Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

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I absolutely love this delicious lemon Greek yellow rice! It’s bursting with citrus and fresh herbs, making it one of my top rice dishes. Whether serving it as a side dish or incorporating it into a full meal, this flavorful dish will impress and have everyone returning for more!

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!

Ingredients in Your Greek Lemon Rice Recipe:

  • Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain white rice provides a neutral base for the dish, allowing the flavors of the other ingredients to shine.
  • Ghee or Unsalted Butter: Ghee or butter contributes a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the rice.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic brings a savory and aromatic element, infusing the rice with a delightful garlicky essence.
  • Dried Oregano: Dried oregano offers a distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor with floral notes, adding depth to the rice.
  • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon juice provides a zesty, tangy kick, while lemon zest imparts a bright and citrusy aroma, creating a refreshing contrast.
  • Chicken Broth: Chicken broth infuses the rice with a savory and meaty flavor, enriching the overall taste.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Basil): A medley of fresh herbs adds layers of freshness and herbaceousness to the rice, enhancing its aroma and flavor, with each herb contributing its unique character.

Tips for Perfect Greek Rice

  • Choosing the Right Rice and Yield: Opt for long-grain white rice for the best lemon Greek yellow rice. It offers a firm and fluffy texture, ensuring the rice doesn’t turn mushy and absorbs the flavors evenly. While other rice varieties may work, long-grain white rice is ideal. You can expect approximately 3 cups of cooked Greek Lemon Rice when using one cup of uncooked rice. This helps you plan your servings and portion sizes effectively. The yield may vary slightly based on factors like rice brand and cooking method.
  • Wash and Soak the Rice: Before cooking, washing and soaking the rice is crucial. This extra step removes excess starch and debris, producing non-sticky and transparent rice. Soaking the rice in warm water for 20 minutes helps it absorb moisture and cook evenly, creating a light and fluffy texture.
  • Let It Rest and Fluff with a Fork: Allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Then, use a fork to fluff it up instead of a spoon. This resting period helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and ensures even cooking. Fluffing with a fork separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together while releasing excess steam, preventing mushiness.

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. 

Serving Suggestions

This zesty lemon Greek yellow rice is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with various Mediterranean recipes. I love serving it alongside succulent roasted chicken with creamy yogurt sauce and a refreshing fattoush salad. The combination of flavors and textures is divine. Whether for a crowd or a family meal, this dish will impress. It also complements dishes like beef goulash and coq au vin.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Preparation

1.
Rinse the rice under running water a few times, then soak it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the rice and set it aside.
Mark as complete
2.
In a small skillet, melt one tablespoon of Ghee over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano and cook for about 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Mark as complete
3.
In a medium-sized pot, melt one tablespoon of butter or Ghee over medium-high heat. Add the rice and toss it until it's coated well.
Add the lemon juice and zest to the pot and mix it with the rice. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the garlic and oregano mixture and season with salt
Mark as complete
4.
Mix everything with a fork and lower the heat to low. Close the pot and cook for 20 minutes
Mark as complete
5.
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the pot lid closed for another 10 minutes.
Finally, add the fresh herbs to the pot and mix everything with a fork. Your delicious Greek lemon rice is now ready to enjoy!
Mark as complete
6.
Your delicious Greek lemon rice is now ready to enjoy!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons Ghee or unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, mint, oregano basil

Preparation

1
Rinse the rice under running water a few times, then soak it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the rice and set it aside.
2
In a small skillet, melt one tablespoon of Ghee over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano and cook for about 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
3
In a medium-sized pot, melt one tablespoon of butter or Ghee over medium-high heat. Add the rice and toss it until it's coated well. Add the lemon juice and zest to the pot and mix it with the rice. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the garlic and oregano mixture and season with salt
4
Mix everything with a fork and lower the heat to low. Close the pot and cook for 20 minutes
5
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the pot lid closed for another 10 minutes. Finally, add the fresh herbs to the pot and mix everything with a fork. Your delicious Greek lemon rice is now ready to enjoy!
6
Your delicious Greek lemon rice is now ready to enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How to store and reheat

To store leftover lemon Greek yellow rice transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, microwave it with a splash of water or heat it in a covered skillet on the stovetop, occasionally stirring until heated. If you have a large batch of Greek Lemon Rice that you want to keep for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Let the rice cool completely to freeze, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready, thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using one of the above methods. With these tips, you can easily store, reheat, and freeze your Greek lemon rice for a quick and satisfying meal anytime. In addition, with the leftovers, why not try making a delicious Greek rice bowl? If you enjoyed this Greek lemon rice recipe, please let me know in the comments below.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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