I still remember the first time I tried lemon pepper rice at a local restaurant – it was love at first bite! The bright, zesty flavor combined with the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked rice was simply irresistible. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. But, honestly, the traditional stovetop method always seemed to take forever, and I never quite got the rice just right. Then, one day, it hit me: why not try making it in the pressure cooker? And let me tell you, it was a game-changer!
This pressure cooker lemon pepper rice is not only incredibly flavorful but also ridiculously easy and quick to make. The pressure cooker ensures the rice cooks evenly and perfectly every single time, infusing it with the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon and the bold spice of black pepper. Plus, it’s a fantastic side dish that pairs well with so many things – grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, or even just a simple salad. Honestly, this recipe is a winner!
Required Equipments
- Pressure Cooker
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Spoon
- Lemon Zester
- Small Bowl
Pressure Cooker Lemon Pepper Rice: Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure Cooker Lemon Pepper Rice
Whip up flavorful Pressure Cooker Lemon Pepper Rice in minutes! This easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked, zesty rice every time, making it the perfect side dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Zest the Lemon: Using a lemon zester, carefully remove the zest from one lemon, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. You should get about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Juice the Lemon: Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze out about 2 tablespoons of juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp. This ensures a smoother final product.
- Combine Ingredients: In the pressure cooker, combine the rinsed rice, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, salt (if using), and water. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don't be afraid to give it a good mix!
- Pressure Cook: Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. The correct timing is very important.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to continue steaming and prevents it from becoming mushy. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually, following the pressure cooker's instructions.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the pressure cooker and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Be careful of any remaining steam. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Reduce or eliminate added salt if using broth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill after cooking for added freshness.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 15 mg
