Greek Lemon Rice

This quick and easy Greek lemon rice is an excellent way to brighten your plate with a burst of Mediterranean flair.

You’ll love the tantalizing blend of zesty citrus, fluffy grains, and aromatic herbs.

It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish to any number of delicious meats.

The rice grains are tender and fluffy, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. I know you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Rice

Bright Citrus Taste: Combining fresh lemon juice and zest gives the rice a bright, citrusy taste. It’s a refreshing change of pace from traditional rice dishes.

Aromatic Side: The fresh herbs, lemon zest, and turmeric create an enticing aroma that’ll fill your entire house. This dish will whet everyone’s appetites long before they sit down at the table.

Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. It requires minimal preparation and cooking time, and the ingredients are readily available.

Ingredients

• Long-Grain Rice: For the best results, choose basmati or jasmine rice. Avoid instant and Minute rice varieties, as they cook too quickly for this recipe.

• Onion & Garlic: Two of my favorite ingredients for savory dishes. They’re an aromatic duo that add depth and a savory foundation. 

• Olive Oil: Though other oils would work, olive oil is best for sauteing the onion and garlic. Its subtle, fruity taste enhances the overall flavor. 

• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.

• Chicken Broth: Gives the dish a much more savory and robust flavor. 

• Lemon Juice & Zest: Zest the lemon first, then juice it. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste. 

• Ground Turmeric: For warmth, an earthy flavor, and a vibrant yellow color. It’s the ingredient that makes the rice so lovely. 

• Fresh Dill: For a bit of freshness and herbal complexity. 

• Butter: It makes the dish extra rich and exceptionally creamy.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

I love how this dish brightens up any meal – it’s like sunshine on a plate!

The vibrant yellow hue from the turmeric makes it as pretty as it is delicious. And don’t get me started on the aroma… it’s absolutely intoxicating!

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious rice: 

1. RINSE the rice in cold water 2-3 times until it runs mostly clear. Set aside.

2. HEAT the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. ADD the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toast the rinsed rice in the pot for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. POUR in the chicken broth, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Stir to combine.

5. BOIL the mixture, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. REST the rice off heat for 5 minutes with the lid on.

7. FLUFF the rice with a fork and stir in the butter. Serve with fresh dill and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Greek Lemon Rice

Like most rice recipes, this one is pretty straightforward. You may not even need these tips, but I wanted to include a few anyway. 

• Long-grain rice is best. Short- and medium-grain rice varieties will work. However, they’ll yield slightly different textures. So, stick to long-grain if possible. 

• Rinse well. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clean. This removes excess starch, which can cause rice to be too sticky. 

• Use fresh lemons. Bottled lemon juice may be convenient, but it tastes synthetic. Freshly squeezed juice will provide the best and most vibrant taste. 

• When resting, don’t lift the lid. It needs to remain in place to trap the steam in the pan. The steam will finish cooking the rice and make it fluffier. 

• Use add-ins for flavor and texture. Toasted pine nuts or almonds make an excellent addition to this recipe. Other options include golden raisins, green peas, or diced carrots. 

Serving Suggestions

This rice actually makes quite a nice stand-alone dish. You can also pair it with other main courses for a more complete meal. 

Try it with any of the following: 

• Grilled chicken
• Roast turkey
• Fish
• Lamb chops
• Souvlaki
• Gyros
• Other Mediterranean recipes

How to Store

When stored properly, this rice will last for several days. It also freezes well. So, double or triple the recipe if you want to make extra for later. 

To Store: Let the rice cool fully to prevent condensation (no longer than 2 hours). Then, refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3-4 days. 

To Freeze: Transfer cooled rice to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. If using a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

To Reheat: Reheat in a covered pan on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water and stir occasionally until hot. Alternatively, add a bit of water and microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between each interval. 

More Greek Recipes We Can’t Get Enough Of

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Greek Orange Cake
Greek Shrimp Saganaki
Greek Lemon Potatoes