Introduction
This Greek Lemon Rice is bright, aromatic, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and fragrant herbs, it makes the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or a light vegetarian meal. Simple yet flavorful, this dish brings a fresh twist to classic rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the oil and onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a light main course.
Variations
-
Swap the Herbs for a Different Flavor Profile
If you don’t have fresh dill or parsley, try using fresh basil, cilantro, or even mint for a unique twist. Basil adds a mild sweetness, cilantro gives a more vibrant and slightly citrusy taste, while mint introduces a cooling contrast to the zesty lemon. -
Add a Protein for a Complete Meal
Turn this into a hearty one-bowl meal by mixing in cooked shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas. Adding protein makes it more satisfying and a well-rounded dish, perfect for a light but filling dinner. -
Make it Creamy with a Mediterranean Twist
Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini before serving for a creamier texture. This will add richness while complementing the bright lemony flavors of the rice.
Cooking Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a small pat of butter or a drizzle of extra olive oil before serving.
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version with a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste add more for a tangier kick.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
-
Pair with Grilled or Roasted Proteins
This rice is a fantastic side for grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared salmon. The zesty and herbaceous flavors balance out rich, savory meats, making it a great complement to Mediterranean-style dishes. -
Serve Alongside Mediterranean Mezze
Make it part of a vibrant mezze spread with hummus, tzatziki, olives, pita bread, and fresh cucumber-tomato salad. The bright flavors of the rice add a refreshing contrast to creamy dips and hearty small bites. -
Stuff into Peppers or Wraps for a Fun Twist
Use this rice as a filling for bell peppers, grape leaves, or even a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. Add feta cheese and some kalamata olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
-
Adjust the Lemon to Taste
If you love bold citrus flavors, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice at the end before serving. For a milder lemon taste, reduce the amount slightly and let the herbs shine. -
Use Good-Quality Olive Oil
A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the rice. Drizzling a little more on top before serving can elevate the overall taste. -
Make it a Meal Prep Staple
This rice stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully. If meal prepping, store portions in airtight containers and refresh with a little lemon juice before serving.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg (varies based on broth used)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Brown rice takes longer to cook typically around 40-45 minutes. You may also need to add an extra ½ cup of vegetable broth to ensure it cooks properly. -
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
If you’re not vegetarian, you can use chicken broth for a richer flavor. Water can also be used, but the rice will have a milder taste consider adding an extra pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for more depth. -
How do I store and reheat Greek Lemon Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water or lemon juice over the rice and microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain moisture. -
Can I make this rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a rice cooker, use the same rice-to-liquid ratio and cook according to your machine’s instructions. For an Instant Pot, sauté the onions and garlic first, then add the rice and broth. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Conclusion
Greek Lemon Rice is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean meals. Whether served alongside grilled meats, incorporated into a mezze spread, or enjoyed on its own, this zesty rice is a delicious and versatile staple. With its fresh herbs and citrusy kick, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Greek Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Lemon Rice is bright, aromatic, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and fragrant herbs, it makes the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or a light vegetarian meal. Simple yet flavorful, this dish brings a fresh twist to classic rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the oil and onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a small pat of butter or a drizzle of extra olive oil before serving.
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version with a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste add more for a tangier kick.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg (varies with broth)
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Greek Lemon Rice, Lemon Herb Rice, Mediterranean Rice, Easy Greek Rice, Greek Side Dish