Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare cabbage and garlic: While the rice cooks, thinly slice the cabbage and finely chop the garlic to prepare them for sautéing.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
