Description
Greek Lemon Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring tender long-grain rice cooked with fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs. This bright and aromatic recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal accompaniment to Mediterranean meals like grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice (or basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps keep the rice from becoming too sticky once cooked. Drain the rice well.
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice with the onion and garlic, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the grains slightly helps develop a nuttier flavor and improves texture.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow it to steam and finish cooking. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Add fresh parsley and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Greek Lemon Rice warm as a bright, zesty side dish to your favorite main courses.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in crumbled feta cheese or sprinkle oregano for a more pronounced Mediterranean taste.
- This rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, as well as Mediterranean-style roasted vegetables.
- Adjust salt according to the broth’s sodium content to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
- Use basmati rice for a fragrant variation with a slightly different texture.
