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This easy Greek Rice recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes! Featuring rice infused with onions, garlic, plenty of fresh lemon, and aromatic fresh herbs, this lemony side dish recipe is an easy, delicious way to elevate plain white rice! This lemon rice pilaf is bright, zippy and so delectable it will become a staple in your house – which is perfect because it pairs beautifully with everything!

Featured comment: You absolutely had me at “zippy”! This is such a delicious rice recipe! I usually have rice as a side dish with curry, but this lemon rice is the star at every meal. Thank you!” – Shammi

Continue to read on for simple tips and tricks for preparing the best lemon rice in your very own kitchen! And, don’t miss the comprehensive step-by step photographs showing you exactly how easy this side dish is to make from scratch!

Overhead photo of Greek lemon rice garnished with crumbled feta, fresh herbs and lemon wedges in a white serving bowl.

Updated: This recipe was originally published in August 2021. I’ve made updates the article below to include more information about making Greek rice with lemon at home. 

Hi, friends! If you are looking for a new and exciting side dish to add to your recipe box, look no further than this easy lemon rice! Say goodbye to boring, bland white rice and hello to bright, fresh, herbaceous restaurant-style Greek rice!

About this recipe for Greek lemon rice

This fragrant lemon rice is savory, refreshing and bursting with zippy citrus flavor! It’s infused with rich butter, mellow onions, aromatic garlic, tart lemon, flavorsome Greek seasonings, dry white wine, fresh herbs and tangy, crumbly feta cheese! This rice is perfectly tender, fluffy and amazingly delicious!

Plus, you can easily customize this rice to your specific taste! Do you love a bold lemon flavor? Throw in more lemon zest! Do you prefer a veggie-centric side dish? Simply toss in some cucumber, tomatoes or avocado! This recipe is a delicious, fast and super easy way to spruce up boring ‘ole white rice!

And, did I mention this rice is ridiculously easy to prepare!? With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes, you can prepare the a restaurant-worthy side dish in your very own kitchen!

Why you’ll love this rice recipe

  • Easy to find and affordable ingredients: This lemon rice recipe requires just 7 simple and affordable ingredients (plus a few pantry staples)!
  • One pot recipe: This rice is made in just one pot on the stovetop!
  • Quick to prepare: This recipe for greek rice only requires 5 minutes of active, hands on preparation! And, with just a few quick and easy steps, you can have the best Greek rice ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes!
  • Plenty of fresh lemon flavor: Double the lemon, double the yum! This rice utilizes both fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest tart lemon flavor!
  • Easy to customize: This recipe is totally flexible, allowing you to get creative! I’ve included a few tasty mix-in and garnishing options to take your rice to the next level of deliciousness!
  • Stores great in the refrigerator or the freezer: Leftovers taste amazing and make the perfect base for grain bowls, a delicious addition to salads, or a wonderful side for quick heat-and-eat dinners!

What is Greek rice?

Greek lemon rice is a simple and delicious side dish featuring white rice cooked with broth and infused with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, a selection of fresh herbs and various aromatic spices. Greek rice is tender, fluffy and bursting with bright lemon flavor!

It’s important to note that Greek lemon rice is not the same thing as Indian lemon rice. Greek rice is white in color, while Indian rice is yellow in color due to the inclusion of turmeric. As well, while Greek lemon rice is cooked in broth (or water), Indian yellow rice is made with a combination of broth and milk, yielding a creamier texture.

Overhead photo of all the ingredients in Greek rice recipe with lemon.

What’s in lemon rice?

This Greek rice only requires 7 simple ingredients plus a few pantry staples!

