Start by assembling your ingredients. This is crucial! A disorganized kitchen can turn even the simplest recipes into chaos. So, take a moment to pull everything together.

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cooking usually takes about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Fluff it up with a fork afterward.

While the rice is cooking, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the zest and juice of the lemon, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. This is where the magic starts. Give it a good mix; you want all those flavors to meld together.

Once the rice is fluffy, remove it from the heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Pour the lemon mixture over the rice, followed by the chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine. Be careful not to mash the rice—nobody wants a mushy dish!

At this point, it’s time for a quick taste test. Add more salt or lemon juice if you feel it needs a little more kick. It’s all about finding that perfect balance.

Once you’re satisfied, serve the lemon rice warm. You can garnish it with some extra parsley for color. Enjoy the compliments that follow!