If you’re looking for a simple yet vibrant side dish, lemon rice is your go-to recipe. This zesty, flavorful dish perfectly blends tangy lemon with fresh herbs. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled fish, or roasted vegetables, or enjoying it as a refreshing meal on its own, lemon rice is a must-try!
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is one of those quick and delicious seasoned rice recipes that can brighten up your entire meal. It’s nothing but a bowl of fluffy basmati rice with a burst of fresh lemon, a hint of garlic, and warm spices.
I love having my rice with any kind of Indian curry—that’s just how we do it in India. It’s the perfect side for butter chicken, black bean curry, or chickpea tikka masala.
Lemon rice is super easy to whip up, making it ideal for those busy weeknights. What makes it even better is how versatile it is.
You can keep it simple or herb it up with some fresh cilantro or parsley and a handful of toasted nuts for a little crunch.
It’s light, refreshing, and goes with pretty much everything. Once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Ingredients
You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to make lemon rice, and they might already be in your kitchen right now!
- Rice: I love using basmati rice for seasoned rice, but you can use any long-grain rice like jasmine or even plain white rice.
- Broth: Cooking the rice in rich vegetable broth adds depth and a savory note. I make my own homemade vegetable broth, but you can also use chicken broth—anything will work.
- Oil: A combination of olive oil and unsalted butter to make the final dish perfectly seasoned.
- Lemon: I always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor, and lemon zest for a burst of citrusy aroma. But if you have bottled lemon juice, that will work too.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic cloves and ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, and a pinch of turmeric for a warm, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- Herbs: Plenty of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a burst of freshness and a vibrant green touch to the dish.
How To Make Lemon Rice
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it. (This helps get rid of excess starch from the rice.)
- Cook the Rice: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for a minute. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and salt. Add the rinsed rice and lemon juice, and stir to coat the rice with the spices. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon zest. Top with chopped fresh herbs and toasted nuts if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your lemon rice!
What To Serve With Lemon Rice
- With Curry: Lemon rice pairs perfectly with any Indian curry, whether it’s chickpea tikka masala, lentil dal, spicy chickpea curry, or even vegan butter chicken.
- With Chicken: Try serving lemon rice with grilled or roasted chicken, or cilantro lime chicken, or chicken tikka masala. The citrusy notes of the lemon rice complement the savory, juicy flavors of the chicken, making it a fantastic combo.
- Something Light: It also goes well with grilled fish, seafood, or air fryer roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, you can pair it with a simple cucumber and onion salad, and a bowl of tzatziki on the side.