In my latest recipe, I whipped up lemon and herb rice celebrating bright, natural flavors. With long grain white rice, water, salt, olive oil and lemon zest combined with dried thyme, oregano and basil, each spoonful truly excites. I love this simple side dish for its clean, vibrant appeal.

Jump to Recipe

I recently decided to try my hand at something new in the kitchen and discovered this herb lemon rice recipe that’s packed with flavor. I used 1 cup of long grain white rice, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt along with a tablespoon of olive oil.

The magic really happens when I add the zest from 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil. I love how these simple ingredients blend to create such a bright, zesty side dish that fits perfectly in my meal-prep lineup.

Whether you’re a fan of rice cooker dishes like Rice Cooker Lemon Rice or prefer a different method, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Every time I make it, I get a bit excited about how a few pantry staples can elevate a basic rice dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Give it a go and see what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this herb lemon rice for a few reasons. First, its super easy to make and the process never overwhelms me. I can follow the steps without stressing even though I sometimes mess up the cooking time. Second, I really enjoy the fresh zing from the lemon zest and juice – it totally brightens up the dish and makes my mouth water every time. And lastly, the mix of herbs (thyme, oregano, basil) makes it taste so cool and reminds me of homecooked meals my mom used to make.

Ingredients

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Long Grain White Rice: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy, forming a soft, satisfying base for this dish.
Olive Oil: Offers heart-healthy fats while enhancing overall flavor and contributing a smooth, silky texture.
Lemon Zest: Imparts a vibrant citrus aroma and a delicate tang, brightening up the dish exquisitely.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing sour note with vitamin C, balancing the dish with lively flavor.
Dried Thyme: Delivers mild earthiness and complements other herbs, enhancing depth and complexity.
Dried Oregano and Basil: Impart aromatic, savory nuances that enrich the herb mix and elevate the dish.
Salt: Enhances natural flavors; add sparingly to bring all tastes into perfect harmony.
Water: Essential for cooking rice evenly, merging flavors and achieving the ideal texture.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup long grain white rice

2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Zest from 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the rice lightly to remove extra starch then drain it well.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Once boiling, add the 1 cup of rice, stir gently, and reduce the heat to low.

4. Cover the pan and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

5. While the rice is cooking, zest 1 lemon and squeeze out the juice to get 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

6. Mix the lemon zest, lemon juice with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil in a small bowl.

7. After the rice is done, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes then fluff it with a fork.

8. Pour the herb lemon mixture over the rice and gently stir until everything is evenly combined. Enjoy your fresh, tasty herb lemon rice!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander or strainer to rinse and drain the rice
2. A medium saucepan for boiling water and cooking the rice
3. Measuring cups and spoons to measure water, olive oil, salt, and spices
4. A stirring spoon for mixing the rice and later the herb lemon mixture
5. A small bowl to combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and herbs
6. A grater or zester for removing the lemon zest
7. A lemon squeezer (if you have one) to juice the lemon properly
8. A fork for fluffing the cooked rice

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of rice?

A: Sure you can substitute but remember that different rice types might need longer or shorter cooking times.

Q: Do I really need to rinse the rice first?

A: It's not mandatory but rinsing helps get rid of extra starch which can make the rice less sticky.

Q: What if I dont have all the dried herbs?

A: No worries, you can adjust or even use fresh herbs instead for a different twist. Just add a bit more since fresh ones are milder.

Q: Can I make the Herb Lemon Rice ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can, but the lemon flavor might lessen a bit. Reheat it and add a touch more lemon juice if needed.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

A: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it properly first.

Herb Lemon Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using plain water, you could use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to add extra flavor.
If you’re out of olive oil, try subbing in avocado oil or even a light canola oil, they both work well.
If lemon zest and lemon juice are not available, you can swap them out with lime zest and lime juice for a zesty twist.
In case you don’t have thyme, oregano, and basil, a small sprinkle of Italian seasoning can serve as a good substitute.

Pro Tips

1. You could try rinsing the rice a couple times until the water runs a little clear so there’s less starch, that way the grains wont stick together so much.
2. Letting the rice sit undisturbed with the lid on after you turn off the heat really helps it fluff up, so dont be tempted to peep into it and stir too early.
3. If you want a deeper flavor, try warming your olive oil in the pan before adding the rice. This little step gives a toasty note that makes a big difference.
4. Experiment with adding a bit of your favorite broth instead of water every once in a while to see if you like that richer flavor profile.