Name: Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty, and utterly comforting side dish, Greek Lemon Rice is truly a must-try. Picture tender rice with a shimmer of olive oil, brightened by a punch of lemon juice and zest, laced with aromatic garlic and onion, and finished with a scatter of fresh parsley. It captures the sunny, tangy spirit of the Mediterranean in every forkful. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, fish, or simply enjoying it on its own, Greek Lemon Rice fits almost any meal and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Lemon Rice lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one balancing flavor, aroma, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip on why each is essential for results you’ll crave.

Long-grain white rice: The foundation of the dish; rinsing keeps it light and fluffy, never sticky.
Olive oil: Infuses a rich, fruity base note and helps every grain stay beautifully separated.
Onion: Adds depth and subtle sweetness as it softens in the oil.
Garlic: Delivers fragrant warmth; mince it finely for the most even flavor distribution.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory backdrop—use vegetable broth to easily make this vegetarian.
Fresh lemon juice: The vibrant star; squeeze your own for the brightest, freshest taste.
Lemon zest: Packs an extra punch of lemony aroma that elevates the entire dish.
Salt: Balances flavors and sharpens every fresh note in the rice.
Black pepper: A little heat to round things out—freshly cracked is always best.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fragrant, herbaceous finish just before serving.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, and let it gently sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently and cook just until the onion softens and turns translucent—a perfectly mellow base for what’s next. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, making sure you don’t let it brown (a quick stir is all you need). The fragrances filling your kitchen will have everyone peeking in to see what’s cooking!

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add your rinsed long-grain white rice directly to the saucepan. Stir well to coat each grain in the glistening olive oil and onion mixture. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes; this gives each grain wonderful flavor and ensures a fluffy finish. You’ll start to notice a subtle, nutty aroma—it’s your signal to move ahead.

Step 3: Add Broth and Lemon

Now pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version), fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the salt and black pepper. Give the whole mixture a gentle stir, scraping the bottom to loosen any flavorful bits. Bring everything to a boil—this is where the magic starts and those bold citrus notes come alive in the steaming broth.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, lower the heat to its calmest simmer. Cover the pan securely and let the Greek Lemon Rice cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—the trapped steam is working hard to make your rice tender and flavorful. Once the liquid has disappeared and the rice is fluffy, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for an extra five minutes. This little rest makes a big difference in texture.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Uncover the pan and use a fork to fluff the Greek Lemon Rice gently. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and one last layer of aroma. Serve immediately while it’s warm and full of sunshine.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Rice

Garnishes

A simple handful of extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a few crumbles of feta cheese transforms Greek Lemon Rice into a visually stunning and flavorful centerpiece. For extra vibrancy, add a few lemon slices on the side.

Side Dishes

Greek Lemon Rice is a champion side dish for grilled meats, kebabs, roasted vegetables, or classic Greek salads. Try pairing it with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or juicy lamb souvlaki—its citrusy tang balances hearty proteins-like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Greek Lemon Rice into individual bowls for a casual family meal, or serve it in a wide, shallow platter garnished with herbs and lemon slices for festive dinner parties. For a special touch, fill roasted bell peppers or hollowed tomatoes with the rice and bake until warm and golden on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the rice to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Greek Lemon Rice will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Don’t forget to fluff with a fork before serving leftovers!

Freezing

Leftover portions can be frozen easily. Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers (flatten for even freezing). It should keep for up to two months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat Greek Lemon Rice on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Re-fluff with a fork and refresh with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parsley before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just know that brown rice will require a longer simmer time (usually 35–40 minutes), and you may need a bit more liquid. The result is a slightly nuttier version that’s equally delicious.

Is there a way to make this dish entirely vegan?

Yes, simply swap in vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Greek Lemon Rice still bursts with flavor and becomes a wonderful vegan option for any spread.

What type Side Dish

Long-grain white rice is ideal for the classic texture—light, fluffy, and separate grains. However, in a pinch, basmati or jasmine rice can also work, though they’ll add their own unique aromas.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers blend deliciously into Greek Lemon Rice. Add them with the broth so they cook gently along with the rice.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Be sure to rinse the rice to remove surface starch, use the proper ratio of liquid, and avoid stirring too much during cooking. Letting the rice rest covered after cooking helps it stay fluffy.

Final Thoughts

Ready for a bright twist on your usual side? This Greek Lemon Rice is a kitchen staple you’ll turn to again and again—easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of feel-good flavors. Give it a try, and you might just find it sneaking onto every menu you create from now on!

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mediterranean dishes. The combination of lemon zest, juice, and fresh parsley gives this rice a bright and zesty flavor that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic and Rice: Stir in the minced garlic, then add the rinsed rice and cook to coat with oil.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Add Parsley: Stir in chopped parsley before serving.