Brighten up your meal with this Lemony Brown Basmati Rice, a light and flavorful side dish that’s as nourishing as it is zesty. Featuring nutty brown basmati rice infused with fresh lemon juice, vibrant zest, and sautéed garlic, this recipe brings a burst of citrusy freshness to your plate. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley add richness and a pop of color, while black pepper perfectly balances the tangy flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or seafood, making it a must-have for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Healthy, fragrant, and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect way to elevate your rice game.
Rinse the brown basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures separated grains.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 25 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit with the lid on for 5 minutes to steam. Then fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and black pepper to create the lemony dressing.
Pour the lemony dressing over the cooked rice and gently mix until the rice is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories |
499 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.0 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1211 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.6 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.9 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 87 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 314 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.