15+ Kumquat Recipes to Brighten Your Menu

Kumquats are small, tangy fruits that pack a punch of flavor. You can use these unique fruits in many delicious recipes. They offer a variety of ways to enjoy their sweetness and zest. Whether you are new to cooking with kumquats or looking for fresh ideas, this article will guide you through different ways to incorporate them into your meals.

From sweet jams to savory dishes, kumquats can add a bright note to your cooking. You will find inspiration to create unique treats that your family and friends will love. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can bring the delightful taste of kumquats into your kitchen.

1) Candied Kumquats for a Sweet Treat

Candied kumquats are a delightful way to enjoy this unique fruit. They have a sweet and tangy flavor that can brighten any dish. You can use them as a topping for desserts or enjoy them by themselves.

To make candied kumquats, start by washing them well. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. This will help them absorb the syrup better.

Next, add sugar and water to a pot. A good ratio is 1 cup of sugar (200 g) for every cup of water (240 ml). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Once the syrup is ready, add the kumquats. Simmer them for about 30 minutes. They should become tender and syrupy.

Let them cool, and then store the candied kumquats in a jar. Enjoy your sweet treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup kumquats
• 1 cup sugar (200 g)
• 1 cup water (240 ml)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash kumquats and cut them in half.
2. Remove seeds from the kumquats.
3. In a pot, combine sugar and water.
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
6. Add kumquats to the syrup.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Let cool and store in a jar.

2) Kumquat Marmalade to Spread on Toast

Kumquat marmalade is a tasty treat to enjoy on toast. Its sweet and tangy flavor adds a special touch to your breakfast. Making it at home is easy and fun!

To start, you need fresh kumquats. You can slice them thinly to release their juicy goodness. Combine the kumquats with sugar and water in a pot, then cook until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches a jelly-like consistency.

Once done, let it cool before putting it in a jar. This marmalade is perfect for spreading on warm toast or even using in recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kumquats, sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and slice kumquats thinly.
2. In a pot, combine kumquats, sugar, and water.
3. Cook over medium heat until thick, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Let cool, then transfer to a jar for storage.

3) Kumquat Chicken with Hoisin Sauce

Kumquat chicken with hoisin sauce is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The juicy kumquats add a unique twist to the chicken. You will love how easy it is to make!

To start, marinate the chicken in hoisin and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes. The sweet, thick sauce complements the tartness of the kumquats.

Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. Add sliced kumquats during the last few minutes to let their flavors blend.

Serve this delicious dish with rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. Enjoy the balance of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) of chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) hoisin sauce
• 1 cup (150 g) kumquats, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in hoisin and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Add the kumquats in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) DIY Candied Kumquats at Home

Making candied kumquats is simple and fun. These sweet treats can add a burst of flavor to your desserts or snacks.

Start by washing your kumquats thoroughly. Slice them in half and remove any seeds. This helps the syrup soak in better.

In a pot, mix equal parts water and sugar. For every cup (240ml) of water, use one cup (200g) of sugar. Heat this mixture until the sugar dissolves.

Add your sliced kumquats to the syrup. Allow them to simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t stick.

After cooking, let them cool in the syrup. Once cooled, you can store them in jars with some syrup to keep them fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 pound (450g) kumquats

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash kumquats and slice them in half.
2. Remove seeds from the slices.
3. Mix water and sugar in a pot.
4. Heat until sugar dissolves.
5. Add kumquat slices to the syrup.
6. Simmer on low for 30 minutes.
7. Cool in syrup and store in jars.

5) Kumquat Curd for Tarts and Breads

Kumquat curd adds a bright and tangy flavor to your tarts and breads. It’s a simple way to elevate your baking. You can enjoy it spread on toast or as a filling for pastries.

To make kumquat curd, you will need fresh kumquats, eggs, sugar, and butter. This curd has a unique flavor and a creamy texture that works well in desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kumquats, sliced and seeds removed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, blend kumquats until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, combine kumquat puree, eggs, and sugar.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until thickened (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and lemon juice until melted.
5. Let it cool and then store in the fridge.

6) Kumquat and Chocolate Pairings

Kumquats and chocolate make a great duo. The sweet and tart flavor of kumquats pairs well with rich chocolate. You can enjoy this combination in various treats.

Try dark chocolate-covered kumquats for a quick snack. The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the tangy taste of the fruit. You can also use kumquat zest in chocolate mousse for a unique twist.

Another idea is to bake kumquats into a chocolate cake. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a delicious dessert. For a fun treat, make cupcakes topped with kumquat buttercream and chocolate ganache.

Ingredients

• Fresh kumquats
• Dark chocolate (or milk chocolate)
• Cocoa powder (for baking)
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt chocolate and dip fresh kumquats.
2. Cool on parchment paper.
3. Zest kumquats and mix into chocolate mousse.
4. Combine ingredients for the chocolate cake.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
6. Top cupcakes with kumquat buttercream and chocolate ganache.

7) Pickled Kumquats for a Tangy Twist

Pickled kumquats are a delightfully tangy snack. They add a burst of flavor to many dishes. You can enjoy them on their own or use them as a garnish.

To make pickled kumquats, you will need fresh kumquats, vinegar, sugar, and spices. This simple recipe will brighten up your meals with a zesty kick.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kumquats, sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash kumquats and slice them thinly.
2. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Add kumquats and mustard seeds. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour everything into a jar and let it cool.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

8) Kumquat Quinoa Salad

Kumquat Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish. It combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweet and tangy taste of kumquats. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

To make this salad, you will need cooked quinoa, chopped kumquats, arugula, and chickpeas. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

This salad is perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 cup kumquats, chopped
• 1 cup chickpeas
• Juice from 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
5. In a bowl, mix quinoa, arugula, kumquats, and chickpeas.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!

9) Whole30 Roasted Kumquats

Roasted kumquats make a tasty addition to your Whole30 meals. They are sweet and savory with a hint of citrus. Plus, they are easy to make!

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the kumquats and slice them in half. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Roast them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. They should be soft and caramelized when done.

Enjoy your roasted kumquats as a side dish or add them to salads.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh kumquats
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash kumquats and slice in half.
3. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and caramelized.

10) Kumquat Vinaigrette for Salads

Kumquat vinaigrette adds a bright and tangy flavor to your salads. It is simple to make and takes only a few minutes. You can use fresh kumquats for the best taste.

To start, combine kumquat juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk them together until the dressing is smooth. Then, adjust the honey to match your taste.

This vinaigrette works well on mixed greens or a fruit salad. You can even drizzle it over roasted vegetables for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup kumquat juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Squeeze the juice from fresh kumquats into a bowl.
2. Add olive oil, honey, and salt to the bowl.
3. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

11) Kumquat-Glazed Pork Chops

Kumquat-glazed pork chops bring a sweet and tangy flavor to your dinner table. The combination of juicy pork and the unique taste of kumquats creates a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare.

To start, you’ll make a glaze with fresh kumquats, honey, and soy sauce. This mixture will add a bright, citrusy flavor to the pork chops.

Then, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown. Next, pour the kumquat glaze over them and let it simmer. This step will help to lock in all those wonderful flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup kumquats, sliced and seeded
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. In a bowl, mix kumquats, honey, and soy sauce.
5. Pour glaze over pork chops and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy your kumquat-glazed pork chops!

12) Kumquat and Goat Cheese Appetizer

This kumquat and goat cheese appetizer is a delightful mix of flavors. The sweetness of kumquats pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of goat cheese, making it a great starter for any gathering.

To prepare, slice the kumquats thinly and remove any seeds. Then, spread a generous layer of goat cheese on your favorite crackers or bread. Finally, top each slice with the kumquat slices for a burst of flavor.

You can also drizzle a little honey over the top for extra sweetness. This appetizer is not only tasty but also looks beautiful on your table.

Ingredients

• Fresh kumquats
• Goat cheese
• Crackers or bread
• Honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the kumquats thinly and remove seeds.
2. Spread goat cheese on crackers or bread.
3. Place kumquat slices on top.
4. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

13) Kumquat Sorbet for a Refreshing Dessert

Kumquat sorbet is a bright and refreshing dessert that’s easy to make. The sweet and tangy flavor of kumquats makes this treat unique and delicious.

To start, wash and slice your kumquats. Then, remove any seeds you find.

Next, blend the kumquats until smooth, add sugar, and a bit of lemon juice for extra zing.

After that, pour the mixture into a shallow dish. Freeze it for several hours, scraping with a fork every 30 minutes to keep it fluffy.

Once it’s fully frozen, scoop it into bowls and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups kumquats
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and slice the kumquats, removing seeds.
2. Blend kumquats until smooth.
3. Mix in sugar and lemon juice.
4. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish.
5. Freeze for about 4 hours, scraping every 30 minutes.
6. Serve in bowls once frozen.

14) Kumquat Muffins with Citrus Zest

Kumquat muffins are a delightful treat. The sweet and tart flavor of kumquats adds a nice twist to your usual muffin recipe.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and the kumquat zest.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed. Then, carefully fold in chopped kumquats.

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden. Enjoy your warm muffins with a hint of citrus.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• Zest from 2 kumquats
• 1 cup chopped kumquats (seeds removed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the muffin tin or line with paper liners.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and kumquat zest.
5. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just mixed.
6. Fold in the chopped kumquats.
7. Spoon batter into the muffin tin.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
9. Let cool and enjoy!

15) Pan-Fried Kumquats with Shallots

Pan-fried kumquats with shallots make a tasty and unique side dish. The sweet and tart flavor of kumquats pairs well with the savory taste of shallots. This dish is quick to prepare and a delight for the senses.

To start, wash the kumquats and slice them thinly, leaving the skin on. Next, chop the shallots into small pieces.

Then, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the shallots first. Sauté until they become soft.

Once the shallots are ready, add the kumquat slices. Cook them for a few minutes until they start to caramelize. You can season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the special taste combination!

Ingredients

• 1 cup kumquats
• 1 medium shallot
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and slice kumquats thinly.
2. Chop shallots into small pieces.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add shallots and sauté until soft.
5. Add kumquat slices to the pan.
6. Cook until caramelized.
7. Season with salt and pepper.