Feta Cheese Rice with Lemon Recipe
A bright and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy white rice sautéed with lemon zest, garlic, and butter, then mixed with tangy crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. This Feta Cheese Rice with Lemon recipe is quick to prepare and makes a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 2 cups cold cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Butter with Lemon Zest and Garlic: Place a skillet over medium heat and melt the salted butter until it begins to bubble and release a rich aroma. Add the lemon zest and freshly minced garlic, stirring gently to blend the flavors and allow the garlic to soften without browning.
- Warm and Coat the Rice: Add the cold cooked white rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps as you stir. Continuously toss the rice to evenly coat it with the aromatic butter mixture and heat it through. Once the rice is hot, turn off the heat.
- Add Feta Cheese and Parsley: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley, allowing the residual heat from the rice to slightly melt the cheese, enhancing the dish’s creamy texture.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the rice, then season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Give it a final gentle toss and serve immediately while warm and fragrant.
Notes
- Using leftover cold rice helps achieve a better texture without mushiness.
- Adjust garlic and lemon zest amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Make sure to not brown the garlic to keep the flavor mellow and fresh.
Keywords: Feta cheese rice, lemon rice, garlic rice, Mediterranean side dish, quick side recipe, leftover rice recipe, easy rice dishes
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/feta-cheese-rice-with-lemon-recipe/
