Ingredients for Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes)

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice: The foundation for this fluffy side dish, ensuring a light and separate texture. Rinse thoroughly to prevent stickiness.
• 3 cups vegetable broth: Provides the savory liquid base, infusing the rice with depth and flavor. Use low-sodium to control seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing aromatics and toasting the rice, building a flavorful foundation. Choose a good quality extra virgin.
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced: Creates an aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor. Dice finely for even cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the rice with a pungent, savory layer, complementing the lemon beautifully. Mince fresh for maximum impact.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Swirled in at the end for extra richness and a silky texture. Use unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient delivering the vibrant, zesty Greek lemon flavor. Always use fresh-squeezed for best results.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the bright, aromatic lemon essence without adding extra liquid. Zest before juicing for ease.
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped: A classic Greek herb, providing a fresh, anisy note that is indispensable for authentic flavor. Use fresh, not dried.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, herbaceous freshness and lovely green color, enhancing the dish’s appeal. Chop right before adding.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A traditional Greek seasoning that adds earthy, aromatic complexity. Rub between your palms to release its oils.
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in this Zesty Greek Lemon Rice. Adjust after tasting the broth.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick, rounding out the savory profile. Freshly grind for best aroma.
• Lemon wedges, for serving: Perfect for an extra squeeze of bright, fresh zestiness right before serving. A lovely garnish for presentation.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes)

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. This forms the flavorful base for your Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes).

Toast Rice:

Add the long-grain white rice to the pot with the aromatics. Stir well to coat the rice in the oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the rice grains start to become translucent. This toasting enhances the texture.

Simmer Perfection:

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer.

Cook Rice:

Let the Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes) simmer, covered, for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. The rice will absorb all the liquid and become tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Fold Flavors:

Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, unsalted butter, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley. Fold these vibrant ingredients into the warm rice until well combined.

Serve Fresh:

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your perfect Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes). Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy this delightful side dish!

How to Store Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes)

Once cooled, store leftover Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If left at room temperature too long, it can spoil quickly, losing its freshness and becoming unsafe to eat—a mistake I’ve learned from! Discard if it smells sour or looks slimy.

For make-ahead, you can prep the onion and garlic, and chop the herbs a day in advance. Cook the rice fresh on the day of serving for the best texture and flavor, adding lemon and herbs just before serving.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

What to Serve with Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes)

Serve this Zesty Greek Lemon Rice warm, straight from the pot. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges, making it perfect for any gathering. It’s a delightful side that you can pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or baked fish, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine. Enjoy this versatile dish!

My personal favorite way to serve this rice is alongside juicy lamb souvlaki. The bright, zesty lemon beautifully cuts through the richness of the lamb, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Zesty Greek Lemon Rice?

While you can substitute, brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, altering the recipe’s 35-minute promise. For best results, stick to long-grain white rice for that perfect fluffy texture, as I’ve found it truly shines here.

→ How do I prevent clumpy or dry Zesty Greek Lemon Rice?

The key is resisting the urge to lift the lid during simmering and allowing the rice to rest covered afterward. This traps steam, ensuring tender, fluffy grains. Trust me, I’ve learned that patience here truly makes a difference for perfect texture.

→ How long can I store leftover Zesty Greek Lemon Rice in the fridge?

You can safely store leftover Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always ensure it cools completely before storing to prevent spoilage, a mistake I’ve made myself when rushing cleanup.

→ Can I make this Zesty Greek Lemon Rice ahead or freeze it?

You can prep aromatics and chop herbs a day ahead. For the best texture and vibrant flavor, I recommend cooking the rice fresh, adding lemon and herbs just before serving. Freezing cooked rice is possible but can compromise texture.

→ How do I adjust this Greek Lemon Rice recipe for more or fewer servings?

To scale, simply double or halve all ingredients proportionally. Remember that cooking time might need slight adjustments, especially when doubling the recipe. Always check for liquid absorption and tenderness to get it just right.