Description
Greek Lemon Rice turns simple ingredients into a zesty side dish that brightens up dinner plates. Creamy rice infused with tangy lemon and aromatic herbs makes this Mediterranean classic a total crowd-pleaser that feels like sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups (530ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ medium yellow onion
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Garnish and Optional:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan at medium temperature (350°F). Sauté ½ chopped yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until transparent and soft.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds, ensuring they release flavor without burning.
- Pour 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice into the pan. Toast rice in oil for 1-2 minutes, allowing grains to become slightly golden and separate.
- Add 2 ¼ cups (530ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the rice. Stir thoroughly to combine ingredients.
- Increase heat until mixture reaches a gentle boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
- Remove saucepan from heat after 18-20 minutes. Let rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and achieve perfect texture.
- Uncover and fluff rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley across the surface.
- Serve warm with optional lemon wedges on the side for extra zesty flavor.
Notes
- Check rice doneness by tasting a few grains, ensuring they’re tender but not mushy or crunchy.
- Toast rice briefly in oil to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus notes in the dish.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe completely vegetarian-friendly.
- Prep Time: 6-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23-25 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg