Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, tangy, and quick rice dish that instantly brightens up any meal, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe. It’s a staple from South India that combines aromatic basmati rice with fresh lemon juice, earthy spices, and the satisfying crunch of roasted nuts. Whether served as a lively side dish or enjoyed as a light main course, this recipe is a celebration of flavor, color, and simplicity — all coming together in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each component brings its own magic — from the fragrance of curry leaves to the sunny hue of turmeric, every ingredient has a purpose in creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Cooked basmati rice (2 cups, cooled): Using cooled, leftover rice ensures every grain stays fluffy and separate, not mushy.
- Vegetable oil or ghee (1 tablespoon): This adds a luscious base and helps bloom the spices for maximum flavor.
- Mustard seeds (1/2 teaspoon): These tiny seeds add a nutty, aromatic pop when they sizzle in hot oil.
- Cumin seeds (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin seeds give depth to the rice.
- Chana dal (1 tablespoon, optional): For a delightful crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor, chana dal is a wonderful addition.
- Curry leaves (8–10, optional): These fragrant leaves lend a uniquely South Indian aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Green chilies (1–2, sliced): Add just the right level of heat and freshness — adjust to your spice preference!
- Turmeric powder (1/4 teaspoon): This golden spice brings color and a gentle earthiness to the rice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon or to taste): Essential for balancing the tangy lemon and earthy spices.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon, about 2 tablespoons): The star ingredient, providing that bright, citrusy zing.
- Roasted peanuts or cashews (2 tablespoons): For a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft rice.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of green.
How to Make Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe
Step 1: Temper the Spices
Begin by heating the vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the mustard seeds and let them pop — this step not only releases their wonderful aroma but also signals that the oil is ready for the next ingredients. Add the cumin seeds, chana dal (if using), curry leaves, and sliced green chilies. Sauté everything for a minute or two until the curry leaves become fragrant and the dal turns a lovely golden color.
Step 2: Season and Add Rice
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and salt, stirring quickly so they blend into the oil and spices. Immediately add your cooled basmati rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Gently toss the rice so every grain gets evenly coated in that gorgeous, golden mixture of spices and oil — you’ll see the rice turn a beautiful yellow as the turmeric does its magic.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
Now for the best part! Pour in the fresh lemon juice and gently toss the rice again, making sure the citrusy brightness is infused throughout. Let the whole mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have mingled beautifully. Take a moment to inhale that incredible aroma — it’s pure sunshine in a skillet!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the roasted peanuts or cashews, plus the chopped fresh cilantro if you’d like an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve your Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe warm, either as an eye-catching side or a simple, satisfying main dish. Every bite is tangy, nutty, and full of texture.
How to Serve Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter a handful of freshly chopped cilantro and extra roasted nuts right before serving. A few extra curry leaves on top can add a dramatic, aromatic flair. Not only do these garnishes make the dish look even more inviting, but they also add an extra layer of flavor and crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
The Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe is a versatile companion to many dishes. It pairs beautifully with classic Indian curries, grilled meats, or a dollop of creamy yogurt on the side. For a lighter meal, try it with sautéed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad — the lemony rice balances out rich and spicy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Spoon the lemon rice into small bowls for a colorful rice bar at a party, or pile it high on a platter and top with extra nuts and herbs for family-style dining. You can even use the Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe as a vibrant filling for wraps or stuffed peppers — it’s as flexible as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some lemon rice left over? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen as they meld, making leftovers extra delicious the next day.
Freezing
Lemon rice freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready for a quick, flavorful side, just thaw and reheat — the taste and texture hold up beautifully.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the rice and cover loosely before microwaving for 1–2 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop. Fluff with a fork and add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice to revive that signature zing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use any type Side Dish
Basmati rice is traditional and gives the best texture, but you can use any long-grain rice or even leftover cooked rice you have on hand. Just be sure it’s cooled so the grains stay fluffy and separate.
How spicy is the Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe?
The heat level is totally up to you! Using 1 green chili gives a gentle warmth, while 2 will bring a bit more kick. Feel free to remove the seeds for a milder version, or skip the chilies altogether for a completely mild dish.
Can I add vegetables to the lemon rice?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked peas, diced carrots, or even sweet corn for extra color and nutrition. The Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe is a fantastic base for sneaking in extra veggies.
Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, when made with vegetable oil instead of ghee, this lemon rice is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s a wonderful option for a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
What can I substitute for curry leaves?
If you can’t find fresh curry leaves, simply leave them out — the dish will still be delicious. Some cooks like to add a bay leaf or a little extra cilantro for aroma, but it’s completely optional.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s a quick, cheerful dish that delivers bright flavors and a comforting texture every single time. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the table, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Give it a go, and let the zesty magic begin!
Print
Easy and Delicious Lemon Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and easy Indian lemon rice recipe that combines aromatic spices, tangy lemon juice, and crunchy nuts for a flavorful dish perfect as a side or light main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon chana dal (optional)
- 8–10 curry leaves (optional)
- 1–2 green chilies (sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the spices: Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then add cumin seeds, chana dal (if using), curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Add spices and rice: Stir in turmeric powder and salt. Add the cooked rice and mix well until the rice is evenly coated with the spices, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Add lemon and finish: Pour in the lemon juice and gently toss to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through to meld the flavors well.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with roasted peanuts or cashews and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for the best texture as freshly cooked rice may be too soft and sticky.
- Add peas, carrots, or other vegetables to enhance color and nutrition.
- This lemon rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, Indian curries, or yogurt-based sides like raita.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
