Greek Lemon Rice is a fragrant and zesty rice dish that combines the bright tang of lemon with the savory richness of olive oil and herbs. It’s a versatile side dish that complements Mediterranean meals or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, satisfying main course.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and fluff it with a fork.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, sautéed garlic, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
Herb variations: If you don’t have oregano, thyme or basil work beautifully as alternatives.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and a Mediterranean kick.
Vegan option: Use vegetable broth and skip the parsley garnish for a vegan-friendly version.
Nutty flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the rice for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How can I make Greek Lemon Rice spicier?
If I want to add some heat, I just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili when sautéing the garlic.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, I can definitely use brown rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so I’ll need to adjust the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Is Greek Lemon Rice gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made with rice and fresh ingredients without any gluten-containing additives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! I can prepare the rice ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when I’m ready to serve.
What can I serve with Greek Lemon Rice?
I love pairing it with Mediterranean dishes like grilled chicken, falafel, lamb, or even a light salad with feta cheese.
Conclusion
Greek Lemon Rice is an easy, flavorful dish that I can whip up in no time. The combination of lemon, olive oil, and oregano brings out the best in simple ingredients. It’s perfect as a side or a main course, and it pairs wonderfully with just about any Mediterranean dish. I know I’ll be making it again and again—its fresh, zesty flavor always hits the spot!
Recipe:
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Greek Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Greek Lemon Rice is a fragrant and zesty rice dish combining lemon, olive oil, and herbs. It’s a light and flavorful side dish, perfect for Mediterranean meals or as a satisfying main.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
- Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and fluff it with a fork.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, sautéed garlic, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For added protein, try pairing it with grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp.
If you don’t have oregano, thyme or basil can be used as substitutes.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes for heat.
Use vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly option.
For extra texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
