Garlic Lemon Herb Brown Rice (Printable)
Fluffy brown rice with garlic, lemon, and herbs paired with sautéed greens for a nourishing Mediterranean meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Brown Rice
01 - 1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed
02 - 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Sautéed Greens
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 8 oz mixed greens, coarsely chopped
15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
17 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the rinsed brown rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
02 - Add the vegetable broth, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
03 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and fresh dill until well combined.
04 - While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
05 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chopped greens and red pepper flakes; sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until wilted and tender.
06 - Season the greens with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Spoon the lemon herb brown rice onto plates and top with sautéed greens.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The rice absorbs all that garlic lemon flavor while cooking, so every bite tastes like it has been simmering in herbs for hours
- It is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you are eating well without any complicated techniques
02 -
- Brown rice needs that full cooking time and the resting period or it will be chewy in the center
- Do not skip toasting the rice in oil, as it makes a noticeable difference in the final texture and flavor
03 -
- Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith
- If the greens seem too dry before they are wilted, add a splash of water and cover the pan briefly