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Best Fluffy Greek Lemon Rice - Perfect Fluffy Lemon Pilaf Recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired side dish combines fragrant long-grain rice with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and savory broth to create a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. The bright citrus notes combined with traditional Greek seasonings make this side dish truly irresistible and deliver restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the drained rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step helps create that perfect fluffy texture.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and add the lemon zest, dried oregano, dried dill, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let the rice stand covered for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for best fluffy texture. Toast the rice in oil before adding liquid to help grains stay separate. Add lemon juice with cooking liquid rather than at the end for better flavor infusion. Perfect liquid ratio is 1:2 rice to liquid.