Lemon Greek Yellow Rice

If you want to learn how to make Greek rice, you have come to the right place! This recipe for lemon Greek yellow rice is my absolute favorite rice dish. The combination of tender rice, rich broth, and flavorful ingredients burst with the goodness of onions, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Adding the lemon juice and its zest gives this dish a light yellowish color that perfectly complements its zesty flavors. The result is a dish that is both comforting and delicious. This quick and easy Mediterranean yellow rice recipe pairs perfectly with a range of Mediterranean dishes, from roasted chicken to Moroccan chicken, Chilean bass, and much more. With so many delicious pairings, this has become one of my favorite Greek rice recipes!

What kind of rice is best to use for this dish? 

Long-grain white rice is the ideal choice for this yellow Greek rice. It has a firm and fluffy texture that holds up well to the flavorful ingredients in the dish. Its long grains absorb the liquid evenly, ensuring the rice cooks uniformly and don’t turn mushy. While other types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, can also work well in this recipe for Greek lemon rice, they may not have the same texture or absorbency as long-grain white rice. Therefore, I highly recommend using long-grain white rice for this delicious yellow Mediterranean rice dish to achieve the best results. For a more healthy option, try using organic long-grain white rice.

Two must-do tips when following this lemon Greek rice recipe

1- The one tip you should follow is to wash and soak the rice before cooking. This may seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for achieving the right texture and flavor in the dish. Washing the rice removes any excess starch or debris that can make the rice sticky or cloudy. Soaking the rice in warm water for 20 minutes before cooking helps the grains absorb moisture and cook more evenly. It also expands the rice and becomes fluffier, resulting in a light and airy texture.
2- Another tip to make the perfect Mediterranean yellow rice is to let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking and use a fork instead of a spoon to fluff it up. This step allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and ensures that it cooks evenly. Using a fork to fluff the rice helps to separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together. It also helps to release any excess steam, which can make the rice mushy or soggy if trapped in the pot. 

Variations of this Greek rice recipe

If you want to switch up your lemon Greek yellow rice, consider adding simple but tasty ingredients such as peas, carrots, or nuts. The sweetness of the peas and the crunchiness of the nuts will add a nice contrast to the tangy and aromatic flavors of the dish. Another option is to mix some orzo pasta with the rice for a heartier texture. These variations are easy to make and require minimal extra effort but can take your Greek lemon rice to the next level. 

The final yield for a serving of cooked lemon Greek yellow rice

When cooked using one cup of uncooked rice, the final yield for Greek Lemon Rice is typically around 3 cups of cooked rice. This means a one-cup serving of cooked Greek Lemon Rice will give you approximately three servings. Of course, the yield may vary slightly depending on factors such as the brand of rice and the cooking method used. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to get about 3 cups of cooked rice from one cup of uncooked rice. Remember this when preparing the dish for a crowd or planning your meal portions.

Serving Suggestions for this lemon Greek yellow rice recipe

I love serving this zesty lemon Greek style rice alongside a succulent roasted chicken with a creamy yogurt sauce and a refreshing fattoush salad. Fattoush Salad, RecipeThe combination of flavors and textures is simply divine! Whether feeding a large crowd or enjoying a small family meal, this dish will impress. It pairs perfectly with a range of Mediterranean recipes, from beef goulash to coq au vin; my favorite is roasted chicken and a creamy yogurt sauce. The tanginess of the yogurt perfectly complements the lemony flavors of the rice, and the fresh vegetables in the fattoush add a satisfying crunch. It’s a complete Mediterranean meal that’s both healthy and delicious.