Herbed Lemon Rice Delight
Transform those leftover grains into a vibrant and flavorful side dish with this Herbed Lemon Rice Delight. The combination of buttery sautéed garlic, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs brings a refreshing profile that pairs perfectly with grilled salmon or any protein of your choice. Ideal for those looking to reduce food waste, this dish repurposes cooked rice into a visually appealing and delicious meal. Whether you opt for the richness of butter or the lightness of olive oil for a vegan touch, each bite promises a burst of flavor. Enjoy it as a base for other dishes or serve as a side that brightens up your dinner plate.
N/A
Servings
88
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
2 cups (cooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
kosher salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice with lemon zest and lemon juice. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Carefully add the seasoned rice to the skillet with the garlic. Stir gently to mix and heat through, cooking for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is warmed evenly.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
10.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Lemon Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant side dish that transforms leftover cooked rice into a flavorful meal using garlic, lemon, and fresh basil.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are cooked rice, butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh basil.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil for a vegan-friendly version.
What protein pairs best with this rice?
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled salmon or any protein of your choice.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 88 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 4.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 10.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 1.5g of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be minced and then sautéed in butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
When do I add the lemon?
The lemon zest and juice are mixed with the cooked rice in a separate bowl before being added to the skillet.
How long should I heat the rice in the skillet?
Heat the seasoned rice in the skillet for about 5 minutes until it is warmed through evenly.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Fold in the chopped fresh basil after removing the skillet from the heat to preserve its flavor.
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, though the recipe is designed as a great way to use leftovers.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much basil is required?
You should use 3 tablespoons of roughly chopped fresh basil.
How many garlic cloves are used?
One minced garlic clove is used in this recipe.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended to be added to taste.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy side dish and a quick recipe.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While the recipe calls for lemon, lime can be used for a different citrus profile.
Should the rice be cold when starting?
The recipe uses 2 cups of cooked rice; using cold leftover rice works well as it holds its shape during sautéing.
What is the purpose of lemon zest in this dish?
Lemon zest provides a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor that brightens the rice.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, while basil is recommended, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
How do I store leftovers of this dish?
Store any remaining rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add peas, spinach, or sautéed bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
Does this recipe help reduce food waste?
Yes, it is specifically designed to repurpose leftover cooked rice.
What heat level should I use?
Medium heat is used for melting butter and warming the rice.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is preferred for the best taste, but you can use dried basil in smaller quantities if necessary.