Seasoned rice is cooked in simple herbs and spices to take it to the next level! This easy one-pot recipe is full of great bold flavors, making it a great side dish for any meal.
This easy seasoned rice recipe is full of bold flavors from herbs and spices. It's a one-pot rice and spices side dish that will take your rice to the next level.
I love serving it alongside Mushroom Steak, Cauliflower Tacos, Mexican Bean Soup, quesadillas, or many other dishes. It's great with more than just Tex-Mex!
This seasoned rice is a copycat of Moe's popular side dish, made simply of rice and spices. Moe's Southwest Grill is a popular American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in southwest fare. It was established in 2000 and currently has over 700 locations across the United States and elsewhere.
The seasoned rice is a hit with everyone because it's flavorful, zesty, and slightly spicy. It's the perfect accompaniment to so many meals! Now you can make Seasoned Rice right at home with this easy side dish recipe.
It's so easy to spice up white rice. If you're looking for more flavored rice dishes, be sure to try Spanakorizo - Greek Spinach Rice or Turmeric Rice.
Why Make This Recipe
- This bold and zesty side pairs well with any protein.
- Seasoned rice is made with simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
- It's a copycat of your favorite restaurant seasoned rice recipe.
- Customize by using your favorite rice or adjusting the seasonings to your liking.
Ingredients
You only need simple ingredients for this dish! Just rice and spices plus a few other add-ins.
- Butter - Used to saute the garlic and onion until fragrant before adding the rice to toast for a nutty flavor. Make it vegan with vegan butter.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic - Infuses the rice with fresh garlic and onion flavor.
- White Rice - This rice is a perfect vehicle for any seasoning you cook with making a flavorful dish. Or try it with brown rice.
- Dried Seasonings - A mix of dried cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper add spicy and bold flavors to the rice.
- Tomato Paste - Adds a layer of acidic tomato flavor to the rice while giving it a hint of red color.
- Vegetable Broth - Used to cook the rice until tender while adding additional flavor.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
How to season rice
Wondering how to season rice? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Cook the rice and onions: Add butter to a large pot that has a lid. Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add the onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions have softened. Then, add the rice and stir until it becomes golden in color.
Add seasonings and garlic: To the pot, add the dried seasonings along with the garlic, and saute for 1 minute to develop the flavor, then stir in the tomato paste.
Cook the rice: To the mixture, add vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and cover the pan to let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice has cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Cook's Tips
When cooking the seasoned white rice, check on it occasionally to make sure all of the water has evaporated so it doesn't scorch. Add a splash of water to keep it from burning if necessary.
You can use either tomato paste or tomato sauce for this recipe, though tomato paste will give it a stronger flavor.
Do not add the garlic with the onions and rice as the garlic may cook too quickly and burn which can cause a bitter flavor. Add it in later with the seasonings to prevent this from happening.
Variations
To make this rice extra spicy, add a diced jalapeno pepper along with the onions.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro to give it a bright and refreshing flavor boost. Swap out the white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice to make this meal healthier and low-carb. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
If you're feeling extra hungry, serve this seasoned rice with a side of black beans or refried beans.
Rice Seasoning Ideas
If you're looking for more rice seasoning ideas, then try these spice blends!
Shawarma Seasoning
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning
Baharat Spice Blend
Cajun Seasoning
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating
Storage: Store cooked and cooled seasoned rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: To freeze this rice, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot before serving.
Reheating: Reheat cooked seasoned white rice on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
Absolutely, you could easily make this recipe with brown rice or whichever rice you enjoy, just ensure it's fully cooked to your liking.
If you're looking for a vegan version of this seasoned rice recipe, try swapping out the butter for vegan butter or olive oil or olive or vegetable oil.
📖 Recipe
Seasoned Rice
Equipment
- sautee pan with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ a yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice 210g
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce/paste
- 2 cups vegetable stock 475ml
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or saute pan (with a lid) over medium-low heat, then stir in the onion and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until softened slightly.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice just begins to turn golden - about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, cayenne and pepper and cook, stirring for 1 minute, then stir in the tomato sauce/paste and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the vegetable stock, increase the heat and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with the lid and simmer the Seasoned Rice for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Check occasionally so the rice doesn’t scorch and add a little water if necessary.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Peggi
I’m a classic “nothing for lunch misery” person, so made this as a base for meal prep bowls. Totally shocked at how much flavour and joy this brought my lunches. Replaced the cayenne with smoky paprika and even used basmati rice (out of stock in my house!), unbelievably tasty. I fear I will make this on a weekly basis now. Thank you Kate! Great recipe.
Tayler Ross
I'm always looking for easy side dish recipes, and this seasoned rice was perfect for me! We had it as a side dish for a bbq and everyone loved it.
Glori
This reminded me of Spanish rice that I had at a restaurant once and loved. What a delicious side dish. Served it up with grilled chicken and vegetables and the kids devoured it all!
Dan
This was perfect with tacos. So much delicious flavour.
Tonia
Perfectly seasoned! My family loved this! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Savita
This recipe of seasoned rice was so easy and delicious, it really was just like at Moe's!