Greek Lemon Rice
Greek Lemon Rice is a light, flavorful side dish made with rice, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a Mediterranean staple that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetable dishes. The bright citrusy taste combined with aromatic garlic and herbs makes it a refreshing alternative to plain rice.
Time required:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Saute the Aromatics:
1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Toast the Rice:
1. Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat it in the oil.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted.
3. Cook the Rice:
1. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, and turmeric (if using).
2. Stir in the lemon zest and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Add Lemon & Finish:
1. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
1.Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.
2.Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, seafood, or vegetables.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Recipe Notes
Rice Variations: You can use jasmine rice, basmati, or even brown rice (increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes for brown rice).
More Flavor: Add ¼ cup white wine after sauteing the rice for extra depth.
Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Herbs: Fresh dill or mint also work well for added freshness.
Make It Ahead: Greek lemon rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Question Answers
1. What makes Greek lemon rice different from regular rice?
Greek lemon rice is cooked with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs like oregano or parsley, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s also often made with chicken or vegetable broth for extra depth.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! But brown rice takes longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes) and may need extra broth. The texture will be firmer compared to white rice.
3. Why is my lemon rice sticky?
Sticky rice can result from too much liquid or not rinsing the rice before cooking. Always rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.