Name: Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine); 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, zesty side dish that balances comfort with a taste of the Mediterranean, Greek Lemon Rice is about to become your new staple. Fragrant grains of rice, lemony brightness, herby undertones, and a subtle richness from olive oil come together in this timeless classic. It’s the side that transforms everyday meals into a celebration, and whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or a simple salad, Greek Lemon Rice elevates any table with its warmth and sunny disposition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Greek Lemon Rice comes from its humble yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component is essential — adding not just flavor, but fragrance, color, or even a hint of creaminess. Here’s what you need and why every ingredient matters:

Long-grain rice: Basmati or jasmine rice gives you light, fluffy grains that soak up all that lemony goodness without turning mushy.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with a savory depth, but water works in a pinch if you prefer a lighter touch.
Olive oil: Adds richness and a silky finish, keeping the rice from sticking and giving it that authentic Mediterranean character.
Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, onion creates a savory, aromatic base for the rice.
Garlic: Just a couple of minced cloves add a gentle bite and fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Lemon zest: The zest gives you those essential oils and a punch of bright, citrus flavor that sets this dish apart.
Lemon juice: Brings the signature tangy note that makes Greek Lemon Rice so special—don’t skip it!
Dried oregano: The earthy, herbal flavor balances the brightness of the lemon and gives the dish its authentic Greek flair.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors—season to taste so every bite is just right.
Fresh parsley (optional): A garnish of chopped parsley adds color, freshness, and a hint of peppery flavor to finish things off.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating your olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for just a minute—enough to release its fragrance but not long enough to let it brown. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 2: Add Rice

Time to stir in the long-grain rice. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing each grain to get a glossy coating of oil and begin to toast. This quick step deepens the flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy, forming the base for perfect Greek Lemon Rice.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth. This is when the rice starts soaking up all that savory richness. Add in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together so every grain is infused with flavor—it’s already starting to look like something special!

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat all the way down, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Try to resist the urge to peek too often—the steam trapped under the lid helps make your Greek Lemon Rice soft and tender.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors settle and ensures the grains finish steaming gently. After that, fluff the rice with a fork to loosen it up and get it ready for the table.

Step 6: Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle on a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Greek Lemon Rice warm, and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Rice

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley is a classic garnish for Greek Lemon Rice, lending both color and flavor. For a little extra flair, add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dusting of crumbled feta cheese. A few thin lemon slices on top also make for an eye-catching presentation, especially for dinner parties.

Side Dishes

Greek Lemon Rice pairs beautifully with so many dishes—think grilled chicken souvlaki, roasted fish, lamb kebabs, or simple sautéed vegetables. Add a Greek salad or a bowl of tzatziki on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s balanced, bright, and oh-so-satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing Greek Lemon Rice into roasted bell peppers for a colorful main course, or serve it as the base in Mediterranean-inspired grain bowls topped with grilled vegetables, olives, and chickpeas. You can even transform leftovers into a lemony rice salad—just add extra lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, maintaining its flavor and texture while ready for a quick lunch or side any day of the week.

Freezing

Greek Lemon Rice freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, being sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to restore some moisture, then warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Fluff before serving and, if you like, squeeze on a bit of extra lemon juice for freshness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber! Just remember that brown rice will need more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Is Greek Lemon Rice gluten-free?

Absolutely! Greek Lemon Rice is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Finely diced carrots, peas, or spinach blend in well and add color and nutrients without overpowering the classic flavors that define Greek Lemon Rice.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

Long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate, absorbing the lemony broth without turning sticky or mushy.

How do I make this vegan?

Simply choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ll have a flavorful vegan Greek Lemon Rice that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Greek Lemon Rice as I am to share it! It’s a dish that’s simple enough for weeknights yet delicious enough for special occasions. Give it a try—your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and refreshing Greek Lemon Rice recipe that is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. The citrusy lemon flavor combined with aromatic oregano makes this rice dish a standout side.

Instructions

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly in the oil.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek