Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on March 20, 2024

Qdoba Mexican Eats is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded by Anthony Miller in 1995. The company offers a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and more.

In recent years, Qdoba has become known for its commitment to creating delicious, healthy meals. The company’s signature dish, Qdoba Brown Rice, is one of the brand’s most popular menu offerings.

This can be easily prepared in minutes, making it an ideal option for those who are short on time. Plus, it’s a great option for those watching their waistlines due to its low-calorie content and healthy ingredients.

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s both delicious and good for you, then look no further than Qdoba Brown Rice! Follow the steps below to make this tasty dish and enjoy it with your friends and family.

Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Want more rice recipes? Check these:

What is Qdoba Brown Rice?

Qdoba Brown Rice is a healthy and delicious side dish that combines long-grain brown rice with vegetables like tomatoes and sweet peas. It’s often served as an accompaniment to other Mexican-inspired dishes.

This is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients – making it the perfect dish for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal. Qdoba Brown Rice is also very budget-friendly and contains plenty of vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making it an ideal dish for those who are trying to watch their waistlines. This makes it one of Qdoba’s healthiest menu items and a popular choice for many diners.

What does it taste like?

Qdoba Brown Rice has a savory and earthy flavor. The chicken stock adds a depth of flavor that compliments the nutty taste of the avocado oil, while the tomatoes, jalapenos (optional), and sweet peas add a burst of freshness to it.

The dish is mildly spiced but can be adjusted depending on your preference. If you want a more flavorful dish, feel free to add additional spices like cumin or chili powder. You can also adjust the amount of jalapenos depending on how much heat you want in the dish.

How did I first get introduced to the Qdoba Brown Rice?

I was first introduced to Qdoba Brown Rice when I visited the restaurant for lunch one day. It was served as a side dish and it immediately caught my eye with its vibrant colors and flavors. After tasting it, I knew I had to recreate the dish at home.

Since then, I’ve been making this dish on a regular basis. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick to make and tastes delicious. Plus, it’s healthy and everyone in my family loves it!

The first time I made the dish, I followed an online recipe that was very similar to the one served at Qdoba. However, over the years I’ve adapted it slightly to make it my own. I’ve increased the amount of tomatoes and sweet peas to give it more flavor, as well as reduced the amount of jalapenos so that the dish is not too spicy for my younger family members.

I love serving Qdoba Brown Rice with other Mexican-inspired dishes like burritos or tacos. It’s a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal and it’s always a hit with my guests. Plus, I’m able to whip up the dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.

Overall, Qdoba Brown Rice is one of my favorite recipes to make. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and always leaves everyone satisfied. If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, then this is definitely the dish for you!

You May Also Like These Dinner Recipes:

How to make Qdoba Brown Rice?

Making Qdoba Brown Rice is easy and only requires a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Ingredients

  • Avocado oil: This oil adds a nutty and mild flavor to the dish.
  • Chicken Stock: The chicken stock adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Water: This is used to help cook the rice more evenly.
  • Chopped Onion: This adds flavor and crunch to your dish. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference.
  • Jalapenos (Optional): This adds a bit of spice to the dish. If you are not a fan of spicy foods, you can skip this ingredient.
  • Salt: This ingredient is used to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients. Be sure to use it sparingly as too much will make the dish too salty.
  • Brown Rice: This is the main ingredient for the dish. Be sure to use a type of brown rice that cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy.
  • Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
  • Sweet Peas: These are an optional ingredient, but they add a nice sweetness to the dish.
Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapenos (optional). Cook for 5 minutes or until soft.

Step 2

Put chicken stock, water, brown rice and salt in the pot. Heat it until it boils, then lower the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook around 27-30 minutes until the liquid is all gone.

Step 3

After the rice is done cooking, put in the tomatoes and sweet peas. Stir to combine then cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Turn off the heat and allow the Qdoba Brown Rice to sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve it hot with your favorite sides or toppings such as sour cream or guacamole.

