Lemon Herb Rice (Printable)

Fluffy rice infused with fresh lemon zest and herbs, perfect as a flavorful side for many meals.

# What's Needed:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with olive oil and garlic.
04 - Pour in 2 cups water and add salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
05 - Remove from heat and let rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
06 - Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, and chives. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary rice into something so fragrant and flavorful that your guests will ask for the recipe
  • The bright lemon and fresh herbs make any grilled protein or roasted vegetable taste even better
  • It's foolproof once you understand the simple technique, and comes together in just 30 minutes
02 -
  • Adding the lemon and herbs at the very end, after cooking, preserves their brightness and fragrance—if you add them during cooking, much of that fresh flavor cooks away
  • The zest is more important than the juice—that's where the most intense, aromatic lemon flavor lives, so don't skip grating it
03 -
  • Use a zester or the fine side of a box grater to get the lemon zest—it keeps the white bitter pith away and gives you the most fragrant, true lemon flavor
  • If you can find fresh herbs at a farmer's market that morning, the difference in brightness and intensity is remarkable—it transforms the entire dish

Go Back