Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time (about 40–45 minutes). The flavor is still lovely, just heartier.

Is Greek Lemon Rice good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Just use vegetable broth and skip the feta—or use a plant-based alternative.

Why add lemon at the end instead of the beginning?

Adding lemon juice at the end keeps the flavor bright and fresh. Cooking it too long can dull the citrus.

You can, though the texture is best fresh. If freezing, cool completely and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Greek Lemon Rice: Light, Comforting & Ready in 25 Minutes

Name: Greek Lemon Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Optional: fresh dill or crumbled feta

Description

Greek Lemon Rice is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor and herbs. This easy Mediterranean side dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: fresh dill or crumbled feta

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Pour in the broth, then add oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and dill if using.
Fluff with a fork and garnish with feta if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra zest or use a second lemon.

Let the rice rest uncovered for a few minutes before fluffing for the best texture.

This dish reheats well with a splash of broth to refresh it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg