Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice

Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice because it’s a delightful dish that offers rich, vibrant flavors with a hint of zest. The creamy texture compliments the garlic and bright lemon, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether I am serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it on its own, this rice dish never fails to impress. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious combination!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:25:18.883Z

When I first tried my hand at making Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice, I was amazed at how quickly it came together while delivering such gourmet flavor. I learned that using a good-quality vegetable broth enhances the creaminess and adds depth to the dish. The lemon juice brightens everything up beautifully!

To get the perfect texture, I let the rice simmer gently to absorb all the delicious flavors. I discovered that finishing it off with a bit of butter truly makes the rice luxuriously creamy and adds a lovely shine to each grain. It’s a comforting meal that satisfies the soul.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness and flavor.
Creamy consistency makes it a satisfying side or main dish.
Simple ingredients make it a quick and convenient option.

      

Perfectly Cooking the Rice

The key to achieving fluffy rice is in the cooking technique. Using long-grain rice not only promotes ideal texture but also offers a lighter bite. When adding the rice to the boiling vegetable broth, ensure you don’t stir it too aggressively. This can release excess starch, resulting in a sticky clump rather than individual grains. After the initial boiling, reducing the heat to low and tightly covering the saucepan is crucial. This creates steam which ensures the rice absorbs the broth evenly, usually within 18 minutes.

If you’re short on time and use pre-cooked rice, simply skip the cooking step. In such cases, I recommend sautéing the garlic and mixing the dairy right away. This will allow the flavors to meld immediately with your cooked rice, ensuring you still achieve that vibrant lemon-garlic infusion.

Why Butter and Garlic Matter

Sautéing garlic in butter serves a dual purpose: flavor enhancing and aroma boosting. The butter not only adds richness but also helps to distribute the garlic's essence evenly throughout the dish. When heating the butter, ensure it’s melted but not browned; a golden hue indicates it has reached the point of burning, which can impart a bitter taste. Allowing the garlic to sweat for just 1-2 minutes will ensure its sharpness softens while maintaining its aromatic properties, creating a beautiful base for this creamy dish.

If you'd like an alternative to butter, olive oil works well to retain the intended flavor profile. However, be mindful that it may impart a slightly different taste, so adjust the quantity of lemon juice to balance the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to measure your rice and broth carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté the Garlic

In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy lemon garlic rice warm!

Pair this rice with your favorite protein for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice

To keep the creamy texture intact, store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness; after that, the flavors may begin to fade. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help restore moisture. Microwave or heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This will prevent the rice from drying out, allowing you to enjoy the same creamy goodness as when it was first made.

For longer storage, consider freezing your creamy rice. Spread cooled rice in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until firm. Once it’s solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rice can last up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice pairs beautifully with various proteins, especially grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. To create a more complete meal, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to add color and nutrition. These not only complement the dish's flavors but also provide textural contrast, making each bite exciting.

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by incorporating different herbs. Fresh dill or thyme can bring a unique twist to the dish, enhancing the flavors even further. Additionally, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish’s warmth without overshadowing the zesty lemon.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter.

→ Can I prepare this rice in advance?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat before serving. Add a little broth to loosen it up if it becomes too thick.

→ What proteins pair well with this rice?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables are all excellent options to serve alongside.