Easy Lemon Rice Recipe (IP or Stovetop)

A large serving dish of lemon rice with a spoon in it.

5 from 1 vote

Easy Lemon Rice Recipe (IP or Stovetop)

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 freshness!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 231kcal

Author: Danielle

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

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

Nutrition