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Lemon Rice served in a skillet, with a spoon mixing through it.

Lemon Rice Recipe

Katerina | Diethood
This easy Lemon Rice Recipe  is bursting with lemon flavor!  It's a delicious way to turn plain rice into an exotic dish and is the perfect accompaniment to any meats and/or veggies.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 green onions, white parts only, cut into thin rounds, reserve green parts for garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup half & half, you can also use heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • chopped fresh dill, for garnish
  • chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter and heat olive oil in a nonstick pan.
  • Add onions and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in garlic and lemon zest; continue to cook and stir for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  • Add rice; season with turmeric, salt and pepper, and cook and stir for 1 minute.
  • Stir in vegetable broth, half & half, and lemon juice.
  • Turn up the heat and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer; cover the pan and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until liquid has evaporated.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Fluff with a fork and taste for seasonings; adjust accordingly.
  • Garnish with dill and green onions.
  • Serve.

Notes

  • Choosing Rice: Long-grain rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine are best for this dish as they stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
  • Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch and prevent the grains from sticking together.
  • Adjust the Lemon: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer it tangier.
  • Keep an Eye on the Heat: When simmering the rice, make sure the heat is low enough that it doesn't burn the bottom of the pan but high enough to keep a gentle simmer.
  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for the most vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 302 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44.5 g | Protein: 6.1 g | Fat: 18.4 g | Saturated Fat: 4.9 g | Cholesterol: 20.5 mg | Sodium: 75.8 mg | Fiber: 1.4 g | Sugar: 3.7 g

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Sides
Cuisine: Macedonian
Keyword: easy rice recipe, lemon recipe recipe