  • Rice: You can use any variety of long-grain white rice you like. I personally prefer the fluffier texture of Jasmine or Basmati rice. (See below for types of rice you can use to prepare lemon rice!)
  • Oil/Butter: You need a touch of fat to sweat the onions and garlic. I prefer to use a combination of olive oil and unsalted butter for the richest flavor; however, you can use just one or the other!
  • Onion: Half a yellow onion provides a touch of mild onion flavor.
  • Garlic: Two cloves of garlic provide a distinctive, punchy taste. Make sure you use fresh garlic and mince it yourself – that pre-minced variety sold in a jar is lackluster in flavor.
  • Wine: You only need ¼ cup of white wine for this recipe. I recommend using a dry white wine you actually like to drink. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc will all work great. The wine adds a robustness to the rice, but you can swap it out for more broth if you prefer!
  • Broth: You need 1 ¾ cup of broth to cook the rice. You can use chicken or vegetable broth depending upon your preference – just make sure you use no-sodium or low-sodium broth.
  • Lemons: The zest of one fresh lemon adds a touch of zippy complexity, while the juice helps enhance all the flavors.
  • Seasonings: A combination of Greek seasoning mix, kosher salt, ground black pepper and a bay leaf all provide a depth of aromatic flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a ton of bright flavor and bring this rice to life! I love the combination of dill and flat-leaf parsley; however, you can use whatever herbs you love, such as basil, chives, oregano or thyme.
  • Feta (optional): While feta cheese is totally optional, it’s one of the ingredients that make this rice really special! Try to use a high-quality Greek Feta cheese if you can!

Substitutions and Variations

Do you want to make a few changes or additions to this lemon rice recipe? Wonderful – I encourage you to make this Greek-style rice your own! Feel free to get creative or simply eliminate ingredients you don’t like and swap them for ones you love. Below are a few easy ideas to help get you started:

Substitutions

  • Onion: If you prefer a more delicate, sweeter onion flavor, you can swap out the yellow onion and use shallots instead!
  • Seasonings: Homemade Greek seasoning really brings this lemon rice to life. However, you can use a combination of cumin, (Mediterranean) oregano and red pepper flakes instead.
  • Broth: Broth adds a ton of flavor to long-grain rice; however, you can substitute chicken bouillon or water if you are in a pinch! (If using chicken bouillon, replace the broth with 1 ¾ cup of water and 1 ¾ teaspoon bouillon.)
  • Cheese: Greek feta is semi-hard in texture with a rich taste and tangy, slightly lemony flavor. If you aren’t a fan of feta, you can substitute Halloumi or Graviera in this recipe for greek rice.

Variations

This lemon rice recipe is totally flexible and so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients! Try adding a few mix-ins to create a heartier side dish!

  • Tomatoes: If fresh summer tomatoes are in season, try adding grape or cherry tomatoes for a pop of juicy flavor!
  • Avocado: For a layer of creamy flavor, try dicing up an avocado and sprinkling it over the rice just before serving!
  • Cucumber: If you want to add a bit of refreshing crunch to your rice, stir in a bit of diced seedless cucumber just before serving!
  • Nuts: For pops of crunchy texture, try garnishing your rice with chopped or sliced nuts! I personally love adding almonds, pistachios and pine nuts; however, cashew and pecans will work as well!
  • Dried Fruit: If you prefer a contrast of sweet, chewy texture, try stirring in some apricots, cranberries or raisins!
  • Butter: This is a no-brainer for me! I love to finish my rice by stirring in a few pats of butter! Butter really does make everything better!

What kind of rice can I use for Greek rice?

Unfortunately, not all rice is created equal! Below you will find the best varieties of rice to use when preparing lemon rice.

  • Long-grain white rice: American long-grain white rice is firm and dry with a sticky texture and little to no aroma.
  • Jasmine: Jasmine rice is variety of long-grain rice originally from Thailand. It has a subtle floral aroma with a soft, fluffy and ever-so-slightly sticky texture.
  • Basmati: Basmati rice is a long-grain variety of rice hailing from India and Pakistan. It has a faint nutty flavor and floral aroma with a soft, fluffy and ever-so-slightly sticky texture. Basmati is very similar to Jasmine and the two can be used interchangeably. The main difference between the two lies in the grains – grains of Basmati are slightly longer and thinner than Jasmine rice.
  • Long-grain brown rice: If you prefer brown rice, you can use long-grain brown rice; however, you will need to increase the cooking time significantly! Also, please note that the lemon flavor will be more subtle if you use brown rice; therefore, you may want to increase the amount of lemon zest (and possibly juice)!

