Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice: A Simple 7-Step Recipe
A bright and zesty Greek Lemon Rice recipe featuring fluffy long-grain rice simmered in flavorful vegetable or chicken broth with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This simple and vibrant side dish is perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals, garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the long-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This process helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
- Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth until it reaches a gentle simmer to ensure it’s hot when added to the rice.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add the Rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the pot with the garlic. Sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the simmering broth into the pot, followed by the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all flavors throughout the rice mixture.
- Cook the Rice: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is key to preventing clumping and achieving a light texture.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth depending on your dietary preference.
- Adjust salt and lemon to taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
- For a vegan version, ensure the broth used is vegetable-based.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note; feel free to add more as garnish.
Keywords: Greek Lemon Rice, Lemon Rice, Mediterranean Side Dish, Flavored Rice, Garlic Rice, Oregano Rice, Easy Rice Recipe
