4.7 from 406 votes
Greek Lemon Rice
Greek Lemon Rice features long grain white rice cooked in butter, chicken broth, turmeric, and fresh lemon juice for a fluffy, vibrant side dish. Optional fresh herbs like dill add brightness. The rice is rinsed before cooking to reduce starch and improve texture, and it simmers until tender with a gentle lemon tang and subtle coloring from turmeric.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
187 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice rinsed (see note)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼-⅓ cup lemon juice to taste, fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs optional (dill is my favorite!, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.
- Stir in rinsed rice for 1 minute, then stir in turmeric.
- Stir in the broth, lemon juice, and salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a high simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout. Fluff with a fork, stir in fresh herbs if desired, and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Rinse long grain rice under cold water before cooking to remove surface starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Basmati rice can be used for a lighter, fluffier texture, though it changes the dish slightly from traditional Greek style.
- Store cooked rice in the refrigerator for up to five days; freezing is possible but may alter texture.
- Use unsalted butter and adjust added salt according to taste to control seasoning precisely.
- Add fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or oregano, or mix in peas, diced tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts to add flavor and texture variations.
Nutrition Information
Calories
187kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
1028mg
(43%)
Potassium
122mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
19IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
9mg
(10%)
Calcium
32mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 187
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 187kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 1028mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 122mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 19IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.