Herbie Creative Recipes

Lemon Herb Rice with Cilantro and Basil

Name: Lemon Herb Rice with Cilantro and Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: From 1.5 cups dry basmati
Ingredients: 1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and cooked (broth instead of water preferred); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest (highly recommended); 1 small garlic clove, very finely minced (or minced garlic); ½-¾ tsp salt; Black pepper to taste; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 2-3 tbsp chopped basil

Hot basmati rice tossed with lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and basil.

Sides American Fusion From 1.5 cups dry basmati Prep 15 min Cook 30 min Total 45 min

5.0 (1 review)

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Ingredients

1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and cooked (broth instead of water preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (highly recommended)
1 small garlic clove, very finely minced (or minced garlic)
½-¾ tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2-3 tbsp chopped basil

Instructions

Cook the rinsed rice (ideally in broth) until done and still warm.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Prep
Fluff the hot rice. Pour the lemon mixture over and gently fold; do not mash.

Cooking
Fold in cilantro and basil.
Taste and adjust with more lemon, salt, or a drizzle of olive oil. Optional: tiny extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

Notes

Skip rosemary for this bright version; it overpowers the lemon and herbs.

Reviews

5.0

1 review

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Anonymous 2026-08-12

Fresh herbs lift the rice. Makes any plate better.