Join the Cravings Crew

You’re attempting to view exclusive content only for members in the Craving Crew

Learn More

Join the Cravings Crew

You’re attempting to view exclusive content only for members in the Craving Crew

Current Plan

Learn More
Continue Shopping
Need help?
Estimated total
$0.00
Shipping & taxes calculated at checkout

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

Free Shipping Over $79

Shop Our New Nude Collection

How to Cook with Citrus and Brighten Up All Your Meals

How to Cook with Citrus and Brighten Up All Your Meals
Share

You know that refreshing feeling when you splash water on your face first thing in the morning? That’s what adding citrus does to every food it touches. Adding acidity to your food—whether with lemons,  limes, grapefruits, oranges, or some other obscure citrus I don’t know about yet—is my secret weapon to wake up any dish. A splash of citrus can make salad dressings brighter, fish taste fresher, and baked goods feel lighter, with a delightful tang to balance out anything sweet or salty. I don’t recommend splashing lemon juice directly on your face to wake up, but in this crazy world, maybe throwing some citrus around me everywhere wouldn’t be such a bad idea. But for starters, find out how to cook with citrus in three easy recipes.

 

ORANGES

 

Hands down, one of the best ways you can use citrus is in a marinade. It makes meat superrr tender and juicy, and elevates the flavor from “barely seasoned” to a “tangy, zesty masterpiece.” While lemon or lime juice may seem like the obvious choices here, oranges are actually a great option because in addition to tenderizing, they give the meat a hint of sweetness. Tip: Make sure you remove the seeds when squeezing the juice over the meat. When bitten into, they have a slightly bitter flavor (and not the good kind!). 

 

LEMONS

 

Lemons fall into the “top five indispensable ingredients” category. An easy weeknight meal comes together sooo quickly by just adding thin slices of lemon to a mild whitefish (like branzino) or salmon, followed by some freshly squeezed juice once the fish is fully cooked. You can also use the juice to punch up a vinaigrette, cover fish in it to make ceviche, and use the zest in pastry doughs to brighten things up and cut through the sweetness. Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t add lemon juice to your food too early; it can actually cause discoloration in the food or make things slightly bitter the longer it’s exposed.

 

LIMES

 

Limes may be small in size, but they are bold in flavor. Unlike lemons, which are more tart, limes have a distinct, mouth-puckering sour taste that really works to cut stronger flavors and heat, which is why they’re commonly used in Thai dishes. They’re also higher in acidity, so a little lime juice really does go a long way. I like a ton of lime juice in this herby, crunchy noodle salad recipe because it cuts the heat of the jalapeño and garlicky sambal oelek while playing nicely with the freshness of the herbs and salty fish sauce. It’s the perfect balance.

 

 

ONE-SKILLET ORANGE CHICKEN
The right amount of sweet-and-spicy flavor and only one pan to clean.
Get Recipe
LEMONY SHEET PAN FISH FILLETS WITH ZUCCHINI & TOMATOES
The easiest, most delicious fish dinner around.
Get Recipe
HERBY CRUNCHY RICE NOODLE SALAD
Most of life’s questions can be answered with crispy shallots.
Get Recipe

PEPPER'S WOK & TOOL SET
PEPPER'S WOK & TOOL SET
$74.00
This is the ultimate set for creating clean-out-the-fridge meals. Aside from just stir-frying, the Teigen-Legend fam uses the wok and spider strainer for deep-frying and big-batch sautéing. Big enough for a pound of noodles Bundled with wooden tongs and a spider strainer Steam, serve, and store, all using a tempered glass lid

You May also like

Hop to It and Make These 15 Easter Recipes

Everything you need for easter meals, whether that's brunch, dinner, dessert, or all three.

How to Cook with Citrus and Brighten Up All Your Meals

Why this fruit is simply the zest ingredient.

18 Refreshing Recipes Perfect for Summer

Aka what to whip up when you need to cool down from the hot summer heat.

Chrissy's Top 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

The tried-and-true, must-have dishes every. Single. Year.