Craving that bold, zesty flavor from your last burrito bowl? You’re not alone—Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe is one of those little joys you just have to recreate at home. Every time I visited Moe’s Southwest Grill, I’d find myself secretly wishing I could make that perfectly seasoned rice at home—fluffy, full of cumin, chili powder, and that splash of lime juice that brings it all together.
Good news? You totally can! Whether you’re building a burrito, meal-prepping with grilled chicken, or just want a flavorful side dish, this simple, easy-to-prepare recipe using long-grain white rice and chicken broth is your go-to. Ready to make Moe’s seasoned rice recipe in your kitchen? Let’s dive in—you’ll love this recipe!
What Is Moe’s Seasoned Rice?
Moe’s seasoned rice is a flavorful side dish commonly served at Moe’s Southwest Grill. This delicious rice dish typically features brown rice, but you can also use uncooked white rice for a different twist. To elevate the taste, the recipe includes cilantro, minced garlic, and spices like cayenne pepper and black pepper. To prepare the perfect Moes spice rice, start by rinsing it, then cook it in a rice cooker with a mix of tomato sauce and chicken broth.

Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it sit, allowing the flavors to meld. This tasty rice can easily be customized to suit your preferences. You might consider adding black beans for extra protein or turning it into a rice salad. Plus, if you have leftovers, you can freeze the spice for later use. Whether paired with tacos or enjoyed alone, you’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and flavor. Check out various videos about seasoned rice recipe for more tips and tricks!
Craving more delicious sides? Try this Red Hot and Blue Potato Salad Recipe for another classic favorite that complements this rice perfectly.
Ingredients for Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe
To make this delicious Moes spice Rice, you will need the following Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment and Tools Required
- Medium or Large Pot with Lid
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fine-Mesh Strainer or Sieve
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Safe Spatula
- Fork – To fluff the rice once it’s done
- Stovetop or Rice Cooker
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 People
How to make homemade seasoned rice?
Step 1: Rinse the Rice: Before anything else, rinse the rice under cold water. It’s a small step, but it keeps your rice from turning sticky. Nobody wants clumpy rice in a burrito, right?

Step 2: Toast the Rice for Flavor: In a medium pot, heat a splash of oil or butter over medium heat. Add your uncooked white rice and give it a quick toast. This brings out a warm, nutty note. Stir it around for a minute or two—just until it starts to smell a little toasty.

Step 3: Add Broth and spices: Now for the good stuff. Pour in your chicken broth (you can also try a mix of tomato sauce and chicken broth for depth). Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and just a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir it to evenly coat the rice. At this point, your kitchen will already smell like Moe’s. It’s wild.

Step 4: Cook the Rice and Let It Rest: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let the rice simmer gently until the Broth is absorbed and the rice is tender—usually about 15 minutes. When it’s done, remove it from the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This helps it finish cooking without overdoing it.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish: Now, fluff the rice with a fork. Don’t skip this step—it gives you that restaurant-style texture. Add a generous squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You’ve just made perfectly spicy, tasty rice at home. And yes, you’ll love this recipe.

