Lemon Rice Side Dish Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Lemon Rice Side Dish delivers fluffy basmati grains infused with bright lemon zest garlic and fresh herbs creating perfect Mediterranean complement to grilled chicken fish or shrimp. This effortless side serves 4 in 30 minutes elevating weeknight dinners instantly.

Why This Recipe Works

Lemon juice absorbed during cooking infuses every grain preventing surface-only flavor. Toasting rice in olive oil creates nutty base sealing starch for fluffiness. Chicken broth adds savory depth over water. Fresh dill parsley provide herbaceous lift. Turmeric optional golden hue authentic Greek flair.

Ingredients & Prep

1½ cups basmati rice rinsed, 2½ cups chicken broth low-sodium, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 small onion finely diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp turmeric optional, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil medium skillet shimmer. Sauté onion pinch salt 5 minutes translucent. Add garlic cook 1 minute fragrant. Stir rice coat oil 2 minutes toasted. Add broth lemon juice zest salt turmeric boil. Reduce low cover simmer 18-20 minutes absorbed. Remove heat rest covered 10 minutes. Fluff fork stir herbs serve warm.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Room temperature 2 days. Refrigerate airtight 4 days. Reheat broth splash microwave covered.

FAQs

Rice sticky? Rinse thoroughly toast longer. Flavor dull? Fresh lemon zest essential. Too tart? Reduce juice start ¼ cup.

Conclusion

Lemon Rice Side Dish transforms plain starch into flavor star fluffy zesty universally perfect.

Lemon Rice Side Dish Recipe

Print Recipe

Lemon Rice Side Dish delivers bright citrus zing with fluffy jasmine grains and aromatic garlic butter. Vibrant lemon zest flecks create Mediterranean sunshine in every forkful. Perfectly pairs with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or roasted fish. Ultimate Pinterest side dish board essential.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Rice Base:
• 1½ cups jasmine rice (rinsed)
• 2¾ cups chicken broth (or vegetable)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon Garlic Flavor:
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Finish:
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
• Lemon slices for serving

 

Instructions

• 1. Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Drain well.
• 2. Heat butter + oil in saucepan over medium. Sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
• 3. Add rice + oregano. Stir 1 min until coated and toasted.
• 4. Pour in broth + lemon zest + salt + pepper. Bring to boil.
• 5. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly. Simmer 15 mins (don’t peek).
• 6. Remove heat. Let steam covered 10 mins.
• 7. Fluff with fork. Stir in lemon juice + parsley + dill.
• 8. Taste, adjust salt/lemon. Serve warm with lemon slices.

Notes

• Jasmine rice = perfect fluffy lemon carrier.
• Fresh lemon zest = maximum citrus punch.
• Toasted rice = nutty depth foundation.
• 10-min steam = no gummy texture.
• Chicken broth > water for savory backbone.
• Make ahead: Microwave with damp towel revives perfectly.
• Storage: Fridge 4 days, freezes 2 months.
• Low carb: Cauliflower rice adaptation works.
• Pairs: Greek chicken, lemon garlic shrimp, herb roasted fish.
• Serves 6. Bright side dish perfection.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ¾ cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: lemon rice side dish, greek lemon rice, mediterranean rice, easy lemon rice recipe, bright rice side