This Greek Lemon Rice is a light, fluffy, and aromatic Mediterranean side dish infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. A perfect complement to grilled meats, seafood, or salads, this zesty rice dish brings bright, refreshing flavors to any meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a taste of Greece in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and flavorful – Fresh lemon juice and zest add a refreshing tang.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together in just 25 minutes.
- Versatile side dish – Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, seafood, lamb, or vegetables.
- Light and fluffy texture – Cooked in broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegan and gluten-free – A healthy, wholesome addition to any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly toasted.
- Pour in the broth, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Extra Herby – Add fresh dill or basil for more Mediterranean flavors.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Nutty Flavor – Stir in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Creamy Texture – Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly dish.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add ½ cup extra broth.
2. What’s the best broth to use?
Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding peas, bell peppers, or spinach.
5. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
6. How do I make it more savory?
Add ½ teaspoon cumin or turmeric for deeper flavors.
7. Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then cook in a rice cooker with the broth and seasonings.
8. What proteins pair well with this dish?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, lamb, or chickpeas.
9. How do I make it oil-free?
Use a nonstick pan and cook the onions with a little vegetable broth instead of oil.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot.
Conclusion
This Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice is an easy, zesty, and aromatic side dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Whether paired with grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, its bright citrus and herb flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal. Try it today for a quick and healthy side dish!
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Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Lemon Rice is a zesty, aromatic Mediterranean side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or fresh salads. Made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and fluffy long-grain rice, this easy 25-minute recipe brings a burst of sunshine to your plate!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft.
- Stir in garlic and oregano, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice
- Add long-grain rice and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics.
- Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Finish with Lemon & Herbs
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra depth, toast the rice for 1-2 minutes before adding broth.
- Make it richer by adding a pat of butter before serving.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
