Lemon Rice is a bright, refreshing and delicious side dish that pairs well many dishes. Simple seasoning makes this rice easy to make.
Rice is a staple side dish that can be made in a variety of ways. We have made Garlic Butter Rice, Yellow Rice, Jasmine Rice Recipe, Sushi Rice, Butter Rice, Rice Pudding and Mexican Rice for an easy side dish that everyone loves.
Rice is budget friendly and with a variety of spices you can easily change the flavor. The lemon rice is one of our favorites because the hint of lemon in every bite.
What's in this post: Lemon Rice
Why We Love Lemon Rice
As a busy mom of 8, I love side dishes that take very little prep time and cooks quick and easy. This lemon rice is so light and refreshing that I love to make with many grilled dishes.
The rice can easily be prepared ahead of time and so all you have to do is mix with the simple seasoning. The next time you need a side dish that everyone will love, make Lemon Rice.
Ingredients
- Long-Grain White Rice – You can use rice of choice even brown rice
- Water – For even more flavor use chicken broth
- Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Olive Oil – We also like using avocado oil
- Onion – See Best Onion Substitute if you are out
- Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Lemon Juice – See Best Substitute for Lemon Juice if you are out
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Additions and Variations
The lemon rice is even better with these additions and variations.
- Add Crunch – Add in nuts such as Peanuts, almonds, pecans and cashews are great additions.
- Tomato Rice – You can easily add in some diced tomatoes for a delicious variations.
- Fresh Herbs – A great addition to this rice is fresh herbs. Ginger, turmeric, curry leaves and coriander leaves can add flavor.
How to Make Lemon Rice
Step 1 – Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Step 2 – In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Step 3 – Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4 – Stir in the rinsed rice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 5 – Pour in the water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 6 – Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7 – Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Step 8 – Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley.
Expert Tips
- Rice Recommendation – While long-grain white rice works best, you can use basmati rice or jasmine rice for different flavors and textures.
- Lemon – Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your taste preference. For a milder lemon flavor, start with less and add more if needed. Learn How to Freeze Lemons to save your leftovers.
- Rice – Make sure to rinse the rinse before cooking on the stovetop.
- Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary depending on how much you are making. You will know that your rice is finished cooking when the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Lemon Rice is a delicious side dish recipe that pairs perfectly with many main dish recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This easy lemon rice recipe is best made with long grain rice. But you can easily make it with with your favorite type of rice.
You can use a rice cooker to make this rice, but we think it taste the best if made on the stovetop. You will still need to rinse the rice and adjust the liquid based on the requirements for your rice cooker.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Easy Rice Recipes
If you make Lemon Rice Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
Lemon Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 ¾ cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley.
This was the perfect side dish when I made grilled chicken!