Watch How to Make
Tips for Perfecting Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe
- Rinse the rice: Wash the rice under cold water. This helps remove extra starch. It makes the rice fluffy and not sticky.
- Toast the rice: Before adding liquid, heat the rice in some oil or butter. This gives the rice a pleasant, nutty taste.
- Season it right: Use chili powder, cumin, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne. Add just enough to give flavor, but not too much.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the rice sit with the lid on for 5 minutes. This helps the rice soak in all the flavor. Fluff it up before serving.
- Add lime and cilantro: Squeeze some fresh lime juice and mix in chopped cilantro. This gives the rice a fresh, zesty taste.
Serving Ideas for Moes Seasoned Rice
Moe’s mix rice is easy to serve and tastes great with many dishes. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Tacos or Burritos: Serve the rice with tacos or burritos. Add your favorite meat and toppings like cheese and sour cream. The rice adds extra flavor to each bite.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: Serve the rice with grilled chicken or steak. The smoky meat and rice go well together. Add some lime juice for extra taste.
- Rice Salad: Turn the rice into a salad. Mix it with beans, corn, and fresh veggies. It’s light and perfect for a picnic or lunch.
- Southwest Dishes: Moe’s seasoned rice is excellent with any southwest meal. Serve it with chili, fajitas, or a cheesy casserole. The rice adds a nice touch to any dish.
- Fried Rice: Leftover rice? Turn it into fried rice. Just heat it with some veggies, soy sauce, and an egg. It’s a quick and tasty meal.
For more hearty and comforting recipes, check out this flavorful Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup—perfect for pairing with rice dishes.
Why You’ll Love Moes Seasoned Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, restaurant-quality rice dish, you’ll love this fried rice recipe that uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal. By incorporating brown rice, you’ll not only enjoy a healthier option but also a nutty flavor that elevates the dish. This mixed rice recipe is perfect for customizing, just like the seasoned rice you ordered at Moe’s. You can customize more seasoned rice by adding your choice of grilled chicken or veggies, making it a versatile meal.
Plus, using chicken broth to enhance the flavor ensures that your seasoned rice is a dish everyone will love. To make your rice dish even better, add the rinsed rice and let it cook until it is tender. Once the rice is cooked, use a fork to fluff it and prevent it from becoming too sticky. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a quick meal later. Whether you prefer a yellow rice recipe or a plain rice option, this seasoned rice dish is a winner that will impress your family and friends!
Got a sweet tooth after that savory rice? Treat yourself to a comforting Sweetened Condensed Milk Pound Cake—a simple dessert to end your meal on a high note.
FAQs about Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe
What is the seasoned rice at Moe’s?
Moe’s seasoned rice is a flavorful side dish served at Moe’s Southwest Grill. It’s made from long-grain white rice seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, along with lime juice and cilantro for a zesty finish.
What does Moe’s season their rice with?
Moe’s uses a combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to season their rice. The addition of lime juice and cilantro gives it a fresh, citrusy zing that complements the southwest flavors perfectly.
What seasoning does Moe’s use?
Moe’s seasoned rice is typically flavored with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. These seasonings create a warm, savory taste with a hint of spice.
What is Mexican rice seasoned with?
Mexican rice is often seasoned with various spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion. It’s typically cooked with Broth, sometimes tomato sauce, and usually features fresh cilantro and lime for added brightness.
Can I make seasoned brown rice?
Yes! You can easily substitute brown rice for white rice in this Moes seasoned rice recipe. Simply cook the brown rice as you would the white rice, and season it with the same spices. Brown rice offers a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.
What’s seasoned rice vinegar?
Seasoned rice vinegar is a type of vinegar flavored with sugar and salt. It’s commonly used in sushi rice recipes and can add a tangy and slightly sweet taste. However, it’s not typically used in Moe’s seasoned rice.
What seasoning do Moe’s use?
Moe’s seasoned rice uses chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These ingredients create a savory, spicy, and aromatic flavor profile.
Is Moe’s Seasoned Rice Spicy?
Moe’s seasoned rice has a mild heat from the cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper or even omitting it if you prefer a milder taste.
What is Moe’s sauce made of?
Moe’s Southwest Grill offers a variety of sauces. The most popular ones include their signature queso, which is made with melted cheese, and their flavorful salsas, which are often tomato-based and spiced.
Can I freeze Moe’s Seasoned Rice?
Yes, you can freeze Moe’s seasoned rice! Once it has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, microwave or heat it in a pan, adding a little broth or water to restore moisture.
Conclusion
Moe’s seasoned rice is a quick, tasty, versatile side dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this flavorful rice with any meal. Whether paired with tacos, grilled chicken, or beans, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and bring a burst of flavor to your table!