Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring aromatic long-grain rice cooked with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and oregano. Light, tangy, and perfectly tender, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile staple in Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long-grain rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring, to lightly toast the grains and enhance their flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed completely.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes to finish steaming and absorb any remaining moisture.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve warm as a bright, zesty side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer, creamier flavor.
- This rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables.
- Adjust salt to your taste, especially if using broth with higher sodium content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
