Lemon Rice with Scallions

Brighten up your meals with this zesty and aromatic Lemon Rice with Scallions, a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Fluffy basmati rice is infused with the bold flavors of fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a hint of turmeric for a golden glow, while thinly sliced scallions add a delicate crunch and mild oniony flavor. A quick sizzle of mustard seeds in olive oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth to this recipe, making it irresistibly flavorful. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a pinch of optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, fish, or lean proteins. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone delight, this recipe is a refreshing twist on traditional rice dishes, bursting with citrusy brightness and wholesome simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 4 stalks scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.

Step 3

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them sizzle until they start to pop, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Stir in the turmeric powder and cook for another 10 seconds, ensuring it is mixed well with the oil.

Step 6

Add the thinly sliced scallions to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, and gently stir in the cooked rice, ensuring it is evenly coated with the turmeric mixture.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 9

For an extra kick, add red chili flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and garnish the rice with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 11

Serve the lemon rice warm as a side dish or alongside grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(829.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	555.7

Total Fat 30.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2386.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 9.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 96.5mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 315.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 44.9%