Tangy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe: A Sunny Mediterranean Delight

Tangy citrus notes dance through this classic Greek lemon rice recipe that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table.

Bright, zesty lemons infuse each fluffy grain with vibrant flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet stunning side dish.

Aromatic herbs and a splash of olive oil make this rice irresistibly delicious.

Every forkful transports you to a sun-drenched Greek island.

You’ll savor the perfect balance of richness and brightness in this comforting recipe.

Prepare to be amazed by how just a few ingredients can create such an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Greek Lemon Rice So Refreshing

• A beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for novice chefs looking to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Packed with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and warm spices, this rice dish delivers a vibrant and exciting taste experience that elevates a simple side dish.
• Super easy to prepare with just one pot, making it an ideal side for multiple main courses like grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• A nutritious alternative to store-bought rice mixes, allowing complete control over ingredients and seasoning while delivering a delicious, wholesome meal option.

What You Need for Greek Lemon Rice

• Rice: A fluffy base that will absorb all the delicious Mediterranean flavors.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking foundation with authentic Greek character.
• Broth: Adds depth and moisture to create perfectly cooked rice.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright and tangy citrus notes to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a fragrant and flavorful starting point for the rice.
• Fresh Herbs, Oregano: Contribute classic Greek herbal notes and freshness.
• Cumin, Turmeric: Offer warm and earthy undertones to the rice.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Butter, Fresh Lemon Juice: Provide a final layer of richness and brightness to complete the dish.
• Lemon Zest: Adds an intense citrus aroma and flavor to the rice.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Avoid browning the ingredients.

Step 2: Toast Rice

Add rice and lemon zest to the pan.

Stir continuously for one minute to release a subtle nutty flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• Broth
• Lemon juice
• Fresh herbs
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Check at 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Rest and Finish Rice

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.

This allows steam to complete cooking without making rice mushy.

Fluff with a fork to separate grains.

Optional: Stir in butter and add a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra richness.

Tips to Cook the Best Greek Lemon Rice

• Gently stir rice with lemon zest for 1 minute to unlock a subtle nutty flavor and enhance overall taste profile.
• Let rice rest covered for 10 minutes after cooking, allowing steam to gently finish cooking without turning grains soggy.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for vibrant, bright flavor that complements the lemony notes in the dish.
• Maintain low heat after initial boil to ensure rice cooks evenly and absorbs liquid without burning or sticking.
• Optional butter addition at the end creates a luxurious, creamy texture that elevates the entire rice preparation.

Save and Reheat Greek Lemon Rice Properly

• Store leftover Greek lemon rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Revive cold rice in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Stir gently over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to restore the original zesty flavor.

Tasty Pairings for Greek Lemon Rice

Savor Zesty Mediterranean Companions

• Pair with Grilled Protein: Complement the bright lemon rice with succulent grilled chicken or tender lamb chops seasoned with similar Mediterranean herbs for a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to balance the rice's tangy profile and add refreshing textures.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko or Santorini wine from Greece, whose mineral notes and citrusy undertones perfectly mirror the lemon rice's vibrant character.
• Enhance with Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle cool, creamy tzatziki over the rice to provide a smooth contrast and add an extra layer of traditional Greek culinary complexity.

Ways to Add Variety to Greek Lemon Rice

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace standard herbs with a blend of fresh dill, mint, and parsley for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetable Power Rice: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach during the onion sautéing stage to create a more nutritious and colorful rice dish.
• Protein-Packed Version: Stir in cooked chickpeas or crumbled feta cheese after the rice finishes cooking for added protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Confirm all broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Why wash rice before cooking?

Washing removes excess starch, prevents clumping, and helps rice cook more evenly with a fluffy texture.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best, but you can substitute with basmati or jasmine rice for similar results.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are acceptable, but use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs to maintain proper flavor intensity.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth or stock.

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sunlight-kissed Greek lemon rice brings Mediterranean zest to your dinner table, dancing with tangy brightness and herbal whispers. Crumbled feta and fresh dill elevate this simple side dish, promising a quick escape to coastal Greece with each comforting spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons organic lemon zest
• 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch turmeric
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for serving)
• Extra lemon juice (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes glossy. Add chopped onions and garlic, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and aromatic, maintaining a translucent appearance without browning.
2. Incorporate washed rice and lemon zest into the pan, stirring for approximately one minute to enhance the rice’s nutty undertones and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour broth, lemon juice, fresh herbs, cumin, oregano, and turmeric into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then stir thoroughly. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This steaming process ensures even cooking without compromising texture. Uncover and delicately separate rice grains using a fork. Optional: Incorporate a tablespoon of butter for enhanced richness and finish with an additional lemon juice squeeze for brightness.

Notes

• Toasting rice briefly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and prevents clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire dish’s brightness.
• Opt for long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for the best texture and fluffiness, ensuring each grain remains distinct and tender.
• Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete, nutritious meal with minimal extra effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg