Moe’s Southwest Grill has built a loyal following around its bold, fresh flavors-and their iconic moe’s seasoned rice is one of the most memorable menu staples. The rice is fluffy, citrusy, mildly spiced, and perfectly balanced, making it the ideal base for burrito bowls, tacos, or as a simple side.
A big reason people search for a moes rice recipe is because the flavor is deceptively simple yet impossible to replicate without understanding its core components. Moe’s uses a combination of long-grain rice, citrus, cilantro, and a mild seasoning blend to achieve that signature bright taste.
Whether you’ve enjoyed it in a Homewrecker burrito or a classic burrito bowl, learning how to make moe’s seasoned rice at home gives you a versatile, customizable base for Tex-Mex meals.
What does Moe’s Seasoned Rice taste like?
Moe’s seasoned rice has a bright, fresh, and slightly tangy flavor that sets it apart from typical Mexican or Tex-Mex rice. The combination of garlic, onion, turmeric, and a touch of cumin gives the rice a warm, earthy undertone, while fresh lime juice and cilantro add a zesty, vibrant finish. Every bite of this seasoned rice feels light yet flavorful, making it the perfect base for burrito bowls, tacos, or as a side dish.
When you try this seasoned rice recipe at home, you’ll notice how balanced the flavors are. The seasoning isn’t overpowering; instead, it enhances the natural flavor of the rice and complements other ingredients in your meal. This is why moe’s seasoned rice works so well with proteins like chicken, steak, or beans, and even stands on its own as a simple, satisfying side dish.
The texture is just as important as the flavor in this seasoned rice recipe. Fluffy, separate grains allow each bite to carry the seasoning evenly, while the fresh herbs and lime juice give a pop of freshness that elevates the dish. From our experience recreating this seasoned rice, getting the right seasoning balance is key-it’s what makes moe’s seasoned rice so recognizable and addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Moe’s Seasoned Rice
To recreate the exact flavor of the original moe’s seasoned rice, you’ll need a short list of affordable and widely available ingredients. Each plays a specific role in balancing freshness, earthiness, and aroma.
Base Ingredients
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1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati also work)
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2 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
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1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon salt
Seasoning Blend (Signature Moe’s Flavor)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon turmeric (for the signature yellow tint + mild warmth)
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⅛ teaspoon ground cumin (optional but recommended)
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Add-Ins (Added After Cooking)
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon lime zest (optional but boosts citrus aroma)
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¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
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1 teaspoon olive oil or butter (helps coat the rice and keep it fluffy)
Kitchen Utensils Required:
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Medium saucepan with lid
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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Cutting board
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Chef’s knife
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Mixing spoon or rice paddle
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Small bowl (for mixing seasonings)
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Citrus juicer (optional)
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Moe’s Seasoned Rice Recipe
This simple method will give you fluffy, flavorful rice every time. The key is controlling moisture, seasoning placement, and knowing when to fold in fresh herbs.
Step 1 – Rinse the Rice
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2 – Cook the Rice with Seasonings
In a saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, cumin, black pepper, and oil/butter. Bring to a boil.
Step 3 – Simmer Until Fluffy
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4 – Add Fresh Lime and Cilantro
Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in lime juice, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a touch of oil or butter.
Step 5 – Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Moe’s Rice Recipe Variations You Can Try
Once you master the base moes seasoned rice, you can create endless variations based on your taste or dietary needs.
Spicy Moe’s Seasoned Rice
Add minced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Cilantro-Lime Forward Variation
Double the cilantro and add extra lime zest for a vibrant, aromatic version.
Low-Sodium or Healthier Moe’s Rice Recipe
Use low-sodium broth and reduce salt. You can also swap butter for avocado oil.
Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice Version
Perfect for low-carb or high-fiber diets. Adjust cooking time for brown rice accordingly.
Serving Ideas: What to Pair With Moe’s Seasoned Rice
Because of its bright, mild flavor, moe’s seasoned rice works with almost any Tex-Mex or Southwest-style dish.
Moe’s-Style Burrito Bowls
Top your rice with grilled chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, cheese, and guacamole for a homemade Moe’s bowl.
Taco Night Side Dish
Serve the rice alongside beef, shrimp, or vegetarian tacos to recreate Moe’s full meal experience.
Protein Pairings
This moes rice recipe pairs well with:
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Grilled chicken
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Steak
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Tofu
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Carne asada
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Roasted veggies
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Moe’s Seasoned Rice
Even though a moes rice recipe looks simple, a few mistakes can keep you from achieving that authentic Moe’s flavor and texture.
Using the Wrong Type of Rice
Moe’s uses long-grain white rice because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump. Short-grain varieties can become sticky and heavy.
Adding Cilantro Too Early
Fresh cilantro should always be added after cooking. Adding it too soon causes it to wilt and lose its bright, fresh flavor-one of the defining qualities of moe’s seasoned rice.
