Description

A bright and flavorful side dish featuring long-grain white rice infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, perfectly paired with sweet and tender caramelized cabbage sautéed with garlic. This easy 30-minute recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic rice and vegetables, making a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water or broth

Caramelized Cabbage Mixture

1 pound cabbage, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balancing flavors)

Instructions

Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly.
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with water or broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and keep covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Prepare cabbage and garlic: While the rice cooks, thinly slice the cabbage and finely mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
Caramelize the cabbage: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and develops golden brown edges, approximately 8 minutes.
Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the cabbage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add lemon flavors and sweetness: Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest into the skillet, stirring to combine. Optionally, add honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Combine rice and cabbage: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then transfer it into the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Stir well to evenly incorporate, and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired for a bright finish.

Notes

Using broth instead of water when cooking rice enhances flavor.
The optional honey or maple syrup balances the tartness of the lemon and caramelized cabbage.
Careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitter flavors.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a vegetarian main with added protein.
Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.

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

Keywords: lemon rice, caramelized cabbage, sautéed cabbage, lemon infused rice, easy side dish, vegetarian rice recipe, quick vegetable side, healthy rice