Copycat Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe – Make It Perfect Every Time

What makes the Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe so special? This flavorful and nutritious dish is a perfect choice for those looking to create a healthy meal base. With wholesome ingredients like brown rice, sweet peas, and optional jalapeños, it adds a delightful texture and taste to any plate. This recipe is not just versatile but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent addition to your weekly meal plan.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a foundation for a hearty bowl, the Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe stands out with its satisfying blend of flavors. It can be paired with various proteins and toppings, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste. Enjoy this delicious rice dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

Qdoba Brown Rice

Why do we love this recipe?

If you’re a fan of tasty and wholesome meals, the Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe is a must-try. This recipe combines healthy brown rice with sweet peas and a hint of spice, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite proteins and toppings, making every meal delicious and satisfying.

  • Flavorful and Versatile: This recipe allows you to create a delicious base for various dishes. It pairs well with meats, beans, and vegetables, making it perfect for bowls, tacos, or salads.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Brown rice is a whole grain that offers more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Adding peas and other vegetables boosts its nutritional profile, making it a wholesome choice.
  • Quick Cooking Time: This recipe cooks relatively quickly compared to other grains, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. You can have a delicious and filling side dish or base ready in no time.
  • Great for Meal Prep: The brown rice can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare multiple meals in advance. This makes it easy to create balanced meals throughout the week without spending too much time in the kitchen.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a great option for busy weeknight meals.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Add spices, different vegetables, or proteins to make it your own.

Key Notes

ServingCaloriesPrep. TimeCook TimeTotal Time
2256 kcal10 Mins40 Mins50 Mins

Kitchen utensils

  • Large pot
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
  • Strainer (for rinsing rice if needed)
  • Serving dish

Qdoba Brown Rice ingredients

2 cups WaterCheck Price
2 Onions (chopped)Check Price
4 Jalapeños (optional)Check Price
1 cup Sweet PeasCheck Price
1 ½ cups Brown RiceCheck Price
2 ½ cups Chicken StockCheck Price
3 tablespoons Avocado OilCheck Price
2 Medium TomatoesCheck Price
Salt to tasteCheck Price

Making Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe 

  • Cook the rice: In a pot, add 1 ½ cups of brown rice, 2 ½ cups of chicken stock, and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked and tender. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
  • Prepare the vegetables: While the rice is cooking, chop 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, and 4 jalapeños (if using). Set them aside.
  • Cook the veggies: In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of avocado oil. Add the chopped onions and cook them until soft. Then, stir in the tomatoes, jalapeños (optional), and sweet peas.
  • Combine: Once the rice is done, mix it into the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together well.
  • Season: Add salt to taste and mix everything once more to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
  • Serve: Your Qdoba Brown Rice is now ready to serve! Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.
Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Tips for better results

Making the Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe is simple and quick, but if you’re in a rush, I have some easy tips to help you make it faster! These tricks will save you time without sacrificing flavor, ensuring your brown rice comes out perfectly every time. Here are some of my best suggestions for getting great results in no time.

  • Rinse the rice: Rinse your brown rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from being sticky.
  • Use good quality stock: If possible, use homemade or low-sodium chicken stock for a richer flavor in the rice.
  • Saute the veggies well: Let the onions soften and caramelize slightly to deepen the flavor before adding the tomatoes and peas.
  • Adjust heat for jalapenos: If you want less spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the quantity. For more heat, leave the seeds in.
  • Let the rice sit: After the rice is done cooking, allow it to sit with the lid on for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This makes the rice fluffier.
  • Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the rice and adjust the seasoning (salt, or a splash of lime juice for added brightness).

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions can make your Qdoba Brown Rice even better and create a nice atmosphere at your dining table. To make your meal tastier and more appealing, I’ve gathered some simple and quick dishes that go well with the rice. Here are a few ideas to make your dining experience more enjoyable:

Storage guideline

Storing your Qdoba Brown Rice properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious for a long time. Good storage ensures that the rice retains its taste and texture. Here are some easy tips for storing your brown rice effectively:

  • Refrigeration: After cooking, allow the rice to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: To store longer, you can freeze the rice. Place the cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen rice can last for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: When reheating refrigerated or frozen rice, add a tablespoon of water to prevent it from drying out. You can use a microwave or stovetop. Heat until thoroughly warmed.
  • Avoiding Spoilage: Always refrigerate or freeze the rice within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.

FAQs

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice. However, the cooking time and liquid amounts may differ, so adjust accordingly.

To enhance the flavor, consider using broth instead of water, adding spices like garlic powder or cumin, or mixing in some lime juice after cooking.

Cooked brown rice can last in the refrigerator for about 4 to 6 days when stored in an airtight container.

Yes, cooked brown rice freezes well. Allow it to cool, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 6 months.

Conclusion

In my final words, the Qdoba Brown Rice recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for adding a healthy side to your meals or as a base for burrito bowls. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, anyone can make it at home. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings and flavors. Enjoy this nutritious option that brings a taste of Qdoba right to your kitchen.

Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Qdoba's brown rice is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that combines hearty brown rice with a blend of spices like garlic, onion, and cumin. This simple recipe is easy to make at home, and a splash of lime juice adds a zesty finish, making it a perfect complement to burritos, bowls, or salads. With fresh cilantro as a garnish, it's a delicious way to elevate any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 256 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups
  • Wooden Spoon Or Spatula
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
  • Strainer (for rinsing rice if needed)
  • Serving dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Water
  • 2 Onions chopped
  • 4 Jalapeños optional
  • 1 cup Sweet Peas
  • 1 ½ cups Brown Rice
  • 2 ½ cups Chicken Stock
  • 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil
  • 2 Medium Tomatoes
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a pot, add 1 ½ cups of brown rice, 2 ½ cups of chicken stock, and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked and tender. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
  • While the rice is cooking, chop 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, and 4 jalapeños (if using). Set them aside.
  • In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of avocado oil. Add the chopped onions and cook them until soft. Then, stir in the tomatoes, jalapeños (optional), and sweet peas.
  • Once the rice is done, mix it into the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together well.
  • Add salt to taste and mix everything once more to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
  • Your Qdoba Brown Rice is now ready to serve! Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.
Keyword Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe