Description
How to make fluffy Greek Lemon Rice with fragrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and savory broth that’s perfectly flavorful and ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base/Main Components:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked (e.g., Basmati or Jasmine)
- 3 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium lemons
- Flavor Builders:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for stirring in)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (for stirring in)
- 1 large bay leaf
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Finishing & Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium pot. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let garlic brown; this builds the flavor base for your Greek Lemon Rice.
- Add Rice & Broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, ensuring it’s coated. Pour in vegetable broth, lemon zest, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This prepares the rice for cooking.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid; this traps steam for perfectly fluffy Greek Lemon Rice. The rice will absorb the liquid.
- Rest & Fluff: After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and finish cooking. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- Stir in Freshness: Gently fold in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and dill. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring your Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes) is vibrant and perfectly balanced. This adds a burst of flavor.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the fluffy Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes) to a serving dish. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, dill, and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful side dish!
Notes
Resist lifting the lid during simmering to trap steam for perfectly fluffy rice.
Store leftover Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Use long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine to avoid sticky, mushy short-grain rice.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Chop onion, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs a day or two ahead for quick prep.
Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear to prevent clumping and ensure separate grains.
**Allergy Information:** None