Description
This vibrant Lemony Herby Rice is the kind of dish that instantly brightens your plate—and your day. Infused with fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a generous handful of parsley, it’s a versatile, easy recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant food ideas for entertaining. With minimal prep and pantry staples, this quick side dish is your new go-to for easy dinners, healthy snacks, or fresh breakfast ideas paired with eggs or grilled veggies. Light, zesty, and endlessly flexible, it’s everything you want from a simple rice recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup long grain white rice (such as basmati)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups water or vegetable broth
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir to coat and toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the water or broth, then stir in lemon zest and salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor—bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
Rinse the rice well to ensure a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Stir in herbs at the end to preserve their fresh taste and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon rice, herbed rice, easy rice side, quick dinner, healthy rice