This easy lemon rice is one of those recipes that sneaks into your weekly rotation without you even realizing it. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a fresh, zesty side that goes with almost anything — from roasted chicken to grilled veggies or even a quick stir-fry.
In my kitchen, this rice shows up everywhere. It’s the perfect partner for Greek-inspired meals like marinated chicken skewers or pork souvlaki, but honestly, I’ve served it alongside everything from salmon to meatloaf. That pop of lemon just works.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Rice
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Just five ingredients – Nothing fancy, just staples you probably already have.
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Fresh, bright flavor – Lemon juice and zest turn plain rice into something special.
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Versatile – Works with so many cuisines, from Mediterranean to Indian or even simple weeknight dinners.
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Quick and easy – Ready in the same amount of time as cooking plain rice.
Tips From My Kitchen
Making lemon rice is straightforward, but these small tips make a big difference:
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Use fresh lemon – Bottled juice doesn’t have the same brightness or fragrance as fresh.
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Don’t skip the zest – That’s where the real punch of citrus flavor comes from. A microplane zester is your best friend here.
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Add butter – A little butter stirred in while the rice cooks makes it richer and gives it that “comfort food” feel.
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Fluff, then rest – Let the rice sit off the heat for a couple of minutes, then fluff it gently for the perfect texture.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can easily add your own twist depending on what you’re serving:
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Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or dill for an herby finish.
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Cheese: Stir in some crumbled feta or Parmesan before serving.
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Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts like pistachios, almonds, or pecans over the top.
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Sweet touch: Add a handful of chopped dried fruit like apricots or cranberries for a fun variation.
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Savory depth: Sauté a little onion, garlic, or bell pepper before adding your rice and water for a more layered flavor.
Storing and Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to a month, then reheat straight from frozen for a quick side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with brown rice?
Yes! Just follow the package cooking time and adjust the liquid as needed.
Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water?
Absolutely — broth adds extra flavor and makes the rice taste even richer.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the butter or use olive oil instead.
Lemon Rice
Light, fragrant, and full of zesty flavor, this lemon rice is the perfect side dish for almost any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (medium grain works too)
- 1 cup cold water
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp minced Italian parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water, stirring with your hand, and drain. Repeat two or three times until the water runs mostly clear. Place the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Add the water, lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and salt to the pan. Give it a quick stir, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff gently with a fork, stir in the minced parsley, and taste for seasoning. Add more butter or salt, if desired.
- Serve warm as a bright and versatile side dish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 10mgSodium 293mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 2g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This easy lemon rice is the kind of side dish that quietly becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s fresh, versatile, and comes together without any fuss, making it perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike.
Try it once, and you’ll see how that simple touch of lemon can turn plain rice into something bright and crave-worthy — the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need a quick, reliable side.