Expert tip: I personally prefer to use Jasmine or Basmati rice, because after cooking the grains stay fluffier and lighter. As well, I find that Jasmine and Basmati both store and reheat a little better than American long-grain white rice.

Overhead photo of white greek rice topped with lemon zest and chopped dill fronds in a saucepan.

How to make lemony rice at home?

Flavorful, zippy Greek-style rice is so incredibly easy to prepare! This recipe only requires 5 minutes of hands on preparation and a few super simple steps!

  1. Sweat onion, garlic & seasonings: Heat oil and butter in a medium saucepan. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic, Greek seasoning and salt; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Deglaze with wine: Add the wine and simmer until evaporated.
  3. Add rice + liquids: Stir in the rice, then add the broth, lemon juice and bay leaf. Stir well once to combine.
  4. Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring rice to a rapid simmer without stirring. Once simmering, stir once to combine everything.
  5. Cover and cook: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Gently simmer for 12 minutes.
  6. Rest/Steam off heat: Remove the pan from the heat (with the lid still on) and let the rice sit and steam for 5 minutes.
  7. Add flavorings: Remove the lid and remove and discard the bay leaf. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoon of lemon juice, all the lemon zest and fresh herbs (and a pat or two of butter if desired).
  8. Serve: Taste and adjust for seasoning with more lemon, salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and let cool ever so slightly before topping with feta and more fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!

Expert tips for the best lemon zest rice

Follow these simple tips and you will have perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice every single time!

  1. Not all rice is the same: I do not recommend short-grain rice for this recipe. If you opt to use brown long-grain rice you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Use a pot with a thick bottom! Believe it or not, your choice of pot matters! Make sure you use a pot with a thick bottom and a tight-fitting lid as this will aid in the absorption process.
  3. Don’t stir the rice! Only stir your rice as indicated in the recipe and do not stir the rice as it’s coming up to a rapid simmer! Stirring the rice will release starches and make your rice mushy.
  4. Let it steam: After cooking, rice is drier on the top than it is on the bottom. It is imperative that you allow the rice to sit off the heat for 5-8 minutes so the moisture can evenly distribute throughout. Don’t peak!
  5. Season to taste: Not everyone has the same tastebuds. Always make sure you are seasoning to YOUR specific taste. If you prefer a stronger pop of lemon flavor, add more zest and juice or both! Also, make sure you are generously seasoning your rice with kosher salt and ground black pepper before serving! White rice needs help in the form of proper seasoning, or it will feel like it’s missing that special something.

Step-by-step photos: Making lemon rice recipe at home 

(Don’t forget to scroll down for the detailed instructions in the complete printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)

Overhead photo collage of how to make Greek Lemon Rice step by step with written instructions on each step.

Serving Greek rice recipe

Are you looking for new or exciting ways to serve this lemon rice pilaf recipe? Below are a few delicious ways to enjoy this rice recipe!

How to serve lemon rice recipes?

You can serve Greek rice hot, at room temperature or cold as part of a salad!

Traditionally, you serve lemon pilaf as a side dish or as a small dish part of a Greek mezze platter (a meze is a collection or spread of small dishes). However, you can also top rice with your favorite protein, vegetables and sauces and serve it as a hearty grain bowl!

What goes with rice with lemon?

Lemon rice pilaf is incredibly versatile and tastes delicious with just about everything! However, due to its Mediterranean personality, it pairs especially well with Greek, Spanish and Italian food. (But don’t let that stop you from crossing international culinary boarders!)

Chef’s serving recommendations: I personally love pairing this recipe for Greek rice with any of the following dinner recipes: Baked Lemon Salmon, Greek style ShrimpGarlic Rosemary Chicken Skewers, Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken, Apricot Pork Skewers and Honey Lemon Chicken.

And don’t forget the lemon cake mix cookies or lemon glazed muffins for dessert!

