Lemon Basil Rice
I was making a lemon caper pork dish for dinner and I wanted to serve it with some lemon basil rice. I decided to add lemon, lemon zest, and fresh basil to the basmati rice and it turned out delicious. The lemon made the rice pop with flavor and paired nicely with the fresh basil. This lemon basil rice was excellent with our lemony pork and we all enjoyed it, although my kids still added soy sauce to theirs. They just seem to think that soy sauce always makes rice better. Silly kids.
How to Make Lemon Basil Rice
Heat the chicken (or vegetable) broth, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter over medium-high heat until boiling. Once it starts to boil, add the rice and season with sea salt and white pepper, to taste. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove the rice from the burner without removing the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped basil then serve. Enjoy.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan with Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of water minus 2 tablespoons
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 cup of basmati rice, rinsed if desired
- Sea salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat the chicken broth, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter over medium-high heat until boiling. Once it starts to boil, add the rice and season with sea salt and white pepper, to taste.
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove the rice from the burner without removing the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped basil then serve. Enjoy.
I know you are supposed to leave the lid on, but I always have to see if the rice is cooked or over-cook (totally sticking to the bottom of the pan).
I have been craving rice all day and was thinking of making some for dinner. I’m going to try this recipe. It’s so fresh and fragrant. Love it
It looks like a great take on a nice side dish. I love lemon accents to my food.
Wow, it’s kind like fresh recipes for me. I will try next time, But, i want to add more ingredients in this 🙂
Oh, that looks wonderful!
I should make more herb rice! This is delicious!
What a delicious way to liven up some rice.
I love this! Lemon and basil are a perfect combination!
Lemon and basil are pretty much meant for each other. What a great side!
I love!
Lemon and basil are perfect!
It was absolutely delicious and my toddlers loved it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe.
Made this tonight with tzatziki and lamb kofta kebabs, was stunning! Thanks for the recipe!
Richard,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. I’m very happy you enjoyed the recipe and the rest of your meal sounds delicious.
-Pam
Loved this! I was looking for new ways to use up my basil and this was perfect; fast, easy, simple ingredients, light, fresh and delicious.
Jessica,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
-Pam
Basically same directions when using a rice cooker?
George,
I’m sorry to say that I’ve never used a rice cooker so I’m not certain. I wish I could be of more help!
-Pam
Kids often have wisdom beyond their years. Just saying that they’re not wrong.
Al,
True! I like soy sauce on my rice too.
-Pam