Greek Lemon Rice

Step into the sun-drenched world of Mediterranean cuisine with our tantalizing recipe for Greek Lemon Rice. Bursting with zesty citrus notes, fragrant herbs, and the subtle warmth of turmeric, this dish is a celebration of the vibrant flavors that define Mediterranean cuisine.

Whether served alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or enjoyed simply on its own, our Greek Lemon Rice is sure to transport your taste buds on a journey to the sun-dappled landscapes of the Mediterranean.

Versatility

• With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving a flavorful and satisfying meal.

• Once you’ve sautéed the garlic and shallots, toasted the rice, and added the liquid ingredients, the dish requires minimal attention while it simmers on the stovetop. This allows you to multitask and tend to other tasks or chores while the rice cooks to perfection.

• Greek Lemon Rice pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to roasted vegetables and salads. Its bright and tangy flavor profile makes it a versatile accompaniment that can complement a range of flavors and cuisines.

• This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for future meals. Simply prepare the rice as directed, allow it to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

• Greek Lemon Rice is an excellent option for meal prepping, as it can be portioned out into individual containers and enjoyed throughout the week as part of a balanced lunch or dinner. Pair it with your favorite protein and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that’s ready to go whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredients

Although this recipe calls for few ingredients, this meal is packed with big flavor.

We’ll provide you with a detailed list of ingredients needed to make our Greek Lemon Rice, ensuring that you have everything you need to recreate this delicious dish at home. Additionally, we’ll include suggestions for ingredient substitutions, allowing you to customize the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

In addition to ingredient substitutions, we’ll also provide recommendations for serving and pairing the Greek Lemon Rice with other dishes. Whether you’re looking for a protein to accompany the rice or seeking inspiration for complementary side dishes, we’ll offer suggestions to help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

• Olive oil: I feel like olive oil is a must in any Mediterranean recipe, or so I have learned thus far. But you can substitute it for butter and I assume it works great based on a few other recipes I’ve seen.

• Dill & Cilantro: If I’m being honest, I would’ve gone for parsley over cilantro for this particular recipe, but all I had at hand was cilantro. That’s how forgiving this recipe is though, you can easily add any fresh herbs available to you such as basil, parsley, oregano, etc.

• Shallots & Garlic: I just love how shallots and garlic aromatize olive oil. You can use any onion of preference. You can also use garlic paste.

• Chicken bouillon & Water: I would’ve used chicken stock if I had some, but went with chicken bouillon powder and water. You can also use vegetable broth or stock, even just plain water.

• Jasmine Rice: When I am developing my own version of any recipe, I look at countless recipes prior to making my own calls and adjustments. But I do so trying my best to honor the authenticity of a recipe. In most Greek Lemon Rice recipes I’ve encountered, long grain rice is used, Basmati rice in particular. Some versions include orzo for a pilaf result. Long grain rice absorbs flavors beautifully. However, I only had Jasmine rice available and it is long grain rice, so I went for it.

• Turmeric: Ground Turmeric is commonly used in Greek Lemon rice and it is absolutely delightful in this recipe. It adds both flavor and a vibrant color. I wouldn’t skip this spice, but if you really need or have to, I would suggest Annatto powder and perhaps a little touch of saffron, cumin or ginger.

• Salt: I used fine sea salt, but you may also use any kosher salt or Himalayan sea salt. You can even skip the addition of salt during the cooking process if you really need to and just season your served rice with flaky sea salt.

• Lemon: The star of the show! Lemon infuses the rice with a bright and tangy flavor. Fresh lemon is obviously key for this recipe but if you absolutely must find a replacement, I would recommend using bottled lemon juice or lemon extract with either white wine or rice vinegar. If all else fails, limes are best.

Measurements

• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• Juice from 1 large lemon
• 1 1/2 or 1 2/3 cups water or vegetable/chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Dill weed and cilantro, to taste (suggested: 1/4 cup combined)

Instructions

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   

   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside. This is optional, but recommended.
   • Juice the lemon and chop the garlic and shallot. Measure out the chicken bouillon powder, ground turmeric, and extra virgin olive oil. Finely chop the dill weed and cilantro.

2. Toast Rice:
   

   • In a large saucepan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the oil, garlic, and shallot mixture. Allow the rice to toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly golden brown.

3. Add Liquid and Flavorings:
   

   • Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine with the rice. Add the water or broth, chicken bouillon powder, ground turmeric, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook Rice:
   

   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

5. Finish and Serve:
   

   • Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to steam.
   • Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle the chopped dill weed and cilantro over the top of the rice and gently fold them in.
   • Serve the Greek Lemon Rice hot as a flavorful side dish to accompany your favorite Greek-inspired main course.

Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Greek Lemon Rice!

Pairing ideas

You can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal by pairing Greek Lemon Rice with a hearty Mediterranean salad or a protein of choice, preferably chicken or fish. We went for a pan-seared salmon in honey glaze topped with pineapple salsa. Here is a description of the taste profile of this combination to inspire you:

We found that the rich and buttery flavor of pan-seared salmon is the perfect counterpart to the bright and citrusy notes of the Greek Lemon Rice. The tender and flaky texture of the salmon provides a satisfying contrast to the fluffy rice, creating a well-balanced bite with every forkful. The addition of pineapple salsa adds a tropical twist to the dish, infusing it with bursts of sweetness and acidity. Drizzling the salmon with a honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization, complementing the tangy lemon rice and balancing out the savory flavors of the dish. The honey glaze creates a glossy and flavorful coating on the salmon, adding depth and richness to each bite. The honey was key in achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

We will be sure to share these two recipes next in case you are feeling daring and would like to try this flavor bomb!

Storing & Reheating

1. Cooling: Allow the Greek Lemon Rice to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled rice into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is suitable for storing cooked rice.
3. Refrigeration: Place the sealed container of Greek Lemon Rice in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Greek Lemon Rice:

1. Microwave Method:
   

   • Place the desired portion of Greek Lemon Rice in a microwave-safe dish.
   • Add a splash of water or broth to the rice to help prevent it from drying out during reheating.
   • Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
   • Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
   • Stir the rice halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.

2. Stovetop Method:
   

   • Transfer the desired portion of Greek Lemon Rice to a saucepan.
   • Add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent sticking and help moisten it.
   • Heat the rice over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once heated through, remove the rice from the heat and serve immediately.

3. Steamer Method:
   

   • If you have a steamer basket, you can reheat Greek Lemon Rice by placing it in the steamer basket.
   • Steam the rice over simmering water for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
   • Stir the rice occasionally to ensure even heating.
   • Once heated through, remove the rice from the steamer and serve immediately.

4. Oven Method:
   

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the Greek Lemon Rice to an oven-safe dish.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
   • Once heated through, remove the rice from the oven and serve immediately.

We hope you get a chance to make this rice, and when you do, we welcome you to come back and let us know what you think! Feel free to let us know what you pair it with and your suggestions! We love to hear from you. Until next time!