Easy Lemon Basil Rice with Fresh Basil and Red Onion
Easy Lemon Basil Rice with Fresh Basil and Red Onion
If you eat rice as often as I do, then you probably wish for some ways to add flavor and spice to this classic grain. That is where lemon basil rice comes in! It is light, subtle, but adds just the right amount of flavor. I love the brightness that lemon can bring, while the basil with garlic and onion is such a classic combination that this dish can go with some many different dishes. It can add extra oomf to a hearty salad, or make a great base for some salt and pepper chicken. My favorite way to enjoy is with my basil pesto mixed in and topped with some salt and pepper chicken. This recipe was actually created after I made a large batch of pesto and had quite a bit of fresh basil leftover. This rice is also incredibly easy to make, it is ready in about 20 minutes, look great, and basically has no downsides. I hope you give this fresh take on rice a try and love it as much as I do!
Notes and Tips for Lemon Basil Rice:
I created this recipe from leftover fresh basil. I highly recommend using fresh basil. If you only have dried basil, use 2 Tbs dried basil in substitution.
I love the sweetness of red onion. When cooked with the rice, the natural sugars mix throughout the dish and add some much flavor. White onion works well too, I recommend the sweet white onion variety.
What Kind Of Rice Do I Need To Use?
I have made this recipe with both long grain and short grain rice. Both turn out well, so use whichever you prefer. Long grain rice will yield a slightly drier rice at end, with a more chunky texture. The short grain rice will be a little stickier with a less chunky texture.
For this recipe I use 1.5 cups uncooked rice and 4 cups of stock. I find this gives a nice texture at the end, and the rice does not dry out as leftovers. If using a rice cooker, use normal ratios for 1.5 cups of uncooked rice.
What Makes Lemon Basil Rice Taste So Good?
What is my secret ingredient? Miso paste! I add about 2 tsp of red miso paste to my stock before pouring it over my rice and it adds so much flavor. If you have not cooked with miso paste before, I highly recommend seeing how much flavor it can add.
What Pan Do I Use To Cook The Lemon Basil Rice?
Cook time will vary based on pan size. I cook my rice in a 10” deep frying pan and it takes about 15 minutes to cook. If you have a smaller pan, it may require an additional 5 minutes or so.
You can also cook this recipe in a pot or even a rice cooker! If you use a rice cooker, saute the onion and then add it to the uncooked rice and liquid in the rice cooker. This will increase the flavor.
What Can I Serve With Lemon Basil Rice?
Lemon basil rice is a light and easy side dish that pairs really well with your favorite protein or salad. I have listed some of my favorite recipe pairings that would go really well with lemon basil rice. Let me know what you pair with your rice in the comments below!
Lemon Dill Chicken is a creamy and bright chicken dish that is begging to be served on a bed of lemon basil rice.
Try Lemon basil rice with this toasted chickpea salad that is so crunchy and delicious!
Mix in some simply seasoned adzuki red beans into this rice. It will make the rice more filling and be such a tasty side dish!
Recipe for Lemon Basil Rice
- 1.5 cups long grain rice, uncooked You can also use short grain rice or wild rice.
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin You can also use a shallot, which is more mild and a little sweeter.
- 3 garlic cloves sliced and lightly minced
- 1 lemon sliced. Use fresh lemons
- 1 Tbs olive oil You can also use butter or coconut oil instead.
- 4 cups chicken broth You can use vegetable stock or water too.
- 2 tsp miso paste White miso paste is preferred.
- 1 cup packed basil+ a couple of leaves for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Lemon Basil Rice:
Prepare for your dish by slicing your red onion and garlic. The garlic should be a light mince and the red onion in small pieces.
Over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until browning and fragrant.
Add in the rice and toast until fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring often,
Add in the basil and lemon slices and stir well into the rice.
Pour your mixed stock and miso over the rice. Cover and cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and leave covered for 5 minutes.
Stir in a couple of leaves fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
Easy Lemon Basil Rice
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long grain or short grain rice, uncooked
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced and lightly minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth + 2 tsp miso paste
- 1 cup packed basil+ a couple of leaves for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste