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Home » Recipes » Vegan Sides

Easy Lemon Rice with Fresh Asparagus

Published on February 21, 2019 by Kate, Updated on October 21, 2021 - Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure.

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overhead closeup shot of lemon rice with asparagus with text overlay for pinterest

This easy vegan Lemon Rice recipe is a delicious way to flavor up plain rice with with a bright citrus lemon touch!  Complements asparagus, cooked legumes, and many other veggies and entrees beautifully!

overhead photo of lemon rice with chopped asparagus on white plate with fork

What you'll need to make this lemon rice recipe:

  • fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • lemon zest
  • minced garlic
  • vegetable boullion or vegan chicken-like seasoning
  • ground turmeric
  • pinch of saffron (optional)

Related recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

wide overhead shot of two plates of lemon rice with vegan parmesan garnish

Related recipe: Strawberry Chia Lemon Drink

Steps to make Lemon Rice:

First dice the onion and sauté over low heat until soft (3-4 minutes).

chopped white onion in black skillet for lemon rice recipeRelated recipe: Vegan Rice Salad with Apples and Kale

Now add the rice and sauté until the rice grains turn an opaque white, while stirring frequently. (about 5 minutes).

fried white rice grains for lemon rice recipe with other ingredients nearby

Related recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Now add water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, vegetable bullion (or vegan Chicken broth powder), turmeric, saffron, and salt.  Bring the rice to a boil over medium heat.

Then place lid on the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is all gone.

overhead shot of rice and other ingredients for lemon rice added to skillet

While the rice is cooking prepare the asparagus by first cutting or breaking off hard ends.  Then cut asparagus spears in 1 inch lengths at an angle.

Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and saute' over low heat in a tablespoon of oil for 5-7 minutes or until fork-tender.

overhead shot of one inch pieces of asparagus in skillet for lemon rice topping

Related recipe: Vegan Cauliflower and Rice Casserole

When the rice has finished cooking fluff with a fork, top with sautéed asparagus and garlic, salt to taste, and serve with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon!  Garnish with vegan parmesan if you like!

lemon rice in large black skillet topped with sautéed asparagus and lemon halves beside

Related recipe: Vegan Fried Rice with Scrambled Tofu

How long will Lemon Rice last?

Lemon Rice will keep in a covered dish in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Freeze in small portions and reheat as desired for meal prep ahead!

overhead shot of large white serving bowl filled with lemon rice and asparagus

Hope you enjoy this fresh and easy lemon rice recipe!  For reference, I made a double batch of lemon rice for these photos...

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

  • White Bean Butternut Squash Mash - another amazing vegan side dish!
  • Real Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
  • Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Perfect Vegan Pesto
  • Tuscan Style Pasta with Vegan Feta

If you’ve tried this Vegan Lemon Rice and Asparagus or any other recipe on my blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I LOVE hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food!!!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE??  PLEASE CLICK ON THE STARS TO GIVE IT A RATING BELOW!!

overhead photo of single serving of lemon rice on a white plate with lemon slice garnish

Easy Vegan Lemon Rice and Asparagus

This easy vegan lemon rice recipe is a lovely way to dress up plain rice!  The citrus flavor burst is light and fresh and pairs beautifully with sautéed asparagus (instructions included) or many other veggies and legumes! 
4.89 from 18 votes
Print recipe Leave a comment
Course: Entree, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, greek
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 215kcal
Author: Kate

Ingredients

Saute First

  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white rice, long grained

Then add:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vegan chicken seasoning, or vegetable bullion
  • ¼ tsp turmeric, ground
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • pinch saffron

Asparagus Prep

  • 1 lb asparagus, fresh
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • pinch salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • First dice the onion and sauté’ in a skillet over low heat until soft (3-4 minutes).
  • Now add the rice and sauté until the rice grains turn an opaque white, while stirring frequently. (about 5 minutes).
  • Now add water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, vegetable bullion (or vegan Chicken broth powder), turmeric, saffron, and salt. Bring the rice to a boil over medium heat.
    Then place lid on the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is all gone.
  • While the rice is cooking prepare the asparagus by first cutting or breaking off hard ends. Then cut asparagus spears in 1 inch lengths at an angle.
    Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and saute’ over low heat in a tablespoon of oil for 5-7 minutes or until fork-tender.
  • When the rice has finished cooking, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.  
    Then fluff with a fork, top with sautéed asparagus and garlic. 
    Salt to taste, and serve with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon! Garnish with vegan parmesan if you like!

Notes

HOW LONG WILL LEMON RICE LAST?

Lemon Rice will keep in a covered dish in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Freeze in small portions and reheat as desired for meal prep ahead!

Vegan Bullion or Vegan Chicken Seasoning is referred to in the recipe.  My favorites are:

  • McKays Vegan Chicken-Style Seasoning
  • No-Chicken Better than Bullion Base
  • Homemade Chicken-like Broth Powder

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 855IU | Vitamin C: 11.2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2.9mg
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