Light and Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice for Every Occasion Recipe

Introduction

This light and flavorful Greek lemon rice is a perfect side dish for any meal. With bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs, it complements everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
2. Step 2: Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 1 minute to enhance its texture and nutty flavor.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian and still full of flavor.
• For extra texture, stir in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried if available, adding it at the end of cooking for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently in a covered saucepan or microwave to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, basmati or jasmine rice work best for their fragrance and texture, but long grain white rice generally works well too. Avoid short grain rice as it tends to be stickier.

What can I serve this Greek lemon rice with?

This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, or Greek-inspired dishes like gyro or souvlaki. It also makes a great base for a grain bowl.

Light and Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice for Every Occasion Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 103 reviews

A light and flavorful Greek lemon rice recipe perfect for any occasion. This simple yet aromatic dish features toasted long grain rice simmered with lemon juice, zest, oregano, and savory broth, resulting in a tender, fluffy rice with a bright citrusy punch. Ideal as a side for Mediterranean meals or as a standalone vegetarian option.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pot, stirring well to coat it in the olive oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 1 minute to enhance its texture and flavor.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight lid, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
5. Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
6. Season and Garnish: Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and color.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Be careful not to brown the garlic when sautéing to prevent bitterness.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure even steam cooking.
• This rice pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and fresh flavor.

Keywords: Greek lemon rice, lemon rice recipe, Greek side dish, lemon flavored rice, easy rice recipe, Mediterranean rice, lemon zest rice