Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Rice is fresh, tangy, and fragrant, making it a great addition to almost any meal. The butter gives the rice a rich, smooth texture, while the lemon zest and juice provide a burst of flavor. Whether you serve it alongside chicken, fish, or vegetables, it’s the perfect side that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice in a bowl or fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear, about 1 minute.
2. Toast the Rice:
In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and salt, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is slightly toasted.
3. Cook the Rice:
Add the water, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Let the Rice Rest:
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Finish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle turmeric over the rice and fluff with a fork to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Toasted almonds or cashews add a nice crunch and flavor to this rice.
- Herb Variations: You can swap parsley for other fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Lemon Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to give it some heat.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the water ratio and simmer it for about 40-45 minutes.
2. Can I make this rice in advance?
Yes! Lemon rice can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
3. Can I add more lemon?
Feel free to adjust the lemon zest and juice to your taste. If you like it more tangy, add more lemon juice.
4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth adds extra depth of flavor to the rice.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Lemon Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Lemon Rice is a quick, flavorful, and versatile side dish that will brighten up any meal. The combination of fresh lemon, butter, and aromatic spices makes this dish a favorite for many. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection!
Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
“Lemon Rice is a simple and flavorful side dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon with buttery rice, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. With just a few ingredients, this rice is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, from chicken to fish or vegetables.”
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups water
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/8 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, about 1 minute.
-
Toast the Rice: In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and salt. Toast the rice for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden.
-
Cook the Rice: Add water, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Let the Rice Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking and let the flavors meld.
-
Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with turmeric (if using), and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Add Nuts: Toasted almonds or cashews add crunch and flavor.
Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with cilantro or mint for a fresh twist.
Spicy Lemon Rice: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili for heat.
Vegan Option: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Rice
- Method: Cooking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Indian, Middle Eastern
