Greek Rice Recipe is a bright lemon-herb rice that’s buttery, simple, and perfect alongside all your favorite mains.
Author’s Notes
My Current Side Dish Obsession!
As I’m trying to transition away from a month straight of cookies, fudge, candy, and Christmas snack mix, I’ve been craving more nutritious meals and this rice has been hitting the spot.
It’s my current side dish obsession and helps me eat a little better without feeling like I’m missing out. Pair it with baked chicken or grilled steak and I’m loving every single bite while feeling totally satisfied.
The lemon, the fresh herbs…this Greek Rice Recipe is just so dang good.
Ingredients In My Greek Rice Recipe
| Ingredient Group | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| Rice | Basmati cooks up light and fluffy and works best in this recipe. |
| Butter & Garlic | Cook the garlic just until fragrant for the best flavor. If it cooks too long, it can turn bitter. |
| Dried Herbs & Spices | Adding the herbs early helps their flavor infuse nicely into the rice. |
| Broth & Water | Using both adds flavor while keeping the rice from tasting too heavy. |
| Lemon & Fresh Herbs | Stir these in at the end so the rice stays bright and fresh tasting. |
Quick Tip
My Favorite Herb Hack
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, freeze-dried herbs are my favorite substitute in this Greek Rice Recipe.
How To Make This Greek Rice Recipe
- Toast: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, then stir in the rice and cook until toasted.
- Simmer: Add seasonings and liquids, cover, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat and cook until absorbed.
- Rest: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered so it finishes steaming.
- Finish: Fluff the rice, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm or at room temperature.
More Greek-Inspired Recipes:
Greek Rice Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Small pot with fitted lid
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1-1/2 cups basmati rice see note 1
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 large lemons 1 teaspoon zest, 4 tablespoons juice
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley optional
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill optional
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a small pot. Once melted, add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until most grains look slightly translucent.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, broth, and water. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and then cover with a lid.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Start checking at 12 minutes and avoid lifting the lid too often since this releases steam.
- Remove from heat and let sit, still covered, for 10 minutes. Don't rush this!
- Remove lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storage
Leftovers?
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before storing, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a small splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
What To Serve With This Greek Rice Recipe
- Chicken: Baked chicken, grilled chicken, or rotisserie chicken
- Steak: Grilled steak, flank steak, or London Broil
- Seafood: Salmon, shrimp, or white fish
- Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- Mediterranean Sides: Greek salad, hummus, or tzatziki
