This Lemon Rice Recipe is an easy side dish that packs a fresh and bright flavor! Whether you use the Instant Pot or stovetop, the tangy lemon really shines through. Feel free to toss in some fresh or dried herbs to add even more flavor!
For more go-to rice recipes, try checking out our collection! You'll find plenty of easy, flavorful options to pair with any meal!
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One thing I love about this easy lemon rice recipe is that it’s great all year round! Sure, it might shine a little more in spring and summer, but it’s always a winner. It’s especially delicious with the chicken from these Grilled Chicken Gyros! Plus, citrus and rice are a perfect match—just like in our orange rice or cilantro lime rice.
Why this recipe is great
- Extra delicious: This zesty lemon rice is loaded with flavor! It starts with onion and garlic, gets a bright pop from lemon juice and zest, and finishes with fresh herbs for the perfect touch.
- Simple Ingredients: You might need to grab a couple of lemons, but other than that, you probably have everything on hand. Easy and convenient.
- Versatile: Whether you toss in fresh herbs or go with dried, you can tweak this to match your mood and whatever you’ve got in the kitchen.
Lemon rice ingredients
This recipe only requires a few pantry staples! Ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Rice: Any long-grain rice will work, but we’re big fans of Jasmine.
- Onions and garlic: The perfect aromatics to kick start the base.
- Butter: You can substitute olive oil, but butter has better flavor.
- Salt: We use kosher salt in all our recipes.
- Lemons: Fresh lemons are a must! You need the zest and the juice! Bottle lemon juice is processed which significantly changes the flavor.
- Chicken broth: Boxed broth or even bouillon added to water will work.
- Herbs: Technically optional, but trust us, they take the flavor up a notch!
How to make lemon rice
The photos show making this in the Instant Pot, but it is the exact same method if using the stovetop. The only difference is the amount of chicken broth.
Begin by heating your pan over medium heat until it is hot. Melt the butter then add in the onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until they are translucent. Then add in the garlic for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.
Next, pour in the rice and stir until every grain is covered in the butter mixture. Continue stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes until the rice begins to toast.
Finally, add in the chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and herbs, if using. Cover and cook over low heat until tender.
If using the Instant Pot, lock it in place, turn off sauté, and make sure the vent button is in the sealing position. Press the "rice" function. Allow to cook, then naturally release for 10 minutes.
If cooking on the stovetop, allow to cook for 20 minutes, take off the heat and allow to sit with the lid on for 10 minutes.
Once the time is up, release the lid. Open carefully, directing the steam away from you. Fluff, by raking the tines of a fork back and forth across surface of the rice. Serve warm.
Hint: If you have fresh herbs in the garden or the refrigerator, this is a great way to use them up. Be sure to use double the amount of the dry herbs called for in the recipe card. We especially love fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh basil.
What to serve with lemon rice pilaf
It’s super easy to serve since it pairs well with just about any meat—chicken, beef, pork, and even fish!
- Easy Brown Butter Chicken Bites
- Oven Baked Thin Chicken Beasts
- 4-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Steak
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
What is the best rice for lemon rice?
Any long-grain rice will work, however we love Jasmine rice for this recipe. It cooks up nice and tender and adds a subtle hint of flavor that complements the lemon and herbs perfectly.
FAQs
The very best way to reheat leftover rice, whether in a skillet or in the microwave, is to sprinkle a little water over the top and then cover. This will help keep the moisture in. For all the details see How To Reheat Rice.
The best way to keep lemon rice from turning bitter is to zest only the bright yellow part of the peel and avoid the white pith underneath. The pith has a bitter taste, while the zest adds all the fresh, citrusy flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- It can't be stated enough, there is no substitute for fresh lemon.
- Use a fork at the end to fluff it. It really does help keep it from getting mushy.
- Fresh herbs are amazing in this, especially dill, parsley, basil, or a combination of them.
More easy rice recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Easy Lemon Rice Recipe (IP or Stovetop)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice we prefer Jasmine
- 1 ¾ cup chicken broth for IP or 2 cups (for stove)
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest from 1-2 lemons
- ¼ cup lemon juice from 2-3 lemons
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 teaspoon dried herbs parsley, basil, dill, oregano, or combo OR 2 tablespoon fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil, or combo)
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Select the "saute" option. Once the pot is very hot, melt butter and saute onions for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent. Add in in garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute.3 tablespoon butter, ½ onion, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Stir in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, coating in butter.1.5 cups long grain white rice
- Add in the 1 ¾ cups chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Scrape all the rice grains down into the liquid. Seal the Instant Pot and press "rice."1 ¾ cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon salt, Optional: 2 teaspoon dried herbs
- Once Instant Pot beeps to indicate it is finished, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes (do NOT release the steam yet). After 10 minutes, release the steam and open the lid. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Stovetop
- Heat a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Once hot, melt butter and saute onions for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent. Add in garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute.3 tablespoon butter, ½ onion, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring well to coat every grain with butter.1.5 cups long grain white rice
- While the rice is toasting, microwave 2 cups chicken stock until hot. Add the hot stock, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and herbs to the pot. Cover immediately and cook on low heat for 20 minutes (should simmer softly).1 ¾ cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon salt, Optional: 2 teaspoon dried herbs
- Once finished cooking, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. If it is still a bit sticky, allow some steam to escape for 5-10 minutes until it reaches the desired texture
Notes
- It can't be stated enough, there is no substitute for fresh lemon.
- Use a fork at the end to fluff it. It really does help keep it from getting mushy.
- Fresh herbs are amazing in this, especially dill, parsley, basil, or a combination of them
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
This lemon rice recipe is so easy in the instant pot!