Name: Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a bright and flavorful Mediterranean side dish that combines fluffy long-grain rice with zesty lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic garlic and onions. Perfectly simmered and garnished with parsley, this vegetarian dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or vegetables and offers a delicious way to brighten up any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Aromatics

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté the Onion: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice grains with the oil and aromatics, enhancing their flavor.
Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
You can substitute long-grain white rice with basmati rice for a more aromatic result.
This lemon rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.