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How To Make Lemon Rice: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Fluffy Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a Greek-inspired pilaf that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish with bright, zesty flavor and fluffy texture. This easy recipe uses pantry staples and fresh lemons to create a comforting and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work great)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and zest and juice your lemons.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps the rice grains stay separate and adds a nutty flavor.
  4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then add the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
  5. Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.
  6. Transfer the lemon rice to a serving bowl, garnish with additional herbs and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for best flavor, toast rice before adding liquid to prevent mushiness, let rice rest covered after cooking for even moisture, adjust lemon juice to taste, and it reheats well for meal prep.