How to Make LongHorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf at Home

If you’ve ever dined at LongHorn Steakhouse, you’re likely familiar with their signature seasoned rice pilaf—a delightful side dish that perfectly complements their juicy steaks. But what makes this rice so special? Is it possible to recreate this dish at home? And how does it stack up nutritionally? Let’s dive into the savory world of LongHorn Steakhouse rice pilaf.

What Is LongHorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf?

LongHorn Steakhouse’s rice pilaf is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful blend of long-grain rice cooked with a medley of herbs, spices, and vegetables. The result is a fluffy, aromatic rice that enhances the dining experience, making it a popular choice among patrons.

LongHorn Rice Pilaf Ingredients

The key to the distinctive taste of LongHorn rice pilaf lies in its ingredients. While the exact recipe is proprietary, a typical preparation includes:

• Long-grain white rice: The base of the pilaf, offering a fluffy texture.
  
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
  
• Butter: Provides a creamy finish.
  
• Vegetables: Commonly includes finely diced red pepper, carrots, and onions.
  
• Herbs and spices: A blend of seasonings that gives the pilaf its unique taste.
  
• Citrus: Often a hint of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  

LongHorn Rice Pilaf Recipe: A Homemade Twist

Craving the taste of LongHorn’s rice pilaf at home? Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
  
• 2 cups chicken broth
  
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
  
• ¼ cup finely diced red pepper
  
• 1 small carrot, minced
  
• 2 tbsp finely diced onion
  
• 1 tbsp parsley
  
• 1 tsp lemon juice
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• ¼ tsp black pepper
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   
2. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
   
3. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
   
4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork.
   
5. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
   
6. Add the red pepper, carrot, and onion to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.
   
7. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
   
8. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then serve.
   

LongHorn Rice Pilaf Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional profile of LongHorn’s rice pilaf can help you make informed dietary choices. A typical serving contains:

• Calories: Approximately 230
  
• Total Fat: 6g
  
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
    
• Carbohydrates: 41g
  
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    
  • Sugars: 4g
    
• Protein: 3g
  
• Sodium: 1120mg
  

It’s important to note that the sodium content is relatively high, so those monitoring their sodium intake should consider this when planning their meal.

LongHorn Shrimp and Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Combination

For a heartier meal, consider pairing LongHorn’s seasoned rice pilaf with their shrimp. Here’s a simple way to combine the two:

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of LongHorn seasoned rice pilaf
  
• 8-10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• ½ tsp paprika
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice pilaf according to the recipe above.
   
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
   
6. Serve the shrimp over the prepared rice pilaf.
   

Seasoned Rice Pilaf Recipe: A Versatile Side Dish

Looking to experiment with flavors? Here’s a seasoned rice pilaf recipe that offers a twist on the classic:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
  
• 2 cups vegetable broth
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• ½ cup chopped onions
  
• ¼ cup chopped celery
  
• ¼ cup chopped carrots
  
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   
2. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
   
3. Add the rice to the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
   
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
   
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
   

Rice Pilaf Outback Steakhouse: A Comparison

While LongHorn Steakhouse offers its signature seasoned rice pilaf, Outback Steakhouse provides a different take on this classic side dish. Outback’s rice pilaf is typically prepared with a blend of wild rice and white rice, seasoned with herbs and spices. The texture is slightly chewier, and the flavor profile is more earthy compared to LongHorn’s lighter, more aromatic pilaf.

LongHorn Steakhouse Rice Pilaf Price

As of 2025, a serving of LongHorn’s seasoned rice pilaf is priced at $3.99. This makes it an affordable addition to any meal, offering great value for its taste and quality.

FAQ

What makes LongHorn Steakhouse rice pilaf so flavorful?

The unique flavor comes from a combination of long-grain rice, sautéed vegetables, herbs, chicken broth, and a touch of citrus like lemon juice.

Can I make LongHorn rice pilaf at home?

Yes! With common pantry ingredients like rice, broth, butter, and seasonings, you can easily recreate a similar dish at home.

Is the LongHorn rice pilaf gluten-free?

While rice itself is gluten-free, cross-contamination or added ingredients like broth may contain gluten. Always check with the restaurant or use certified gluten-free products when cooking at home.

What is the calorie count for LongHorn rice pilaf?

A serving of LongHorn rice pilaf typically contains around 230 calories, making it a moderately light side option.

What are the main ingredients in LongHorn rice pilaf?

The dish usually features white rice, chicken broth, butter, diced vegetables like red peppers and carrots, and a signature blend of herbs and spices.

How does LongHorn’s rice pilaf compare to Outback’s?

Outback’s version includes a mix of wild and white rice with a more rustic flavor, while LongHorn’s is lighter and more citrusy with finely diced vegetables.

Can I add protein to the rice pilaf to make it a main dish?

Absolutely! Many people enjoy pairing it with grilled shrimp or chicken. You can also follow a simple LongHorn shrimp and rice recipe for a full meal.

Is the seasoned rice pilaf recipe suitable for vegetarians?

With a few tweaks—like using vegetable broth and skipping any meat-based seasonings—you can make a vegetarian-friendly version at home.

How much does LongHorn Steakhouse rice pilaf cost?

As of the latest menu update, a side of seasoned rice pilaf is priced affordably, typically under $5.

Where can I find a copycat LongHorn rice recipe?

There are many homemade versions online, and you can find a simple one right in this blog to replicate the flavor and texture of the original dish.

Final Thoughts

LongHorn Steakhouse’s rice pilaf is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful companion to their renowned steaks and seafood. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, this dish offers versatility and taste. By understanding its ingredients, nutritional profile, and variations, you can enjoy this delightful pilaf in various settings.