Bonefish Grill’s Rice Recipe: Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home

I’ve perfected Bonefish Grill’s signature rice recipe, bringing restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen. This side dish is a game-changer, complementing grilled fish and seafood with its rich, savory flavor.

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll achieve that signature Bonefish Grill taste. The secret lies in the precise blend of spices and cooking technique that elevates this rice from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients for Bonefish Grill Rice

Simple ingredients create restaurant-quality Bonefish Grill rice with rich, savory flavor.

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For authentic flavor, use long-grain white rice—its neutral taste lets the seasonings shine. Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the salt level. Most grocery stores carry these basics, but if you’re hunting for fresh thyme, try the produce section or a local farmer’s market. I usually grab mine from the bulk herbs section at Whole Foods.

No fresh thyme? Dried works at one-third the amount. Want more brightness? Add extra lemon juice to taste. For a vegan version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. If you don’t have bay leaves, skip them—the rice will still be delicious. The garlic can be minced ahead of time and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

This rice reheats beautifully—keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to refresh. I portion mine into containers so it’s ready for meal prep. Fresh parsley stays vibrant wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bonefish Grill’s Signature Rice

Follow my detailed guide to recreate this restaurant favorite with perfect flavor and texture.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Rice

Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.

Next, add the 1.5 cups Uncooked White Rice to the pan. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to coat the rice in oil and mix with the garlic. You’ll notice the rice becoming slightly opaque and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the 3 cups Chicken Broth, then add the 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme, 0.75 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly. Add the 2 whole Bay Leaves to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 3: Simmer and Finish

Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes on low heat without lifting the lid. This undisturbed cooking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. When done, the rice should be tender and the liquid fully absorbed.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter until melted. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to distribute the butter. Remove the bay leaves and discard. Stir in the 1 tbsp Lemon Juice and garnish with 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley before serving.

Dietary Considerations for This bonefish grill rice

Making It Gluten-Free

This Bonefish Grill rice recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. The key is using gluten-free chicken broth – always check labels to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. Some brands to look for include Pacific Foods or Swanson’s. I always keep a few cartons of these in my pantry.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Look for a high-quality, low-sodium option to control the salt level. For vegan preparation, replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil. I’ve had great results with Miyoko’s Kitchen vegan butter.

Dairy-Free Modifications

For a dairy-free version, replace the 2 tbsp unsalted butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter. The coconut oil adds a subtle richness that works beautifully with the lemon and herbs. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

Low-Sodium Variations

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and limit the added salt to 0.25 tsp or less. You can also omit the salt entirely and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. I often do this when serving with other salty components.

Nutritional Considerations

This rice dish provides complex carbohydrates from the long-grain white rice, making it a good energy source. The garlic and thyme add antioxidants while enhancing flavor. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 4g of fat from the butter. For a lighter version, reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon. 🌿

Storage and Reheating

This rice keeps well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth and microwave covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more liquid if needed. I often make extra to have throughout the week.