Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe delivers fluffy, fragrant rice infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a light side dish or a complement to Greek and Mediterranean meals, it combines simple ingredients for a vibrant, fresh flavor with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice & Broth
- 1 cup medium-grain rice (Carolina or Calrose)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
Aromatics & Flavoring
- 2–3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 finely diced yellow or white onion
- 1–2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemons, and measure the rice and broth to have everything ready before cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a medium heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion and sauté gently for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the medium-grain rice to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly to coat the rice with olive oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until rice edges become slightly translucent.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in broth, then immediately add lemon juice and most of the lemon zest. Stir to combine, then add 1 teaspoon sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest the Rice: Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes to allow it to finish cooking and steam.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in fresh chopped dill or parsley. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Spoon the Greek Lemon Rice into bowls and optionally garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest for presentation.
Notes
- Use medium-grain rice such as Carolina or Calrose for ideal fluffy texture.
- Fresh lemons are essential to achieve vibrant lemon flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Do not stir the rice while it simmers to prevent mushiness.
- Letting the rice rest off the heat ensures perfect fluffiness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for authentic Greek flavor.
