Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe offers a bright and flavorful side dish with tender, fluffy rice infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Perfectly suited alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this simple stovetop recipe brings a fresh Mediterranean touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well, allowing it to absorb the flavors and lightly toast for about 2 minutes.
- Simmer with Lemon & Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently mix in the fresh parsley and dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegan.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds an authentic Greek flavor.
- Letting the rice rest covered after cooking allows it to steam and become fluffier.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to your personal taste.
- This rice pairs excellently with Mediterranean proteins like grilled chicken, lamb, or fish.
