Lemony Rice Pilaf
Brighten up your dinner table with this irresistible Lemony Rice Pilaf, a zesty and fragrant side dish that perfectly balances citrusy freshness with comforting, buttery rice. Featuring long-grain white rice cooked to fluffy perfection in a blend of chicken or vegetable broth, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is elevated with the vibrant zing of freshly grated lemon zest and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Finely chopped onion, garlic, and parsley add layers of flavor and freshness, while a quick sauté ensures the rice is lightly toasted for a nutty undertone. Perfect as a versatile companion to chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, this easy-to-make pilaf is ready in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Enjoy a side dish that’s as simple as it is refreshing!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir to coat the rice in the butter and oil mixture, cooking for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir in the lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a side dish or alongside your favorite protein!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
166 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.7 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 18 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 676 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.7 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 23 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 103 mg | 2% | |
*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.
