Bright and Flavorful Lemon Garlic Rice

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If you’re looking for a simple side dish that packs a punch of flavor, this Lemon Garlic Rice is it! The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley creates a vibrant, refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

I love how easy yet elegant this rice is—it’s light, fluffy, and full of bright citrusy notes, making it the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight meals yet special enough for dinner parties.

The secret? Toasting the rice with garlic before simmering it in lemon-infused broth deepens the flavor and adds a subtle nuttiness. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you’ll have a fragrant, restaurant-quality side dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Light & Refreshing – Bright lemon and fresh parsley add a vibrant touch.
✅ Easy & Quick – Just 20 minutes from start to finish!
✅ Pairs with Anything – Ideal for grilled chicken, seafood, or Mediterranean dishes.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Flavors develop even more as it sits!

📝 Ingredients

🔹 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati work best!)
🔹 2 cups vegetable broth or water
🔹 2 tablespoons olive oil
🔹 4 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 1 lemon, zested and juiced
🔹 ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
🔹 Salt & pepper to taste

🍋 Want extra zest? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick!

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Rice

✔️ Rinse long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. (This removes excess starch for fluffy rice!)

2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic & Toast the Rice

✔️ In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
✔️ Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
✔️ Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for another minute, stirring occasionally. (This enhances the flavor!)

3️⃣ Cook the Rice

✔️ Pour in vegetable broth (or water), lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
✔️ Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4️⃣ Fluff & Garnish

✔️ Remove from heat and let sit (covered) for 5 minutes.
✔️ Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

✔️ Serve warm with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or sautéed vegetables.

🍽️ For an extra fresh touch, garnish with lemon slices and a drizzle of olive oil before serving!

🌿 Tips & Variations

✅ Make it extra buttery – Stir in ½ tablespoon of butter for a silky texture.
✅ Add a Mediterranean twist – Mix in crumbled feta cheese or Kalamata olives.
✅ Turn it into a meal – Toss with chickpeas, roasted veggies, or grilled shrimp.
✅ Switch up the herbs – Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil for a new flavor profile.

🛍️ Storage & Reheating

🧊 To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Warm in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it fluffy.
❄️ To Freeze – Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.

🌟 Tried This Recipe?

Let me know how you liked it in the comments below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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