Introduction

This Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage is a bright and comforting side dish perfect for any meal. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet, caramelized cabbage, creating a flavorful and satisfying combination.

Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
Step 2: Combine the rice and water or broth in a medium saucepan, then bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the 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.
Step 3: While the rice cooks, slice the cabbage thinly and mince the garlic finely.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and turns golden around the edges, about 8 minutes.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the cabbage and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6: Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, stirring to combine. Stir in honey or maple syrup if using, to add a touch of sweetness.
Step 7: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat.
Try swapping cabbage for other greens like kale or Brussels sprouts for a different texture.
Mix in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but cooking time will be longer, typically around 40-45 minutes. Adjust the liquid accordingly and cook until tender.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy?

Be sure to cook the cabbage over medium heat without overcrowding the pan, and stir occasionally to allow it to caramelize rather than steam. This helps develop a better texture and flavor.

Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage Recipe

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4.7 from 105 reviews

This Lemon-Infused Rice with Caramelized Cabbage recipe offers a bright, flavorful twist on a simple rice dish. Tender long-grain white rice is infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, then combined with sweet, golden caramelized cabbage and fragrant garlic. This easy-to-make, 30-minute meal brings together zesty citrus notes and comforting caramelized vegetables, making it perfect as a light main course or a vibrant side dish.

Author: Maya
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

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

Cabbage & Flavorings

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

Rinse and drain rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well to remove excess starch.
Cook the rice: Combine the rinsed rice and water or broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, 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 to finish steaming.
Prepare cabbage and garlic: While the rice cooks, slice the cabbage thinly and finely chop the garlic to prepare for caramelizing.
Caramelize the cabbage: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and edges turn golden brown, approximately 8 minutes.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add lemon and sweetener: Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the cabbage mixture. Stir to combine. Optionally, add honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Combine rice and cabbage: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then transfer it into the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly mix the lemon-infused rice with the caramelized cabbage and heat for another 2 minutes.
Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve the dish warm, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Use broth instead of water for more depth of flavor in the rice.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for tanginess.
Honey or maple syrup is optional; it helps balance the acidity of the lemon but can be omitted for a purely savory dish.
For a stronger caramelization, cook the cabbage a bit longer, but avoid burning.
This dish pairs well with grilled or roasted proteins for a complete meal.

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