Description
This Lemon Herb Rice Bowl is a light, flavorful dish made with fluffy basmati rice, lemon zest, and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect side for Mediterranean, Greek, or Italian-inspired meals and comes together easily on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Bright, zesty, and satisfying, it’s a refreshing addition to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup basmati rice – long-grain and fluffy, perfect for absorbing flavor
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil – adds richness and keeps grains tender
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances natural flavor
- 1/2 lemon, zested – for bright, citrusy aroma
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – adds a subtle sweetness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for savory depth
- 2 cups stock (chicken or vegetable) – infuses flavor
- 1/2 lemon, juiced – adds tangy freshness after cooking
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a rice cooker or medium pot, combine rice, coconut oil, salt, lemon zest, dried basil, oregano, and stock.
- If using a stovetop, cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. If using a rice cooker, select the ‘white rice’ function.
- Once cooking is complete, let the rice rest for 10 minutes with the lid on to evenly distribute moisture.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, add the fresh lemon juice, and toss to combine.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as the base for a nourishing rice bowl.
Notes
- Use jasmine or American long-grain rice as a substitute for basmati; adjust water ratios as needed.
- Refined coconut oil prevents a strong coconut flavor, but butter or olive oil also work well.
- Vegetable broth makes this recipe fully vegetarian or vegan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with a splash of water to keep rice moist and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Rice Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of batch
- Calories: 207 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 618 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Lemon Herb Rice Bowl, lemon rice, herbed rice, citrus rice, easy rice recipe, basmati rice side dish, Mediterranean rice