Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo

Bymyplantbasedbowl
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Instant Pot Lemon Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the bright zest of lemon with the aromatic notes of garlic and shallot. Let the Instant Pot do all of the work for a fuss-free weeknight side dish!

Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

This Instant Pot Lemon Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of lemon with the subtle earthiness of dill for a satisfying homemade side dish.

This dish is a fantastic flavorful option for those looking for a quick side that feels light but satisfying, and is easy to prep, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Using your Instant Pot means you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes – making it a great hassle free option.

Serve this as a side dish or add to a Greek bowl with Greek Beyond Beef meatballs for a fun and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card for measurements.

Ingredients for lemon rice labeled rice + orzo, lemon, parsley, shallot, garlic, and dried dill.
  • Rice: The main component, I use Basmati rice, a long grain white rice.
  • Orzo: A type of pasta that adds a unique texture and complements the rice.
  • Shallot: Milder than onions, shallots provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor that is refreshing.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fragrant aroma.
  • Dried Dill: Offers a hint of herbal flavor that pairs well with the lemon.
  • Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, parsley adds color and a mild peppery taste.

Substitutions

  • Shallot: If you can’t find shallots, a small onion can be used instead. Onions will have a stronger flavor, so you may want to use a bit less.
  • Dried Dill: Fresh dill can be used if you have it. Use about three times the amount of fresh dill as dried, and add it at the end of cooking to retain its flavor.
Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Instructions

Prep Tips

Rice and orzo in the pot of an Instant Pot.
  1. Using the sauté function, brown the shallots in oil (2-3 minutes) and then cook the garlic (1 minute). Add the rice and orzo and briefly toast (2-3 minutes).
Rice is stirred in an Instant Pot.
  1. Add the salt, lemon juice, and water and scrape the bottom of the pot well to prevent a burn warning. See more about burn warnings.
An Instant Pot display reads 4 minutes.
  1. Add lid and set to seal if needed (my model seals automatically). Set to Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes.
An Instant Pot display reads 10 mintues.
  1. After pressure cooking allow for a 10 minute natural pressure release.
A finger presses the pressure release button on an Instant Pot.
  1. Perform a quick pressure release.
Rice is fluffed with a fork.
  1. Fluff with a fork and stir through the lemon zest, dried dill, and fresh parsley. Serve.
Illustration of a yellow bowl.

Instant Pot Terms

What is a natural pressure release? A natural pressure release means to let the pressure cooker release some of the built-up pressure on its own. A quick pressure release means you release all of the built-up pressure immediately by turning the sealing knob to venting.

Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Tips for Making Rice in an Instant Pot

  • Rinse the Rice: Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
  • Sauté the Shallot and Garlic: This step enhances their flavors and creates a fragrant base for the dish.
  • Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the shallot and garlic, add a small amount of stock to deglaze the pot. This helps release any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which adds flavor and prevents the Instant Pot from showing a burn warning. Read more below.
  • Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release. This helps the rice finish cooking gently and absorb all the flavors.
  • Add lemon zest and herbs at the end: Stir in the lemon zest, dill, and parsley after the rice has cooked. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant, ensuring the lemon and herbs don’t lose their punch from overcooking.

About Instant Pot Burn Warning + how to fix it

How to prevent a burn warning on your Instant Pot

When you’re sautéing in the Instant Pot, add a small amount of liquid after sautéing to deglaze the pot. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot. This helps release any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which add flavor, and it helps prevent the Instant Pot from showing a burn warning.

When using the Instant Pot, it’s best to scrape the bottom well and always follow instructions for layering ingredients. For example, with pasta, you want to lay it on top of the liquid and gently submerge it, verses stirring it in. I usually do the same when using thick crushed tomatoes. Always use at least 1 cup of liquid in the Instant Pot.

What do I do if my Instant Pot says burn?

Once you have a burn warning on the Instant Pot it’s difficult to continue with the recipe. But here are a few tips that sometimes work, depending on how much burning there is.

You can try scraping the bottom again if it isn’t too burnt.

If it’s really burnt you may want to transfer the food to a different pot first, and then scrape the pot and wash it. Fully dry it, and add the rest of the food back to the pot.

You may want to add some water, maybe 1/2 cup, and then guess how much time was remaining and start pressure cooking again.

What to serve with Instant Pot Lemon Rice

Serve this lemon rice my favorite way, in a Greek bowl (coming soon).

If you’re hosting a dinner party, this lemon rice pairs well with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Think of serving it with Greek beyond meatballs, chicken souvlaki, a Greek salad or a platter of mezze, including hummus, tzatziki, and olives.

For a weeknight dinner, serve lemon rice with a Greek halloumi wrap, or a chickpea burger and Greek cucumber salad for added protein and vegetables.

Storage

Let the rice cool to room temperature and then store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my rice sticky?

Rice can become sticky if it is not rinsed before cooking, as excess starch can cause the grains to clump together. 

Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Instant Pot Lemon Rice

Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo is the perfect side dish for any meal! It’s bright, tangy, and full of flavor, thanks to fresh lemon juice, dill, and perfectly cooked orzo.
Servings 6
Jacqueline
special diet
A brown circle with the letters d and f to signify dairy-free.
A brown circle with the letters p and b to signify plant-based.
An orange circle with the letters s and f to signify soy-free.
A green circle with the letter v to signify vegan.
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prep time2 minutes
cook time9 minutes
natural pressure release : 10 minutes
total time16 minutes

Equipment

  • 6 QT Instant Pot Duo Ultra

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot - minced
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups Basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup orzo
  • 2 1/4 cup water - or vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice - from 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest - from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/4 cup parsley - chopped

Instructions 

  • Turn the Instant Pot on to Sauté.
  • Heat the oil and then add the shallot. Cook for about 2 minutes, until browning. Add garlic and cook, stirring for about 1 minute or so
  • Add the rice and orzo and cook for a minute or two, stirring, to lightly toast.
  • Add the salt, lemon juice, and water. Stir. Scrape the bottom. This is important to prevent a burn warning on the Instant Pot.
  • Set to Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes.
  • Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  • Perform a quick pressure release to release the rest of the pressure. Remove the lid and fluff the rice and orzo with a fork.
  • Add the lemon zest, parsley, and dried dill. Mix. Serve.

Video

Notes

Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot. When you add the water, stir and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. If you skip this step these bits can brown and the Instant Pot will show a burn warning and stop cooking. Read the blog post for more information.
Store the leftover rice (cooled to room temperature) in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and fresh herbs with the text Instant Pot Lemon Rice.

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Jacqueline

Hi, I’m Jacqueline. I write this website and create plant-based recipes that are easy to make and taste great. I love cooking and making elaborate bowl recipes, gardening and taking care of my little cabin, and I’m happy reading or watching a new show on Netflix.

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