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!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir in the lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or alongside your favorite protein!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(821.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	661.5

Total Fat 39.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2913.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 10.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 95.1mg	0%
Iron 3.6mg	0%
Potassium 367.8mg	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: 53.2%

Protein: 5.9%

Carbs: 40.9%