Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This lemon-infused rice with caramelized cabbage is a bright, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. The tender rice pairs beautifully with sweet, golden cabbage and a refreshing lemon zest that brightens every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 pound cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balancing flavors)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2. Step 2: Combine the rice and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the rice cooks, slice the cabbage thinly and mince the garlic.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns golden around the edges, about 8 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the cabbage and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Step 6: Stir in the lemon juice and zest. If using, add honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
7. Step 7: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then add it to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to enhance the rice’s flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• For a nuttier texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top before serving.
• Swap cabbage for kale or spinach for a different green vegetable twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist and fluffy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking times accordingly and check package instructions.

Is it necessary to caramelize the cabbage?

Caramelizing the cabbage adds sweetness and depth of flavor, but you can lightly sauté it if you prefer a milder taste and quicker preparation.

Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage Recipe

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4.5 from 51 reviews

This Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs fluffy, tender rice with savory, golden cabbage enhanced by fresh lemon zest and juice. The dish is lightly sweetened with a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the citrus and create a harmonious taste. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, and vibrant meal in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and fresh flavors.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Liquid

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or broth

Vegetables & Flavorings

• 1 pound cabbage (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balancing flavors)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during cooking.
2. Cook the rice: Combine the rinsed rice and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
3. Prepare cabbage and garlic: While the rice cooks, thinly slice the cabbage and finely chop the garlic to prepare them for sautéing.
4. Caramelize the cabbage: Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until it softens and develops golden edges.
5. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
6. Add lemon and sweetener: Squeeze the lemon juice over the cabbage and add the lemon zest. Stir to combine, then optionally add honey or maple syrup to balance the lemon’s acidity with a touch of sweetness.
7. Combine rice and cabbage: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then transfer it to the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Stir well to combine the lemon-infused rice with the caramelized cabbage, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
8. Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice.
• If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of lemon zest and juice slightly.
• Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill as garnish for added freshness.
• To make this dish vegan, ensure the sweetener is maple syrup instead of honey.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: lemon rice, caramelized cabbage, easy side dish, vegetarian rice recipe, quick rice recipe, lemon infused rice, healthy side dish