Name: Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a side dish that brightens any meal with very little effort? This Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) is about to become your new favorite kitchen secret. Imagine fluffy, fragrant grains infused with zesty lemon, savory broth, and fresh herbs—each forkful bursting with Mediterranean sunshine. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted chicken or colorful veggie skewers, this rice delivers unforgettable flavor with pantry staples. Get ready to bring a taste of Greece to your table in just over half an hour!

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple but delicious! Each ingredient in this Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) plays an important part, from layering savory depth to adding vibrant color and zest. The magic is how these everyday staples create a dish that tastes like something special from your favorite Mediterranean restaurant.

Long-grain white rice or basmati rice: Choose a rice that stays fluffy and separate when cooked—no mushy rice here!
Olive oil: A true foundation of Greek cuisine, it adds a fruity, silken touch as it coats every grain.
Onion (diced): The sweet, mellow base for your rice; sauté until perfectly soft for subtle sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves fill the kitchen with irresistible aroma and earthiness.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Swap water for rich, full-bodied broth, and your rice will have 10x more flavor.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Don’t skip fresh! It makes the whole dish sing with clean, bright acidity.
Lemon zest: The secret weapon—zest adds fragrance and an extra pop of citrus without any bitterness.
Fresh parsley or dill (chopped): Tossing in herbs at the end brings color and a final layer of freshness.
Salt: Dial it up or down to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the citrus zing.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes)

Step 1: Preparation

First things first: rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This easy step reduces excess starch, so your Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) comes out fluffy and each grain stands on its own. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent. This creates a delicious base layer that both seasons the oil and infuses your rice with mellow, savory flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Stir the rinsed rice into the pan with your sautéed aromatics. Let it toast gently for one to two minutes, stirring often. This process allows each grain to absorb some olive oil and take on a subtle nutty note—just a hint of extra depth that makes the finished dish irresistible.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Lemon

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the fresh lemon juice and zest. Gently stir all the flavors together. Already you’ll notice the kitchen filling with fresh, citrusy aroma—this is what truly sets the Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) apart from plain rice.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to peek—you want all that moisture trapped inside!

Step 6: Fluff and Garnish

Take the pan off the heat and let your rice rest, still covered, for about five minutes. This lets the grains finish steaming and set up for perfect fluffiness. Fluff gently with a fork, then fold in the chopped fresh herbs, plus salt and pepper to taste. The rice turns lively green and smells heavenly!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes)

Garnishes

Bring your Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) to life with a handful of finishing touches—think extra parsley or dill, more lemon zest, or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese is also fabulous if you love a little creamy-salty contrast.

Side Dishes

This rice plays well with so many mains! Try it alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, baked fish, or roasted vegetables. Its fresh, citrusy profile balances rich proteins and makes vibrant salads or Greek-style mezze feel like a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Mound the rice in a shallow bowl and top with charred veggies, spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves, or use it as a bed for lemon-oregano shrimp. Every version keeps the Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover rice promptly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, and the lemon flavor actually gets even more pronounced overnight—making tomorrow’s lunch extraordinary!

Freezing

To freeze, let the rice cool completely before portioning into a zip-top freezer bag or freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick-fix side, your Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) is waiting, just as vibrant as day one.

Reheating

Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice before reheating, then pop it in the microwave or toss gently in a skillet over low heat. The added moisture revives each grain, bringing your lemony, herby rice back to life without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome option, just be sure to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth (check your brown rice package for guidance) as it takes longer to become tender. The lemon and herb flavors still shine brightly with brown rice.

Is the Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. To make it vegan, simply ensure your broth and garnishes (skip the feta) are plant-based. It’s a versatile recipe that fits many tables and occasions!

Can I add vegetables or proteins to this rice?

Definitely! Peas, chopped spinach, or even finely diced carrots can be stirred in with the herbs at the end. For extra protein, try tossing in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chickpeas for a complete meal.

Why is rinsing the rice so important?

Rinsing removes surface starch, which means you’ll get individual, fluffy grains instead of gummy, clumped rice. It’s a tiny step with a big payoff for texture—and helps give the Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) its signature look and feel.

What’s the difference between using parsley and dill?

Both herbs add freshness, but parsley brings a grassy brightness while dill offers a delicate, almost sweet herbal aroma. Feel free to use one, the other, or a mix—either way, your rice will taste uniquely Greek and wonderfully aromatic.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a bright, simple side dish that feels special without any fuss, give this Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) a try. It’s a ray of sunshine for any mealtime, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and flavorful homemade Mediterranean rice can be!

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The bright citrusy flavors of lemon combined with fragrant herbs make this dish a standout addition to any meal.

Instructions

Preparation: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This ensures your rice comes out fluffy and not sticky.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the oil and take on a slightly nutty flavor.
Add Liquid and Lemon: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped fresh herbs. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For added freshness, you can squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the rice before serving.
This rice pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek