10+ Ways to Enjoy Kumquats
Cara Cara oranges, Rio Red grapefruit, Shaddock pummelo - winter citrus season is here! And if there’s one itty-bitty, bright and bite sized treat we look forward to every winter, it’s kumquats!
Aside from being adorable, what sets kumquats apart is their rind! Unlike other citrus, a kumquat rind isn't separate from the flesh, and the rind is where most of the sugar is. You can eat them whole, candied, or chopped up in marinades. They also make for a delightful accompaniment to salads, savory meals, and so much more. Read on to discover over 10 of our favorite ways to enjoy kumquats this winter. And don’t forget to save some for a bite size snack!
Kumquat Marmalade
The best way to enjoy kumquats all year long is by preserving them as marmalade!
Kumquats are halved and seeded before being combined with pectin and sugar and canned for the winter.
Spread your marmalade on a piece of toast and dream of winter citrus season all year long.
Citrus Baked Salmon with Fingerlings
You’ve likely paired salmon with lemon more times than you can count, but what about kumquats?
In this recipe from Feasting at Home, salmon is paired with a mixed citrus marinade, fingerling potatoes, and halved kumquats before being oven roasted on a sheet pan.
Healthy and light, this easy weeknight dinner looks and tastes elegant and only requires 15 minutes of prep time.
Photo Courtesy of Minimalist Baker
Kumquat Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
Sweet, tangy kumquats are paired with bitter kale, crispy breadcrumbs, and a creamy tahini dressing in this showstopper of a winter salad.
If you want to add a bit of protein to this salad, consider topping it with crispy chickpeas or oven-roasted chicken.
Basil Chicken with Kumquats
Another savory application for kumquats comes in the form of a one-pot dinner!
In this recipe from Downshiftology, chicken thighs are roasted with sliced kumquats, red onions, and dried basil to create a tangy, slightly-sweet, herby weeknight meal.
Pair your chicken with a side of roasted potatoes and a seasonal salad with more winter citrus.
Kumquat Limoncello
Traditionally limoncello is made with lemons, but here, seasonal kumquat replaces them to create a sweet and zesty liquor perfect for the holidays.
Kumquats are halved and seeded before being simmered with sugar until they take on a syrupy texture.
Top the kumquats with grain liquor and let it sit for about a month before enjoying!
Photo Courtesy of Love and Olive Oil
Beet, Blood Orange, Kumquat, and Quinoa Salad
A winter salad that’s far from boring!
Quinoa, beets, blood oranges, kumquats, avocado, and cilantro come together to create a flavorful, texturally-rich salad that’s finished off with a homemade citrus dressing.
Serve this salad all on its own or pair it with oven-roasted chicken for a well-rounded winter meal.
Kumquat Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
Sweet, tangy kumquats are paired with bitter kale, crispy breadcrumbs, and a creamy tahini dressing in this showstopper of a winter salad.
If you want to add a bit of protein to this salad, consider topping it with crispy chickpeas or oven-roasted chicken.
Candied Kumquats
Described as half condiment half candy, this recipe from Simply Recipes is a no-brainer if you end up in the lucky position of having too many kumquats.
Kumquats are roughly chopped before being simmered in a simple sugar syrup. The kumquats are strained and the syrup is cooked down a bit before everything comes back together and simmered until the kumquats are candied to perfection.
Serve these at your next gathering as an unexpected, yet delectable winter treat.
Kumquat Margaritas
Kumquats are paired with Grand Marnier, lime juice, sugar, and tequila in this wintertime margarita that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve!
Kumquats are blended up with water before being simmered with sugar to create a citrus simple syrup that accents tequila wonderfully.
Find the full recipe at EatingWell
More Kumquat Recipes
Kumquat Salsa from Simply Recipes
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Kumquat-Jalapeño Marmalade from Bon Appetit
Mixed Citrus Daiquiri from Epicurious
Kumquat Tart from Serious Eats