Name: Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s as bright and zesty as it is comforting, this Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) will absolutely steal the show. Imagine fluffy grains of rice infused with citrusy lemon, fresh herbs, and hints of garlic—all ready in just over half an hour. This recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table fast, and it’s perfect for pairing with nearly everything, from roasted chicken to veggie platters. Each spoonful is vibrant, tangy, and deliciously aromatic—once you try it, you’ll want it as a staple in your kitchen!

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) are all about simplicity, freshness, and letting each flavor shine. Every component, from the fragrant rice to punchy lemon juice, helps build the irresistible flavor and feather-light texture that make this dish so craveable.

Rice: Long-grain white rice or basmati rice gives you the perfect fluffy texture without getting sticky.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors; use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
Onion: Diced small, onion brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tart lemon.
Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, offer a subtle savory depth.
Chicken or vegetable broth: This replaces water for cooking and adds tons of savory flavor to every bite.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Absolutely essential for that signature tang and brightness; bottled just doesn’t deliver the same zing.
Lemon zest: Ramps up the lemony aroma and brings layers to the citrus flavor.
Fresh parsley or dill: A generous finish of herbs gives beautiful color and garden-fresh fragrance—choose your favorite!
Salt: Adjust to taste, but don’t skip it—it’s key for rounding out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balances all the freshness.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes)

Step 1: Prep the Rice

Start by thoroughly rinsing your rice under cold water. This small step makes a big difference—it rinses off excess starch that can make rice gummy, setting you up for a perfectly light and non-sticky Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes).

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the magic starts as the base flavors come together, infusing the oil and rice to follow.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Stir the rinsed rice into the pan, making sure every grain is coated with the golden olive oil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds a gentle, nutty flavor and builds the foundation for ultra-fluffy grains in the final dish.

Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Give everything a good stir—this is when the kitchen really fills with that wonderful citrus-herb aroma that signals Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) is underway!

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. After about 15–20 minutes, most of the liquid will have been absorbed and the rice will be perfectly tender.

Step 6: Fluff and Finish

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes—this helps the grains firm up and finish steaming. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then add the fresh parsley or dill, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm and bask in the lemony aroma!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes)

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill), a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper, and maybe a sprinkling of extra lemon zest really take this dish to the next level. These simple garnishes keep everything bright, green, and elegant.

Side Dishes

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with classic favorites like grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or Greek-style roasted veggies. It’s the perfect, flavorful bed for baked fish or hearty stews too.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the rice onto a platter and build a colorful Mediterranean-inspired spread—think grilled halloumi, sliced cucumbers, olives, and roasted tomatoes. Or serve it in small bowls topped with extra herbs for a cozy side that looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes) stores beautifully. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the rice cool completely, then freeze it in airtight bags or containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve that signature lemony brightness.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth before warming in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. This helps restore moisture and keeps each grain fluffy and fresh. Stir in a little extra lemon juice or fresh herbs to wake up the flavors!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but plan for a longer cooking time and a slightly chewier texture. The lemon and herbs will still shine through, making it a wholesome variation of Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes)!

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to zest only the yellow outer layer—avoid the bitter white pith. Fresh lemon zest delivers the brightest, most aromatic results.

Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely—just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The olive oil, citrus, and fresh herbs keep the dish lively and 100% plant-based.

Can I add other herbs or vegetables?

Definitely! Chopped green onions, mint, or even a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end can add extra layers of flavor and nutrition to your Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes).

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice or basmati rice are preferred for their fluffy, separate grains. Both absorb flavors well and keep the right texture for this vibrant Greek side.

Final Thoughts

Bring sunshine and a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with Greek Lemon Rice Recipe (35-Minutes). It’s quick, bursting with fresh flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews!