Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe Ready in 35 Minutes

This Easy Greek Lemon Rice is bright, zesty, and oh-so-simple to make! With just a few ingredients like rice, lemon, and herbs, you’re in for a tasty side dish that’s ready in 35 minutes.

It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, making dinner a breeze. Honestly, I love how the fresh lemon flavor makes everything feel a bit fancy without the fuss! 🍋

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Long-grain white rice: This rice gives a lovely texture. If you want more fiber, brown rice is a good substitute, but it will take longer to cook.

Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth adds great flavor, but store-bought is fine for convenience. I often keep a low-sodium version on hand to control salt levels.

Olive oil: This gives a nice base flavor. You can switch to butter for a richer taste or even use coconut oil for a different touch, especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh gives the best taste! I like to zest lemons as I use them to maximize flavor.

Herbs: Fresh parsley is wonderful, but you can use other herbs like dill or mint for a unique twist. Dried herbs can also work; just reduce the amount since they’re stronger in flavor.

How Do You Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?

Cooking rice can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! The main thing is to rinse the rice first; this removes excess starch so the grains don’t stick together.

• After rinsing, toasting the rice in olive oil helps enhance its flavor. Stir for a few minutes until it’s lightly golden.
• When adding the broth, make sure it’s at a rolling boil before covering and reducing the heat. This ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on while it cooks helps create steam and keeps the rice fluffy.
• Let it rest after cooking. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid, making it light and fluffy.

Easy Greek Lemon Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Greek Lemon Rice can be made in just 35 minutes! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes on prep and about 25 minutes cooking and resting the rice. It’s a quick way to add something fresh and delicious to your meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water in a sieve or fine mesh strainer. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps the rice cook up fluffy. Once rinsed, drain the rice well.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

3. Toast the Rice:

Next, add the drained rice to the pan. Stir the rice in the oil and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes. You want it to get lightly toasted, as this adds more flavor.

4. Add Broth and Seasoning:

Now, pour in the chicken broth, add the lemon zest, and sprinkle on the dried oregano. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Stir everything together briefly.

5. Cook the Rice:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let it cook for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

6. Let It Rest:

Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice finish cooking and makes it fluffier.

7. Add Flavor Enhancements:

After the 5 minutes, carefully uncover and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Fluff and Serve:

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve it warm as a delightful side dish. Enjoy your bright and flavorful Easy Greek Lemon Rice!

FAQ for Easy Greek Lemon Rice

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthy alternative, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes. Use 2 1/2 cups of broth and follow the same steps!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?