Go Back
Copycat Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe
Howdy

Copycat Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

If you're a fan of the delicious flavors from Qdoba, you're in for a treat! One of their most loved menu items is their flavorful Copycat Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Rice, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex (as Qdoba is a Tex-Mex chain)
Calories: 215

Ingredients
  

  • Long-Grain Brown Rice = 01 cup
  • Water or Low-Sodium Chicken = 02 cups broth
  • Olive Oil or Butter = 01 tablespoon
  • Garlic Powder = 01 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder = 01 teaspoon
  • Salt = 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
  • Black Pepper = 1/4 teaspoon
  • Fresh Lime Juice = 01 tablespoon or more (to taste)
  • Fresh Cilantro = 01 teaspoon chopped (for garnish) (Optional)

Equipment

  • Medium-Sized Pot with a Lid
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Stirring Spoon
  • Knife and Cutting Board (if prepping fresh ingredients like lime)

Method
 

  1. Step by Step Instructions:
Step 01: Rinse the Rice
  1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove starch.
Step 02: Heat the Pot
  1. In a medium pot, add olive oil or butter.
  2. Heat on medium.
Step 03: Toast the Rice (Optional)
  1. Add rice to the pot.
  2. Stir for 2-3 minutes to toast.
Step 04: Add Liquids and Spices
  1. Pour in water or broth.
  2. Add garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir well.
Step 05: Bring to a Boil
  1. Increase heat to high.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 06: Simmer
  1. Reduce heat to low.
  2. Cover the pot and simmer for 40-45 minutes.
Step 07: Fluff the Rice
  1. Remove from heat.
  2. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff with a fork.
Step 08: Add Lime Juice and Cilantro
  1. Stir in lime juice.
  2. Optionally, garnish with cilantro.
Step 09: Serve
  1. The rice is ready to serve with your favorite dishes.
Servings and Preparation Times
  1. Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  2. Cook Time: 45 minutes
  3. Total Time: 50 minutes
  4. Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people.

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to make your Copycat Qdoba Brown Rice perfect every time:
 
  • Use Long Grain Brown Rice: It has the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
  • Don’t Overcook the Rice: Brown rice can take longer to cook, so keep an eye on it to avoid mushy rice.
  • Adjust the Lime: Add more or less lime juice based on your personal taste.
  • Season to Taste: Feel free to add extra spices if you like a more flavorful rice.
  • Let the Rice Rest: After cooking, let the rice sit for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors before serving.