Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors of this lemon basil rice recipe. Made with fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and jasmine rice, you'll have a delicious side dish that pairs well with almost anything. It's quick, easy, and ready in under 25 minutes!
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If you're looking for the secret to making any simple meal more delicious, you've come to the right place.
Infusing rice with flavor is super easy but goes a long way. Try out my chimichurri rice and gluten-free Spanish rice and you're guaranteed to have a delicious meal.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Lemon Juice and Zest- My trick for flavorful rice is to useboth lemon zest and juice. The fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tangy flavor, while the zest adds a concentrated lemon aroma.
- Sauté- Sautéing shallots and garlic before adding them to the rice adds a lot of flavor thanks to the caramelization.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Jasmine Rice- You can also use basmati rice or any other long grain rice.
- Fresh Basil- Make sure to use fresh basil for this recipe. I don't recommend using dried basil, it just doesn't have enough punch.
- Fresh Lemon- You'll need fresh lemon since you'll be needing both the juice and the zest.
- Chicken Stock- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
- Butter- Use unsalted butter so you'll have more control over the saltiness.
- Garlic- I recommend using fresh garlic or garlic paste.
- Shallot- You can also use yellow onions, but only use half an onion because it has a bolder flavor.
⏲️How to Make Lemon Basil Rice
Sauté the garlic and shallot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. They should become translucent and fragrant without turning brown.
You can also transfer the garlic and shallots to a rice cooker and add the broth and uncooked rice. Cover the saucepan or rice cooker to trap the steam, which helps the rice cook evenly. If using a saucepan, make sure to follow the package instructions.
Allowing the rice to sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes helps it absorb any remaining liquid and makes it fluffier.
Fluff the rice while adding the chopped basil, lemon juice, and zest. Add the basil just before serving, as overcooking basil can cause it to lose its vibrant color and fresh taste. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
🥗Serve Lemon Rice with These Recipes
This lemon garlic rice is the perfect side dish for simple proteins like chicken, fish, beef, or even tofu. It goes so well with my chicken piccata, baked salmon, blackened cod, and garlic butter steak bites.
Expert Tip
Check the rice package instructions to make sure the broth-to-rice ratio is correct. Too much broth can cause it to be soggy and wet, while not enough water will result in a dry texture. Rice can vary quite dramatically in cook time and ratios.
More Rice Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Lemon Basil Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1 cup jasmine rice or other long grain white rice
- 2 lemons zest and juice
- ¼ cup minced fresh basil plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 shallot, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the rice and salt (see note below). Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or according to package directions.1 cup jasmine rice, 2 cups chicken stock
- Remove the rice from the heat. Allow to sit covered for 5 more minutes. Transfer rice to a bowl. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and basil. Salt and pepper to taste.2 lemons, ¼ cup minced fresh basil
Notes
- If you use low sodium stock or water you will need to add between ¼ and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- I recommend rinsing rice before cooking until the water runs clear.
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