Experience the vibrant flavors of Greek lemon rice, a classic Mediterranean dish that is packed full of flavor.
Fragrant Basmati rice is infused with tangy lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, creating a refreshing and aromatic side dish that perfectly complements a variety of main courses.
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Whether served alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian feast, this easy Greek lemon rice adds a burst of sunshine to any meal.
With its simple yet irresistible combination of flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire, transporting you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with every delicious spoonful.
This aromatic dish begins with fragrant basmati rice, cooked to perfection and infused with the vibrant zest of tangy lemon juice.
Enhanced with the subtle warmth of garlic and the fragrant notes of fresh herbs like parsley, each spoonful offers a delicious blend of flavors that dances on the palate.
Versatile and satisfying, Greek lemon rice serves as a delicious and simple accompaniment to a variety of main dishes, from succulent grilled fish to tender roasted chicken, or even as the star of a vegetarian feast.
Its vibrant citrusy profile adds a refreshing touch to any meal, evoking images of sunny Mediterranean landscapes and leisurely gatherings with loved ones.
What rice is best for Greek Lemon Rice?
The best rice for Greek lemon rice is typically a long-grain variety with a fluffy texture, such as basmati rice.
Basmati rice is known for its distinct aroma and light, separate grains when cooked, making it ideal for absorbing the flavors of the lemon and herbs in the dish.
Its slightly nutty flavor also complements the tangy lemon zest and juice well.
Basmati rice's ability to remain fluffy even when mixed with other ingredients makes it a popular choice for Greek lemon rice, ensuring a delicious texture and taste in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Greek lemon rice recipe is easy to make, and ready in no time.
- Perfect to enjoy on it’s own or as a side dish to other dishes, like grilled meats.
- Make this for those lazy weekends, busy weeknights, or even special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter.
- This recipe is budget friendly.
- Greek lemon rice is vegetarian friendly, vegan, and gluten free.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $4.75, or $1.18 a serve
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Basmati Rice: You could also use jasmine rice (this will give your rice a slightly stickier texture). If you use jasmine rice, cook the rice for about 20 minutes.
- Vegetable Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
- Minced Garlic
- Stock of Choice: You could use chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water.
- Lemon: You will need lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Salt
- Fresh Parsley Leaves: Roughly chopped. You can use flat or curly leaf parsley.
Instructions
This recipe for lemon rice serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: Rinse the basmati rice in room temperature water until the water runs clear. This should take about 2 to 3 rinses. After this, completely drain off all water.
Step Two: In a medium sized saucepan, heat the oil. Once hot add the chopped brown onion and fry until lightly browned and soft.
Then add the minced garlic and rice and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.
Step Three: Carefully place the stock (or water), lemon zest, and salt, in saucepan, stir to combine.
Make sure the rice sits flat along the bottom, and no rice is sticking to the bottom. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if desired.
Step Four: Turn up the heat and bring liquid to a boil. Once at a boil, stir the rice, and reduce heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.
Step Five: Once cooked, turn off heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step Six: Mix through the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve.
Tips for Success
- Before cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Take time to sauté the onions and garlic until they're soft and fragrant. This step adds to the flavor of the dish.
- Taste as you go and adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference. You want a balanced citrus flavor without it being too overpowering.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Greek lemon rice alongside grilled chicken skewers or grilled chicken breasts.
- Pair the lemon rice with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve the lemon rice as a side dish to a fresh Mediterranean salad topped with feta cheese, olives, cucumber, and red onion.
- Use the lemon rice as a filling for stuffed peppers along with ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Accompany the lemon rice with lamb gyros, tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread for a Greek-inspired feast.
- Pair the lemon rice with a seafood platter featuring grilled shrimp, calamari, and fish fillets seasoned with Mediterranean spices.
- Serve the lemon rice as part of a vegetarian mezze platter alongside hummus, falafel, grilled halloumi cheese, and stuffed grape leaves.
- Serve the lemon rice alongside lemon-herb roasted chicken for a cohesive flavor profile.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top of your rice.
Storage
This lemon rice recipe can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.
FAQ
Grilled vegetables, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Greek salad, or Falafel with tahini sauce are excellent vegetarian accompaniments to Greek lemon rice.
Complement Greek lemon rice with options like grilled chicken, lamb gyro, baked fish with lemon, or tofu souvlaki for a balanced meal.
You can enhance the flavor of Greek lemon rice with additions like fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic-infused oil, or toasted pine nuts for a flavorful touch without overpowering it.
Traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka, Souvlaki, Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), or Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) pair wonderfully with lemon rice.
Opt for gluten-free options like grilled shrimp, quinoa salad, Greek yogurt cucumber salad, or stuffed peppers with rice and vegetables to accompany Greek lemon rice.
What rice is used for what?
Ever wondered which might be the best rice to use for a dish you’re about to make.
Or maybe you’re just curious and want to know more about rice in general.
Why not check out our pages on what is basmati rice and what is jasmine rice.
Helpful Rice Cooking Tips
Want to know how to cook rice or just need a little refresher?
Check out how to easily cook basmati rice, sushi rice, and jasmine rice on the stovetop.
Or, why not check out our recipes on how to make basmati rice, jasmine rice, and sushi rice in the Instant Pot.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Greek Lemon Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams, 15.58 ounces) basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small (120 grams, 4.23 ounces) brown onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 ¼ cups (560 grams, 19.75 ounces) stock (e.g. vegetable stock or chicken stock) or water
- 2 ½ teaspoons (6 grams, 0.22 ounces) lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or to taste
- 1 ½ cups (30 grams, 1.06 ounces) fresh parsley leaves roughly chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in room temperature water until the water runs clear. This should take about 2 to 3 rinses. After this, completely drain off all water.
- In a medium sized saucepan, heat the oil. Once hot add the chopped brown onion and fry until lightly browned and soft. Then add the minced garlic and rice and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.
- Carefully place the stock (or water), lemon zest, and salt, in saucepan, stir to combine. Make sure the rice sits flat along the bottom, and no rice is sticking to the bottom. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if desired.
- Turn up the heat and bring liquid to a boil. Once at a boil, stir the rice, and reduce heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.
- Once cooked, turn off heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Mix through the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve.
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