Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (2024)

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Katerina

4.70 from 23 votes

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This easy Lemon Rice Recipe is bursting with lemon flavor! It’s a delicious way to turn plain rice into an exotic dish and is the perfect accompaniment to any meats and veggies.

Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (2)

As the temperature starts to climb, it’s time to introduce vibrant citrus flavors to our meals, and this zesty Lemon Rice makes a wonderful side dish for your dinner line-up. Think creamy, slightly tangy, and packed with bright, irresistible lemon essence; this rice recipe is versatile enough to pair with your favorite fish or meat dishes and will make your meals that much better.

What Is Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a popular and flavorful dish with cooked rice, fresh lemon juice, and various seasonings. The key feature of lemon rice is its tangy and savory taste, which comes from the liberal use of lemon juice. Light, flavorful, and delicious, it’s a game-changer for those looking to liven up plain ol’ rice.

Notice there are no roasted peanuts and red chilies in here because this ishow we Macedonians make Lemon Rice: green onions, garlic, lemon zest, and as much lemon juice as one needs. I, however,did add a bit of turmeric, too. Also, the rice iscooked in broth and Half & Half instead of water, which in turn makes the rice creamy and so much more flavorful. A sprinkle of dill at the end is everything.

Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (3)

How To Make Lemon Rice?

This rice dish is so easy to make – after trying it yourself, you may never return to minute rice!

  1. Prep. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan.
  2. Saute the aromatics. Add in sliced green onions, and cook for a minute. Mix in the garlic and lemon zest, cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Cook the rice. Add a cup of long-grain rice, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add broth, half & half, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  4. Fluff. Remove from heat, fluff rice and adjust seasonings.
  5. Serve. Garnish with dill and green onions before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • Rice: Stick to long-grain varieties like Basmati, Jasmine, or white long-grain rice for this recipe.
  • Rinse: A quick rinse of the rice washes away extra starch, which means no sticky rice clumps.
  • Tweak: Start with the suggested amount of lemon juice and adjust it to achieve the perfect level of tanginess.
  • Watch That Flame: Keep the flame low to avoid scorching the rice, but make sure it’s high enough to maintain a simmer.
  • Go for Fresh: Opt for fresh lemon juice and herbs to pack the most punch in flavor.
Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (4)
Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (5)

Delicious Variations

For those who wish to add an extra touch to this already fantastic rice recipe, here are some mix-in suggestions:

  • Protein: Toss in some cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal in itself.
  • Vegetables: Sauteed bell peppers, peas, or a mix of your favorite vegetables can add more color and nutrition to your dish.
  • Nuts and Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted cashews, peanuts, almonds, or sesame seeds can add a nice crunch and enhance the overall flavor.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or cilantro can be added for an extra pop of freshness.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

These are just a few ideas, but the beauty of lemon rice is its versatility – it can be paired with just about anything you like! The zesty, tangy flavor pairs exceptionally well with grilled or baked meats, including this Artichoke Chicken Recipe, my Grilled Mahi Mahi, or these wonderful Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops. A bowl of this Bouillabaisse soup with a side of lemon rice can make for a warm, comforting meal.

Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (6)

Storing Leftovers

  • Cool leftover rice within an hour after cooking.
  • Transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
  • To reheat, add a bit of water and heat until hot throughout.

Easy Rice Recipes

  • Jollof Rice
  • Jeera Rice
  • Mediterranean Rice
  • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
  • Vegetable Biryani Rice
  • Almond Brown Rice Pilaf

Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (7)

Lemon Rice Recipe

Katerina | Diethood

This easy Lemon Rice Recipe is bursting with lemon flavor! It's a delicious way to turn plain rice into an exotic dish and is the perfect accompaniment to any meats and/or veggies.

Rate this Recipe!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 green onions, white parts only, cut into thin rounds, reserve green parts for garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup half & half, you can also use heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • chopped fresh dill, for garnish
  • chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  • Melt butter and heat olive oil in a nonstick pan.

  • Add onions and cook for 1 minute.

  • Stir in garlic and lemon zest; continue to cook and stir for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

  • Add rice; season with turmeric, salt and pepper, and cook and stir for 1 minute.

  • Stir in vegetable broth, half & half, and lemon juice.

  • Turn up the heat and bring mixture to a boil.

  • Reduce heat to a simmer; cover the pan and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until liquid has evaporated.

  • Remove from heat.

  • Fluff with a fork and taste for seasonings; adjust accordingly.

  • Garnish with dill and green onions.

  • Serve.