12 dishes to serve with rice Greek style

  • Dips: I love pairing this rice with a bowl of spinach hummus, creamy cucumber dip, and/or eggplant dip along with plenty of crunchy pita chips for dipping!
  • Salad: A hearty Greek salad makes the perfect light pairing option to this rice!
  • Soup: Try adding Lemon rice to Greek lemon chicken soup (Avgolemono) for a beautiful food pairing!
  • Dolmades: Greek stuffed grape leaves are a wonderful light bite if you are looking to create a Greek dinner experience!
  • Chicken Hummus Bowl: If you are looking for a light, yet hearty dish, a big bowl of creamy hummus with Greek chicken and fresh vegetables is for you!
  • Sandwiches: A delicious Greek pita sandwich with lamb, beef, pork or chicken is a delicious handheld option!
  • Stir Fry: Whip up your favorite stir fry protein and/or vegetables and try serving it with this zippy rice! I love pairing Garlic Honey Shrimp with lemony rice!
  • Shrimp: Succulent, saucy shrimp Saganaki is one of my favorite pairing ideas!
  • Salmon: Flaky salmon and lemon pilaf is always a winner!
  • White Fish: Baked or roasted white fish tastes amazing with Greek rice!
  • Chicken: Try piling chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto or sticky honey balsamic chicken on top of lemon rice for a delicious meal!
  • Beef: Juicy beef souvlaki kebabs are a great option if you are feeding a meat-eater!
  • Lamb: Beautifully spiced lamb meatballs are the perfect bite-size pairing option for rice!

Overhead photo of perfectly cooked lemon rice recipe.

Storing leftover greek rice recipes

Make sure you follow the simple tips below for properly storing, freezing and reheating your lemon rice pilaf!

Can I make greek rice with lemon in advance?

You can make this lemon rice recipe in advance; however, it will always taste best fresh!

If you are looking to save some time, you can prepare a couple things in advance so your rice will come together in a flash!

  • Chop onion and garlic. Use a sharp chef’s knife to chop your onions and garlic. Make sure you store each in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Zest and juice lemon. Use a microplane or grater to zest your lemons before squeezing them for juice. Store the zest and juice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator (see below).
  • Measure broth: Measure out the chicken broth in a large liquid measuring cup and add ¼ cup of the fresh lemon juice to the cup. Cover the measuring cup and store it in the refrigerator.

How long will Greek rice pilaf last?

Leftover lemon rice is perfect to have on hand to add to your salads or grain bowls for quick and easy meals!

To store leftovers, first allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, transfer the rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to reheat lemony rice?

This recipe for greek rice reheats beautifully! There are two different ways you can reheat your rice, depending upon your preference.

  • Stovetop: Transfer rice to a saucepan or skillet and sprinkle a tablespoon of broth or water over the rice. Warm the rice over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warm throughout. (Tip: If your rice is sticking during reheating, add more water or broth as necessary.)
  • Microwave: Transfer an individual portion of rice to a microwave-safe container or bowl. Sprinkle a tablespoon of broth or water over the top of the rice. Cover the bowl loosely with a damp paper towel. Reheat for 1 minute at 100% power. Stir and continue to microwave in 30 second increments until warm throughout.

Close-up photo of the fluffy texture of lemony rice with fresh zest and dill.

Can I freeze this recipe for lemon rice?

Absolutely, this lemon rice recipe freezes exceptionally well! Freezing is the perfect way to further extend the shelf-life of your rice! Follow the simple tips below when freezing to prevent freezer burn!

  • Cool: Allow your rice to cool completely to room temperature after cooking. Since rice is moist – which is a breeding ground for bacteria – you want to cool it as quickly as possible. To aid in the cooling process, try spreading the rice out on a large baking sheet!
  • Bag it: Transfer the cool rice to a freezer-safe storage bag. Gently press the bag to remove as much as possible before sealing.
  • Storage: Store your lemon pilaf rice flat in the freezer – this way it takes up less space and defrosts quicker!
  • Use by: This recipe for greek rice will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Expert-tip: Pre-portion the rice into 1 cup or 2 cup servings for quicker reheating!

