Description
How to make bright, fluffy Greek Lemon Rice with fresh lemon juice and zest that’s ready in just 35 minutes and makes the perfect side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- The Rice & Liquids:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 1 cup water
- Aromatics & Fat:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Essential Zest & Juice:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- Herbs & Seasonings:
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Chop fresh dill and flat-leaf parsley. This foundational prep sets you up for perfectly fluffy Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes).
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Simmer Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, water, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Ensure everything is combined before covering tightly.
- Cook Rice: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and simmer for exactly 15 minutes without lifting it. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for fluffy Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes).
- Fluff & Finish: Uncover the pot and gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork, separating the grains. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and parsley. This final touch brings vibrant, zesty flavor to your Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes).
- Garnish & Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your perfect Greek Lemon Rice with extra fresh dill and parsley. Serve warm as a delightful, zesty side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy this simple recipe!
Notes
Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent gluey texture. Do not lift lid or skip the 5-minute covered resting period for ultimate fluffiness.
Store cooled Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice, zest, dill, and parsley; dried substitutes lack vibrancy.
Serve warm as a vibrant side dish, excellent with grilled chicken, fish, or hearty lamb chops.
**Allergy Information:** Gluten, Soy