Overseasoning or Underseasoning
Moe’s rice is mild and balanced. Too much turmeric, lime, or salt can overpower the dish. Follow the recipe ratios for the closest match.
Skipping the Rinse Step
Not rinsing the rice leads to starchy, gummy grains-very different from the light texture in the real moes seasoned rice.
Storage Tips for Leftover Moe’s Seasoned Rice
Leftover moe’s seasoned rice stores very well and can easily be reheated without losing its fluffy texture or bright flavor. Once the rice cools completely, transfer it to an airtight container to keep it from drying out, then refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. When reheating, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the rice to restore moisture before warming it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a flavor boost, add a small squeeze of fresh lime after reheating. If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze the rice in flat, freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Flattening the bags helps prevent clumping and makes thawing faster, keeping your moe’s seasoned rice tasting fresh and ready for quick meals.
Moe's Seasoned Rice Recipe
Moe’s Southwest Grill has built a loyal following around its bold, fresh flavors-and their iconic moe’s seasoned rice is one of the most memorable menu staples. The rice is fluffy, citrusy, mildly spiced, and perfectly balanced, making it the ideal base for burrito bowls, tacos, or as a simple side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati also work)
- 2 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (for the signature yellow tint + mild warmth)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin (optional but recommended)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional but boosts citrus aroma)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter (helps coat the rice and keep it fluffy)
Instructions
Step 1 – Rinse the Rice
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2 – Cook the Rice with Seasonings
In a saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, cumin, black pepper, and oil/butter. Bring to a boil.
Step 3 – Simmer Until Fluffy
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4 – Add Fresh Lime and Cilantro
Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in lime juice, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a touch of oil or butter.
Step 5 – Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Notes
Leftover moe’s seasoned rice stores very well and can easily be reheated without losing its fluffy texture or bright flavor. Once the rice cools completely, transfer it to an airtight container to keep it from drying out, then refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. When reheating, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the rice to restore moisture before warming it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a flavor boost, add a small squeeze of fresh lime after reheating. If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze the rice in flat, freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Flattening the bags helps prevent clumping and makes thawing faster, keeping your moe’s seasoned rice tasting fresh and ready for quick meals.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150
FAQs About Moe’s Seasoned Rice
A dedicated FAQ section helps capture long-tail searches and voice-query intent related to moe’s seasoned rice and moes rice recipe.
1. What is in the seasoned rice at Moe’s?
From what we’ve tasted and tested, moe’s seasoned rice is made with long-grain white rice, a mild blend of garlic and onion powder, a touch of turmeric for color, black pepper, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. It’s simple, fresh, and not overly spiced.
2. What seasoning is in seasoned rice?
The core seasonings are garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of cumin. When we recreated the recipe, this combination came the closest to the real Moe’s flavor.
3. Does Moe’s seasoned rice have meat?
No, moe’s seasoned rice is completely vegetarian. We’ve never noticed any meat-based ingredients or broth in the flavor profile, and it tastes identical when made with water instead of chicken broth.
4. How is Mexican rice seasoned?
Mexican rice is typically seasoned with tomato sauce or bouillon, garlic, onion, cumin, and sometimes chili powder. moe’s rice is different-lighter, citrusy, and not tomato-based-so the two styles have very distinct flavors.
5. Is Moe’s seasoned rice spicy?
Not at all. Based on taste, it’s mild and family-friendly. If you prefer heat, adding a little jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce at home works perfectly.
6. What kind of rice does Moe’s use?
Moe’s uses long-grain white rice because it cooks up fluffy and separate. When we tested jasmine and basmati, both worked well, but long-grain white rice gave the closest match.
7. Can I make Moe’s seasoned rice without cilantro?
Yes! We’ve tried it both ways. Just skip the cilantro or replace it with parsley. Adding a little extra lime helps keep the brightness.
8. Can I make this rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely. We often make it in a rice cooker-just add the dry seasonings with the rice and fold in lime juice and cilantro afterward. The Instant Pot works great on the “Rice” or manual low-pressure setting.
9. Why is turmeric used in Moe’s seasoned rice?
Turmeric is what gives the rice its signature soft yellow color and a warm, earthy note. We tested versions without it, and the flavor wasn’t as close to Moe’s.
10. How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear has been the key in our experience. It removes excess starch and keeps the grains fluffy-just like Moe’s.
Recreating your favorite moe’s seasoned rice at home is easier than it looks-and the results can be even better than what you get at the restaurant. With the right ingredients, proper cooking technique, and a few fresh add-ins, you can enjoy a perfect restaurant-style moes rice recipe any night of the week.
And once you master the base version, you can experiment with spicy variations, cilantro-lime twists, and healthier options to suit your taste. This rice pairs with almost any Tex-Mex dish, making it a staple worth adding to your recipe rotation.
We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.
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