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Close-up of seasoned rice mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, being stirred with a wooden spoon

Moe’s Seasoned Rice (Copycat Recipe)

Moe’s seasoned rice brings subtle Southwestern warmth with every bite.
This white rice dish is infused during cooking with cumin, garlic, onion powder, and a splash of lime—giving it layered flavor without overwhelming spice.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southwestern, Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid (or pot with tight-fitting lid)
  • Fine mesh strainer or bowl (for rinsing rice)
  • Fork (for fluffing)
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) – jasmine or basmati works too
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust if using broth)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh preferred)
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Rice
    Place rice in a fine mesh strainer or bowl.
    Rinse under cold water, swishing the grains with your hand. Repeat until water runs mostly clear (2–3 times).
    Hands rinsing white rice in a pot of cloudy water over a kitchen sink
  • Toast the Rice
    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
    Add the rinsed rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice looks slightly golden and opaque.
  • Bloom the Spices
    Add garlic powder, onion powder (if using), ground cumin, and salt to the rice.
    Stir for 30–60 seconds to release aroma and coat the grains.
    Rice, chopped onions, and spices being sautéed in oil with a wooden spatula in a black pan
  • Add Liquid and Boil
    Pour in the water or broth. Stir once and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
    Water being poured into a pan of toasted, spiced rice using a measuring cup, with a wooden spatula resting on the side
  • Simmer Gently
    Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes.
  • Let It Rest
    Remove the pot from heat. Keep covered and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute moisture.
    Cooked seasoned rice resting in a black skillet after being removed from heat
  • Fluff and Finish
    Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in lime juice and optional chopped cilantro before serving.
    Fluffy seasoned rice garnished with chopped cilantro in a black skillet, ready to serve

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Rinsing the rice prevents stickiness and keeps grains fluffy.
  • Toasting rice boosts flavor and helps grains stay separate.
  • Always finish with lime juice—don’t cook it in or it’ll lose its brightness.
  • Broth adds savory depth. Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
Keyword Burrito Bowl, Copycat Recipe, Rice, Side Dish, Tex Mex