Notes

  • Choosing Rice: Long-grain rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine are best for this dish as they stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
  • Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch and prevent the grains from sticking together.
  • Adjust the Lemon: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer it tangier.
  • Keep an Eye on the Heat: When simmering the rice, make sure the heat is low enough that it doesn’t burn the bottom of the pan but high enough to keep a gentle simmer.
  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for the most vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 302 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44.5 g | Protein: 6.1 g | Fat: 18.4 g | Saturated Fat: 4.9 g | Cholesterol: 20.5 mg | Sodium: 75.8 mg | Fiber: 1.4 g | Sugar: 3.7 g

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Sides

Cuisine: Macedonian

Keyword: easy rice recipe, lemon recipe recipe

Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

Categories:

  • Macedonian Cuisine
  • Side Dishes
Lemon Rice Recipe | Easy Lemon Rice Side Dish Idea (2024)

FAQs

What do you do with lemon rice? ›

Immune System Support: Lemon rice powder is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system. Adequate vitamin C intake can enhance immune function, protect against infections, and contribute to overall wellness.

What can I mix with rice to make it better? ›

As for those additions, here they are:
  1. Stir in a tablespoon or more of butter.
  2. Stir in a tablespoon or more of olive oil.
  3. Drizzle with soy sauce.
  4. Add lots of pepper.
  5. Stir in a couple of tablespoons minced fresh herbs, ideally warmed first in melted butter.
Oct 18, 2019

Can we eat lemon rice with milk? ›

You should also avoid taking lemon along with milk, as it may cause severe heartburn or acidity due to the presence of citric acid.

What kind of sauce to put on rice? ›

Tomato Sauce goes great with a wide range of different rice dishes, like this Cabbage Roll Bowl made with Minute® White Rice cups, paprika, garlic powder and canola oil for example.

How do you reduce lemon taste in lemon rice? ›

One of the easiest ways to cut the lemon taste is to balance it with sweetness. Adding a touch of sugar or sweetener can help neutralize the acidity and bring out the natural flavors of lemon. You can try adding a teaspoon of honey, agave syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to your lemon-infused dishes or drinks.

Is lemon rice good for you? ›

Digestive Health: The natural acidity in lemon rice powder can aid digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which help break down food and improve nutrient absorption. Incorporating lemon rice powder into your diet may alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

What is the secret to good rice? ›

Whatever you do, don't mix the rice while it's cooking — this will lead to gummy rice. Let the rice rest covered. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. During this time, the rice will steam for extra fluffy results.

What makes rice taste so good? ›

Cook in Flavorful Liquid

Cooking with a flavorful liquid creates flavorful rice. Using a good stock is the first thing to try—you'll taste the stock so make sure it's a good one! But don't limit yourself to just stock. Another option is to cook the rice in a salsa-like liquid.

What not to mix lemon juice with? ›

Dairy products: Lemon juice can curdle milk or cream, particularly when heated. It is best to avoid mixing lemon juice directly into milk-based products like yogurt or cream-based sauces.

Why is my lemon rice bitter? ›

Did your lemon rice ever turn bitter after cooking? If yes, then dear reader, you must be adding the juice before time. Always add lemon juice at the last step. When you feel the rice is ready and you have tasted the salt and sugar, switch off the flame and add the juice to it.

What does lemon rice do for skin? ›

Skin Health: The antioxidants and vitamin C content in lemon rice powder can benefit the skin. They help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with skin ageing. Consuming lemon rice powder may contribute to a healthier complexion, reduce blemishes, and promote a youthful glow.

Should I put hot sauce on rice? ›

You can add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro. Or, your best decision… add hot sauce! Take a look at our list of what the best hot sauces for rice are, and what you can do to make your rice dishes more memorable…and flavorful!

What can I add to rice besides soy sauce? ›

7 Soy Sauce Substitutes That Are As Good As the Real Thing
  1. Tamari.
  2. Coconut Aminos.
  3. Fish Sauce.
  4. Miso Paste.
  5. Balsamic Vinegar.
  6. Worcestershire Sauce.
  7. Oyster Sauce.
Jun 6, 2023

Does ketchup go with rice? ›

Ketchup Fried Rice is a western-inspired fried rice, cooked in a sweet and tangy ketchup based sauce. It's highly popular in Japan, and for good reason: it's quick, easy and full of flavour!

What happens when you add lemon juice to rice? ›

Lemon juice makes rice look whiter and brighter

Between a quarter of a teaspoon and a single teaspoon of juice is enough to stop the rice from clumping, without making it taste like lemon. It's not just the texture of rice that benefits from a few drops of lemon juice, either.

Is lemon rice good for lunch? ›

Lemon rice makes for a popular South Indian dish that is loved across the country. It is perfect for quick and easy lunch too.

How long can lemon rice last in the fridge? ›

This lemon rice will keep well in the fridge for 4 days. Once cooked, let it cool completely before storing in an air tight container in the fridge. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a coupe of tablespoons of water and cook til piping hot, about 3 minutes in the microwave.

Can we eat lemon rice during cold? ›

Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps fight off cold-related symptoms.

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