Quick Lemon Broccoli Rice

Brighten up your weeknight dinners with Quick Lemon Broccoli Rice—an easy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. This one-pot dish combines fluffy white rice, tender broccoli florets, and the zesty burst of fresh lemon for a refreshing twist on classic rice recipes. Infused with sautéed garlic and finished with a drizzle of olive oil, this recipe is both light and aromatic, delivering bold flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned with a touch of black pepper and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this versatile dish is a delicious way to elevate simple ingredients into something special. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it as a vegetarian main, Quick Lemon Broccoli Rice is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Set it aside to drain.

Step 2

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir once, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, setting the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and juice it, discarding any seeds.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and stir to coat. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes tender and vibrant green.

Step 6

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour the lemon juice over the rice and broccoli mixture, then sprinkle in the lemon zest and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	922.1 grams (922.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	530

Total Fat 28.70g	37%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2433mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 61.60g	22%
Dietary Fiber 7.20g	26%
Total Sugars 3.80g
Protein 12.00g	24%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 187mg	4%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.7%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 44.6%