Let’s make a rice side dish that’s super simple but feels kinda fancy. Lemon Herb Basmati Rice is light, fluffy, and full of fresh flavor. It’s the kind of thing you can throw together fast but still impress your family or guests. It’s also great for picky eaters—because let’s be real, rice is a win with kids!
🥰 Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this rice on busy weeknights when I wanted something better than plain rice but didn’t want to dirty a bunch of dishes. One night I added lemon and fresh herbs from the garden, and boom—my kids actually asked for seconds. That never happens with rice.
- Super quick and easy
- Picky-eater approved
- Fresh, bright flavor that goes with everything
- Only one pot to clean!
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4-6
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍋 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Extra lemon wedges for serving (optional)
👩🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Small cutting board and knife
👩🏫 Pro Tips
- Rinse the rice really well—it helps it cook fluffy, not sticky.
- Use both butter and oil for flavor and that perfect texture.
- Fresh lemon juice tastes way better than bottled.
- Let it sit covered after cooking—it finishes steaming and gets super fluffy.
- Kids like squeezing extra lemon wedges over the top—it’s fun and adds flavor!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No basmati? Use jasmine rice.
- No fresh herbs? Use ½ tsp dried parsley and dill.
- Vegan version? Skip the butter and use all olive oil.
- Want protein? Stir in chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
You can cook the rice ahead of time and just reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water, or in the microwave. The flavor gets even better after it sits!
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Herb Basmati Rice
Step 1: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Rice and Toast It
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan. Stir it around to coat in the garlicky butter/oil mixture. Let it toast for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Water, Salt, Pepper, and Lemon Zest
Pour in 2 cups of water. Add ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and the zest of 1 lemon. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Let It Sit Covered
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for another 5 minutes. Don’t peek!
Step 5: Fluff and Add Lemon Juice + Herbs
Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and dill (if using). Stir gently.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop into bowls and serve with extra lemon wedges if you like!
Image Prompt:
Ultra close-up of a bowl of fluffy lemon herb basmati rice topped with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side, steam still rising, on white marble counters with hints of gold, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to fluff it back up.
- This makes a great lunch with grilled chicken or roasted veggies!
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Roasted veggies (like zucchini or carrots)
- Falafel or chickpeas
- A big green salad with feta and cucumbers
- Anything Mediterranean or lemony!
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it’ll take longer to cook—about 40 minutes—and you’ll need a bit more water.
Can I freeze it?
Totally! Let it cool, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the microwave with a little water.
Is this good for picky kids?
Yup! The lemon gives it flavor without being spicy, and herbs can be optional.
Can I make it in a rice cooker?
You can! Just sauté the garlic separately and stir it in after cooking with the lemon juice and herbs.
💛 Wrap-Up
That’s it! A super simple, fresh, and flavorful rice recipe that goes with just about anything. I hope this Lemon Herb Basmati Rice becomes one of those easy weeknight wins in your house, too. Let me know in the comments how it turned out or if your kids gave it a thumbs up!
Happy cooking! 🍋🌿