Greek Lemon Rice in 35 Minutes

Name: Greek Lemon Rice in 35 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 2, 2025

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There’s something magical about the bright, zesty flavors of Greek lemon rice – it’s like sunshine on a plate. I first fell in love with this dish during a cozy Greek-inspired dinner at a friend’s house. The tangy lemon, fragrant oregano, and fluffy rice came together in a way that felt both comforting and exciting. Best of all? It’s ready in just 35 minutes! Whether you’re whipping it up as a side for grilled chicken or enjoying it as a light meal on its own, this Greek lemon rice is as easy as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes) - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Oh, where do I even start? This Greek lemon rice recipe is one of those rare gems that checks all the boxes:

Quick & easy: From chopping to serving, it’s done in 35 minutes flat – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” nights
Bursting with flavor: That zingy lemon and oregano combo? Absolute magic
Super versatile: Fancy it as a side or bulk it up with veggies for a light meal
Always a crowd-pleaser: I’ve served this at everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings
Leftovers rock: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!)

Seriously, this recipe’s become my not-so-secret weapon for delicious meals in a flash.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this zesty Greek lemon rice – trust me, it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your pantry:

1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained – this is key!)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought both work)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons, depending on size)
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white works great)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if you’ve got it)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this – it brings everything together)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – it adds that fresh pop of color and flavor)

That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get cooking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this Greek lemon rice! Just grab:

A medium pot with a tight-fitting lid
A trusty wooden spoon for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons
A fine mesh strainer for rinsing the rice

That’s it – now you’re ready to make magic happen!

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice in 35 Minutes

Alright, let’s dive into making this gorgeous Greek lemon rice! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have fluffy, lemony perfection in no time.

Step 1: Rinse and Prepare the Rice

First things first – rinse that rice! I know it seems like an extra step, but trust me, it makes all the difference. Pour your rice into a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs completely clear. This removes excess starch so your rice won’t be gummy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, heat your olive oil in that medium pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes – you want it translucent but not browned. Then add the garlic and oregano, stirring constantly for just about a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Here’s where the magic starts! Add your rinsed rice to the pot and stir it around for about 2 minutes. You’ll hear it making little crackling sounds – that’s perfect! This quick toast gives the rice a lovely nutty depth that balances the bright lemon later.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Pour in your broth and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Set your timer for 15 minutes – no peeking! The steam needs to work its magic. After 15 minutes, check if the liquid’s absorbed (it might need up to 20 minutes total).

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

Here’s the step most people rush – don’t! Turn off the heat and let that pot sit covered for 5 full minutes. Then uncover, fluff with a fork (never a spoon – forks keep the grains separate), and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The resting time lets the rice finish cooking evenly and absorb any last moisture.

Greek Lemon Rice (35-Minutes) - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Rice

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for Greek lemon rice perfection:

Bay leaf bonus: Toss in a bay leaf while simmering – it adds subtle depth that’ll have people wondering “what’s that amazing flavor?”

Lemon lover’s guide: Start with 1/4 cup juice, then add more to taste after cooking. My cousin likes it extra tart – she adds another tablespoon!

The rest is best: Don’t skip letting the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This is when it magically transforms from good to “oh wow” texture.

Broth matters: Use good quality broth – it’s the flavor foundation. I keep homemade frozen in 2-cup portions just for this recipe!

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have restaurant-quality Greek lemon rice every single time.

Variations of Greek Lemon Rice

One of my favorite things about this Greek lemon rice is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

Veggie boost: Stir in some sautéed zucchini or bell peppers right before serving
Herb swap: Try fresh dill instead of oregano for a brighter flavor
Cheese please: Crumble in some feta cheese at the end – the salty tang is incredible
Protein power: Mix in shredded chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal
Citrus twist: Add a bit of orange zest along with the lemon for extra zing

The possibilities are endless – have fun playing with flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Greek Lemon Rice

This zesty Greek lemon rice plays so well with others! My absolute favorite way to serve it is alongside grilled chicken thighs – the crispy skin and juicy meat pair perfectly with the bright rice. For seafood lovers, try it with pan-seared salmon or garlic shrimp. And you can’t go wrong with a classic Greek salad on the side – those briny olives and creamy feta balance the lemon beautifully. Honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the pot with a squeeze of extra lemon – no shame!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the good news – this Greek lemon rice keeps like a dream! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, my favorite way to reheat is on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist – just warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works too (cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out), but honestly? I sometimes eat it cold straight from the fridge – it’s that good!

Nutritional Information for Greek Lemon Rice

Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this Greek lemon rice (per serving): about 220 calories, 35g carbs, 4g protein, and 7g fat. Just a heads up – these are estimates and may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients or brands. But honestly? With all that fresh lemon and herbs, you’re definitely getting the good stuff!

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Lemon Rice

I get asked about this Greek lemon rice recipe all the time – here are the most common questions I hear (and my tried-and-true answers):

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time! Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Start checking at 35 minutes and add more broth if needed. The texture will be chewier, but still delicious.

How long does Greek lemon rice last in the fridge?
It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The lemon actually helps preserve it! The flavors meld and deepen overnight – some say it tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze this rice?
Absolutely! Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference. If you must substitute, use 3 tablespoons bottled juice and add a bit of zest if you can.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your broth is gluten-free (many brands are, but always check). All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Share Your Greek Lemon Rice Experience

I’d love to hear how your Greek lemon rice turns out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, snap a photo for Instagram (#SundaySupper), or tell me what creative twists you added. Happy cooking!