How to use frozen rice?

You should use frozen Greek lemon rice straight from the freezer, or you can quickly thaw it just prior to using. Never defrost your rice in the refrigerator overnight as this will result in the rice having a gummy texture!!

To use rice from freezer: You can use the rice straight from the freezer – without thawing! Reheat the rice according to one of the methods above – omit adding broth or water. Please note, you will need to reheat the frozen rice longer than the times listed above!

To quickly thaw: Add the frozen rice to a microwave-safe container. (Note: If you didn’t freeze the rice into individual portions you will need to gently break the large block of rice into small chunks). Cover the container loosely with a damp paper towel and reheat on high for two minutes, or until the rice is no longer cold throughout.

To use thawed rice: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave as directed above.

Close-up photo of cooked recipe for lemon rice with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Bright, lemony and totally restaurant-worthy, this flavorful recipe for greek Lemon Rice will become a regular side dish in your dinner rotation!

Until next week, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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Overhead photo of lemon rice with lemon zest, dill, and feta in a white bowl.

Greek Rice with Lemon

5 from 3 votes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This easy Greek Lemony Rice requires just a handful of simple ingredients and 25 minutes! Featuring rice infused with onions, garlic, plenty of fresh lemon and aromatic fresh herbs, this recipe is an easy, delicious way to spruce up plain white rice! This lemon rice pilaf is bright, zippy and so delectable it will become a staple in your house - which is perfect because it pairs beautifully with everything!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ Cups Jasmine or Basmati Rice – uncooked (300 grams) (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 TBS EACH: Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter (SEE NOTES)
  • ½ small Yellow Onion – small dice (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves Garlic – finely dice
  • 1 tsp Greek Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – to taste
  • ¼ Cup Dry White Wine
  • 1 ¾ Cup No-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 large Lemons - (2 tsp Zest) + (6 TBS Juice - DIVIDED), or more to taste (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2-3 TBS EACH: Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley & Dill
  • ½ Cup Feta Cheese

Instructions

  • Sweat onion, garlic & seasonings: Heat oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, Greek seasoning and ¾ teaspoon salt and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Deglaze with wine: Add the wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until wine is evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add rice + broth: Stir in the rice, then add the broth, ¼ cup of the Lemon juice and the bay leaf. Stir well once to combine.
  • Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring rice to a rapid simmer WITHOUT STIRRING. Once simmering, stir ONCE to combine everything.
  • Cover and cook: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and then reduce the heat to low (SEE NOTES). Gently simmer (NO PEAKING) for 12 minutes, or until all the liquid is evaporated.
  • Rest/Steam off heat: Remove the pan from the heat (with the lid still on) and let the rice sit and steam for 5 minutes.
  • Add flavorings: Remove the lid and remove and discard the bay leaf. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoon of lemon juice, all the lemon zest and fresh herbs (and a pat or two of butter if desired).
  • Serve: Taste and adjust for seasoning with more lemon, salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and let cool ever so slightly before topping with feta and more fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Rice: I prefer Jasmine or Basmati rice because it produces beautifully fluffy rice that isn’t at all mushy or sticky. However, you can use long-grain white rice instead.
  2. Oil/Butter: You can use just oil or just butter if you prefer. I like the combination of oil and butter for the depth of flavor.
  3. Lemons: Zest your lemon FIRST. Then, before cutting the lemon, gently press and roll it around on a clean work surface – this will help you get the most juice out of the lemon!
  4. Cooking temperature: If you are using an older (less strong) stove you may need to cover and cook your rice over medium-low heat. If using a strong stove, low heat is best. If you are unsure, you can always cook your rice in the middle – between over medium-low to low heat.
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal    Carbohydrates: 43g    Protein: 6g    Fat: 5g    Saturated Fat: 2g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Cholesterol: 11mg    Sodium: 143mg    Potassium: 130mg    Fiber: 2g    Sugar: 2g    Vitamin A: 62IU    Vitamin C: 20mg    Calcium: 88mg    Iron: 1mg

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