maximize flavor release before adding rice and broth.
Fluff rice gently with a fork after cooking to avoid mushiness and preserve seasoning balance.
Let rice rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Texan-inspired American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Texas Roadhouse Rice, seasoned rice, smoky rice, turkey bacon rice, plant-based side dish, Texan rice recipe, easy seasoned rice