Description

This Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice is a simple and zesty side dish perfect for any meal. Made with long-grain rice simmered in lemon juice, broth, and aromatic herbs, this recipe delivers bright, fresh flavors with a tender and fluffy texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy addition to your weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Rice and Broth

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Flavorings and Seasonings

1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse the rice: Place the long-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
Heat the broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth until it gently simmers, ensuring it’s hot when added to the rice.
Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot with garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with the garlic-infused oil.
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour simmering broth into the pot, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine evenly.
Simmer rice: Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all the liquid.
Steam and fluff: Remove pot from heat, keep covered for 5 more minutes to steam. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Rinsing the rice is essential to prevent it from becoming sticky and to achieve a fluffy texture.
Use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference for a richer or vegetarian option.
Do not brown the garlic as it can become bitter and overpower the flavor of the dish.
Adjust salt to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of your broth.
Allowing the rice to steam after cooking helps perfect the texture and enhances fluffiness.
This rice pairs wonderfully with Greek dishes such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Greek salad.