Garlic Lemon Herb Brown Rice (Printable)
Wholesome brown rice infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, topped with roasted zucchini.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup uncooked brown rice
02 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Roasted Zucchini
05 - 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Aromatics & Flavor
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil or dill, chopped
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange zucchini slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
02 - Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is golden and tender.
03 - In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
04 - Add the uncooked brown rice to the saucepan. Toast the grains in the oil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, basil or dill, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Fluff the rice with a fork to combine.
07 - Gently fold the roasted zucchini into the seasoned rice. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns simple brown rice into something that feels luxurious and comforting.
- The roasting vegetables step adds a sweetness that balances the sharp lemon zest perfectly.
02 -
- Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering or you will ruin the steam essential for cooking.
- Adding the lemon juice at the end prevents the rice from staying hard and crunchy.
03 -
- Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gloopiness.
- Use a micrograter for the lemon zest to avoid getting the bitter white pith.