Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Rice is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of Mediterranean meals. With zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, this rice is both simple to prepare and delightfully refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Optional: fresh dill, crumbled feta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Pour in the broth, then add oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, chopped parsley, and fresh dill if using.
7. Step 7: Fluff the rice with a fork. Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the rice well before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Fresh dill adds a traditional Greek touch but can be substituted with fresh mint or basil.

Storage

Store leftover Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, covered, to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly, and be sure to check the rice for doneness.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the feta cheese to keep the dish fully vegan.

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

Greek Lemon Rice is a vibrant and aromatic side dish featuring long-grain rice cooked in savory broth, infused with lemon juice, zest, and classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and parsley. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a light, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Optional Ingredients

• Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and sauté the onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and chopped onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and sauté: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
3. Toast the rice: Stir the rice into the saucepan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice grains to toast lightly and absorb the flavors of the oil, onion, and garlic.
4. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the broth is absorbed.
6. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and fresh dill if using. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine.
7. Serve and garnish: Transfer the rice to a serving dish, garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Use basmati rice for a more fragrant, fluffy texture, though long-grain white rice works perfectly.
• Vegetarian or vegan options: use vegetable broth and omit feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts based on your preference for tanginess.
• Fresh dill adds an authentic Greek flavor but is optional if unavailable.
• For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the rice longer but be careful not to burn it.

Keywords: Greek lemon rice, lemon rice, Greek side dish, Mediterranean rice recipe, easy rice recipe, lemon herb rice