Light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, Lemon Rice Pilaf is the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, seafood, or a hearty vegetable dish, this pilaf brings a refreshing twist to your plate. The subtle nuttiness of rice, the warmth of garlic, and the zing of fresh lemon make every bite irresistible.
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Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just one pot—because who doesn’t love a simple, flavorful side with minimal cleanup?
Why You’ll Love Lemon Rice Pilaf
Bright & Refreshing
The zesty lemon flavor makes this pilaf taste light and fresh, perfect for balancing rich or heavy main dishes.
Easy One-Pot Recipe
Minimal prep, one pan, and a hands-off cooking process make this a foolproof side dish.
Pairs with Everything
From grilled meats to roasted veggies, this pilaf is a versatile addition to any meal.
Customizable
Add herbs, nuts, or even a little spice to make it your own.
Great for Meal Prep
Make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy a quick, flavorful side whenever you need it.
Ingredients
This simple yet flavorful pilaf is made with just a few pantry staples:
Rice
Use long-grain white rice or basmati for the best texture. The grains stay fluffy and don’t clump together.
Butter or Olive Oil
Adds richness and enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
Garlic & Onion
Aromatic essentials that give depth to the dish.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Cooking the rice in broth instead of water infuses it with more flavor.
Lemon Juice & Zest
Fresh lemon juice adds tang, while the zest gives an extra citrusy punch.
Salt & Pepper
For seasoning to taste.
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
A sprinkle of parsley adds color and a burst of freshness.
Instructions
Toast the Rice
In a saucepan, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until it turns slightly golden.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the Broth & Seasoning
Pour in the broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Simmer Until Fluffy
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Finish with Lemon
Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice and zest for a fresh, citrusy kick.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm!
How to Serve Lemon Rice Pilaf
- With Grilled Chicken or Fish – The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with seafood and poultry.
- Alongside Roasted Vegetables – A great complement to roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini.
- In a Mediterranean Bowl – Serve with hummus, olives, feta, and a protein like grilled lamb or chickpeas.
- As a Base for Stir-Fries – Add your favorite protein and veggies for a quick, flavorful meal.
Additional Tips
Rinse the Rice
For the fluffiest texture, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that can make the pilaf sticky.
Use Fresh Lemon
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor.
Want a Nutty Crunch?
Stir in toasted almonds or pine nuts before serving for extra texture.
Make It Creamy
A spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a delicious creamy contrast.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes! Just adjust the cooking time—brown rice takes about 40 minutes to cook.
Q2: Can I make this in a rice cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Sauté the onion and garlic separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and cook as usual.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Lemon Rice Pilaf?
A4: Yes! Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Q5: How can I add more flavor?
A5: Try adding a bay leaf while cooking or a pinch of cumin for extra depth.
Q6: What if I don’t have broth?
A6: You can use water, but add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
Q7: Can I make this vegan?
A7: Yes! Just use vegetable broth and olive oil instead of butter.
Q8: What herbs go well with this dish?
A8: Dill, mint, or basil would all be great additions!
Q9: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
A9: Definitely! Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Q10: How do I prevent mushy rice?
A10: Make sure to measure the liquid correctly, avoid over-stirring, and let the rice steam for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a fork.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Rice Pilaf is a simple yet vibrant dish that adds a pop of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight side or serving it at a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Print
Lemon Rice Pilaf
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Greek-inspired Lemon Rice Pilaf is bright, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful! Made with fragrant basmati rice, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, it’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or Mediterranean meals. Easily made on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, and customizable with butter and feta for extra richness!
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, well rinsed and drained
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1–2 tbsp butter, or more to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Extra lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- Sauté Onions: In a large saucepan with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in basmati rice, garlic, and lemon zest, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, water, lemon juice, salt, and spices. Stir well.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring once at the 8-minute mark. If liquid evaporates too quickly and rice is still undercooked, add a little extra liquid.
- Let it Rest: Once cooked, remove from heat, stir, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Finish & Serve: Taste and add extra lemon juice, butter, or salt if desired. Stir in feta or sprinkle on individual servings.
Rice Cooker Method:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and lemon zest in olive oil in a pan, then transfer to the rice cooker.
- Add rinsed rice, broth, water, lemon juice, salt, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Cook on the white rice setting.
- Once done, let it sit for 10 minutes, then fluff and stir in optional butter and feta.
Notes
- Best Rice for This Recipe: Basmati rice works best for its light and fluffy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for a fully plant-based dish.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, lamb, or Mediterranean dishes like hummus and roasted veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg