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
Scale
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