Quick And Easy Moes Seasoned Rice Recipe

Name: Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of ½ lime (optional, for added freshness); Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Moes seasoned rice is a flavorful, Tex-Mex-inspired side dish that adds the perfect touch to any meal. Known for its blend of aromatic spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder, this rice is a fan-favorite at Moe’s Southwest Grill, where it’s served with burritos, bowls, and more. Its warm, subtly spiced flavor enhances the taste of any dish without overpowering the main ingredients. Whether you’re recreating a Moe’s-style meal at home or looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing side, this seasoned rice recipe is a must-try for any Tex-Mex lover.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Moe’s seasoned rice recipe is a winner for anyone who loves Tex-Mex flavors. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with the same vibrant spices that make the restaurant version so irresistible. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Bold Tex-Mex Flavor: A balanced mix of spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder creates a savory, flavorful base.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs well with a variety of meals, from burritos and tacos to grilled chicken or veggies.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference, or add ingredients like lime zest or fresh cilantro for extra brightness.

Key Notes

Serving	Calories	Prep. Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
4	165 kcal	10 Mins	20 Mins	30 Mins

Kitchen Utensils Needed

Medium saucepan with a lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine mesh sieve (for rinsing rice)
Small mixing bowl (for spice blend)
Fork (for fluffing the rice)

Moe’s Seasoned Rice Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice	Check Price
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water)	Check Price
1 tablespoon olive oil	Check Price
1 teaspoon cumin	Check Price
½ teaspoon chili powder	Check Price
½ teaspoon garlic powder	Check Price
½ teaspoon onion powder	Check Price
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika	Check Price
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)	Check Price
¼ teaspoon black pepper	Check Price
Juice of ½ lime (optional, for added freshness)	Check Price
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)	Check Price

Making Moes Seasoned Rice Recipe

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, giving the rice a fluffier texture when cooked.

Cook the Rice:

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly golden. Pour in the broth (or water), stir, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Season the Rice:

While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and stir in the spice mixture evenly.

Add Final Touches:

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice (optional) and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Serve:

Enjoy the seasoned rice as a side with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or as a base for burritos, bowls, or tacos.

Secret Tips for Better Results

To truly capture the flavor and texture of Moe’s seasoned rice at home, there are a few key tips that can elevate your results. While the recipe itself is simple, small tweaks and techniques can make a big difference. Whether it’s enhancing the seasoning or ensuring the perfect rice texture, these secrets will help you make restaurant-quality rice every time. Here are some insider tips for the best results:

Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: This helps remove excess starch, ensuring the rice doesn’t become sticky and remains fluffy after cooking.
Toast the Rice First: Lightly toasting the rice in olive oil before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and adds a subtle, nutty aroma.
Use Broth Instead of Water: Cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable broth infuses it with more flavor compared to water alone.
Let the Rice Rest: After cooking, leave the rice covered off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the moisture to distribute evenly, making the rice fluffier.
Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the spice mix.
Mix in Fresh Cilantro and Lime: Adding fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors and gives the rice an authentic Tex-Mex touch.

Flavor Variations

You can easily customize Moe’s seasoned rice recipe to suit different tastes by experimenting with various flavor variations. Whether you want to turn up the heat or add a citrusy twist, these options can help you create a rice dish that fits your preferences. By tweaking the spices or adding fresh ingredients, you can transform the base recipe into something new. Here are some delicious flavor variations to try:

Spicy Chipotle Rice: Add ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder or a spoonful of adobo sauce from canned chipotles to give the rice a smoky, spicy kick.
Citrus-Infused Rice: Stir in the zest of one lime or lemon, and replace half the broth with freshly squeezed citrus juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
Garlic and Herb Rice: Add a few fresh garlic cloves (minced) when toasting the rice and toss in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil after cooking.
Cheesy Rice: Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) while the rice is still hot to create a creamy, cheesy variation.
Cilantro-Lime Rice: Increase the amount of fresh cilantro and lime juice added at the end for a bold, fresh flavor similar to what’s served at Chipotle.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage of Moes seasoned rice ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for future meals. Follow these guidelines to maintain the rice’s texture and taste while preventing spoilage. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, storing the rice correctly will help it last longer without compromising quality.

Cool the rice completely within 1-2 hours after cooking before storing. Place the cooled rice in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Flatten the rice in the bags for easier storage and faster thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat with a splash of water or broth in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions that pair wonderfully with Moe’s seasoned rice:

FAQs

Moe’s seasoned rice is typically made with long-grain white rice, which helps it stay fluffy and separate after cooking.

Yes, you can use brown rice as a healthier alternative, but keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and may alter the texture slightly.

To add more heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or increase the amount of chili powder in the seasoning mix.

Absolutely, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan.

Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking helps remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming sticky. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moe’s seasoned rice is a versatile and flavorful side dish that brings a touch of Tex-Mex flair to any meal. With its simple preparation and customizable seasoning, it complements a wide range of dishes from burritos and tacos to grilled vegetables and meats. By following this recipe and incorporating the storage tips and flavor variations, you can enjoy delicious, restaurant-style rice right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Moes seasoned rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe

Moe's seasoned rice. It's a flavorful side dish from Moe's Southwest Grill, typically served with their burritos, bowls, and other Tex-Mex offerings. The rice is lightly seasoned, often with a combination of garlic, cumin, chili powder, and other spices to complement the flavors of their meals. It’s designed to be subtly spiced, not overwhelming, making it versatile for various dishes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

Medium saucepan with a lid
Wooden Spoon Or Spatula
Measuring Cups And Spoons
Fine mesh sieve (for rinsing rice)
Small mixing bowl (for spice blend)
Fork (for fluffing the rice)

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lime optional, for added freshness
Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, giving the rice a fluffier texture when cooked.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly golden. Pour in the broth (or water), stir, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and stir in the spice mixture evenly.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice (optional) and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Enjoy the seasoned rice as a side with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or as a base for burritos, bowls, or tacos.

Keyword Moe’s seasoned rice