Greek Lemon Rice
This easy Greek Lemon Rice is light, fluffy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor. Long-grain rice is sautéed with onion and garlic, simmered in broth, then finished with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, mint, and dill.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Rinse the rice: Add 2 cups of long-grain white rice to a large bowl and cover with cold water. Swish the rice with your hand, then drain through a fine mesh strainer. Repeat with 3-4 changes of clean water, or until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
Cook the onion and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often.
Toast the rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot. Stir often for 1-2 minutes, coating the rice in the olive oil, onion, and garlic.
Simmer: Stir in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Rest the rice: Remove the pot from the heat. Place a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels over the pot, then cover with the lid. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes. The towel helps absorb extra steam and keeps the rice fluffy.
Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the lid and towel, then fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped mint, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill. Garnish with lemon slices before serving, if desired.
- Drain the rice thoroughly: Too much extra water can affect the final texture.
- Add lemon after cooking: Fresh lemon juice and zest taste brightest when stirred in at the end.
- Use fresh herbs if possible: Parsley, mint, and dill give this rice its fresh Mediterranean flavor. Use all three, or choose one or two based on what you have.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Using brown rice: Use 2 cups long-grain brown rice and increase the broth to 4½ cups. Simmer covered for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
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