Tips

  • Toasting the rice in the avocado oil before adding the other ingredients will help to bring out more flavor.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of jalapenos or skip them altogether.
  • You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrients.
  • You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish heartier.
  • Be sure to let the Qdoba Brown Rice rest for five minutes before serving. This will help ensure that all of the flavors and textures have time to blend together.
Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe
Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe

Qdoba Mexican Eats is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded by Anthony Miller in 1995. The company offers a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and more. In recent years, Qdoba has become known for its commitment to creating delicious, healthy meals. The company’s signature dish, Qdoba Brown Rice, is one of the brand’s most popular menu offerings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Qdoba Brown Rice Recipe
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 281kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • stirrer

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 2 ½ cups of low sodium chicken stock to cook
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 3 peeled and chopped onion
  • chopped jalapenos This one is totally optional
  • Kosher salt and ground white pepper
  • 1 ½ cup Brown Rice
  • 3 medium fresh tomatoes
  • 1 cup Sweet Peas

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapenos (optional). Cook for 5 minutes or until soft.
  • Put chicken stock, water, brown rice and salt in the pot. Heat it until it boils, then lower the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook around 27-30 minutes until the liquid is all gone.
  • After the rice is done cooking, put in the tomatoes and sweet peas. Stir to combine then cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and allow the Qdoba Brown Rice to sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve it hot with your favorite sides or toppings such as sour cream or guacamole.

Video

Notes

  • Toasting the rice in the avocado oil before adding the other ingredients will help to bring out more flavor.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of jalapenos or skip them altogether.
  • You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrients.
  • You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish heartier.
  • Be sure to let the Qdoba Brown Rice rest for five minutes before serving. This will help ensure that all of the flavors and textures have time to blend together.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Information

Benefits of Eating Qdoba Brown Rice

Qdoba Brown Rice is not only delicious and easy to make, it also has some great health benefits. Some of these include:

  • Low in Calories – This dish contains fewer than 250 calories per serving, making it a great option for those looking to cut down on their caloric intake.
  • High in Fiber – The brown rice and vegetables contained in this dish are high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those trying to maintain a healthy digestive system.
  • Rich in Nutrients – This dish is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
  • Heart Healthy – The avocado oil used in this recipe is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

What to serve with Qdoba Brown Rice?

Here are some ideas of what to serve with Qdoba Brown Rice:

  • A side salad
  • Refried beans
  • Sliced avocados
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Guacamole or salsa
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Tortilla chips and cheese dip
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Lime wedges for squeezing over the dish

How to store leftover Qdoba Brown Rice?

Leftover Qdoba Brown Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated throughout. You may need to add additional water or chicken stock to the rice if it is dry.

Alternatively, you can store leftover Qdoba Brown Rice in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or chicken stock. Stir until heated throughout and serve hot.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Qdoba Brown Rice. The dish is packed with healthy ingredients like brown rice, tomatoes, sweet peas, and onions that are all safe for expectant mothers to consume.

Additionally, this does not contain any added sugars or preservatives which are often discouraged during pregnancy. Before eating this dish or any other recipe, it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for specific advice regarding your individual nutritional needs.

It’s also important to follow the food safety guidelines that are recommended for pregnant women such as avoiding undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs, and unpasteurized juices. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you and your baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy.

FAQs 

Is Qdoba Brown Rice healthy?

Yes, Qdoba Brown Rice is a very healthy dish. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, tomatoes, sweet peas, and onions that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. The recipe also does not contain any added sugars or preservatives which makes it even healthier.

Can I customize Qdoba Brown Rice?

Yes, you can customize the dish to your preference. You can adjust the amount of jalapenos depending on how spicy you want the dish to be or add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more variety. You can also add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish heartier.

Can I use white rice instead of brown?

Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown if you prefer. However, it is important to note that white rice does not provide as many nutrients and vitamins as brown rice does. Additionally, white rice typically takes less time to cook than brown so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make Qdoba Brown Rice vegan by omitting the chicken stock and using vegetable stock instead. You can also add cooked tofu or tempeh instead of chicken or seafood for an additional source of plant-based protein.

Wrapping Up

Qdoba Brown Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, tomatoes, sweet peas, and onions that are full of vitamins and minerals.

This does not contain any added sugars or preservatives which makes it a healthier option. Plus, you can customize the dish to your preference with additional vegetables or protein sources.

Thank you for checking out the Qdoba Brown Rice recipe. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish! Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. 

You Might Also Like These Recipes!

Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating