Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice Bowl

In the vibrant world of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, zesty delight offered by a Lemon Garlic Rice Bowl. This recipe combines the aromatic essence of garlic and the refreshing zing of lemon with the tender texture of jasmine rice, creating a meal that is both satisfying and indulgent. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, the Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice Bowl is poised to become a beloved staple in your culinary arsenal.

Discover the delightful Creamy Lemon Garlic Rice Bowl, a perfect blend of flavors that brings comfort and elegance to your table. This recipe features fragrant jasmine rice, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a rich cream sauce, all enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Easy to make, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Follow step-by-step instructions to create this satisfying dish and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Incorporate Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it to the cream sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained and add it to the sauce, stirring until fully heated through.

Combine Rice with Sauce: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is thoroughly coated. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy lemon garlic rice into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy! Serve immediately while hot, and savor the delightful flavor combination!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings