I remember the first time I tasted lemon curd. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just come in from playing outside. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious citrusy aroma that filled the air. My grandmother was standing at the stove, a pot of creamy yellow goodness bubbling away. She smiled and motioned for me to come closer.
“Honey, would you like to help me make some lemon curd?” she asked. I nodded eagerly, excited to be a part of the magic happening in the kitchen. Little did I know at the time just how easy it was to make lemon curd, especially using a microwave.
Gather the ingredients
What you’ll need:
Prepare the lemons
Step 1: Zest the lemons
Before juicing the lemons, it’s important to zest them. This will give your lemon curd a burst of bright, citrusy flavor. Using a microplane or a fine grater, carefully zest the outer layer of the lemons, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Set the zest aside for later use.
Step 2: Juice the lemons
Cut the zested lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or your hands. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice for this recipe. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. Set aside.
Making the lemon curd in the microwave
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Add in the fresh lemon juice and zest, and whisk again until smooth.
Step 4: Microwave in intervals
Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute intervals, whisking well after each interval. The cooking time will vary depending on the strength of your microwave, but it typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The lemon curd is ready when it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Strain and cool
Once the lemon curd has thickened, remove the bowl from the microwave and strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg. Use a rubber spatula to press the curd through the strainer. This will result in a smooth and creamy texture.
Let the lemon curd cool for a few minutes in the bowl before transferring it to glass jars or containers. Cover each container with a lid or plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
Enjoy your homemade lemon curd
Once the lemon curd has chilled, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, scones, or muffins for a delightful breakfast or snack. You can also use it as a filling for cakes, tarts, or pastries. The options are endless!
Making lemon curd in the microwave is not only quick and easy, but it also ensures a smooth and velvety texture. Plus, it allows the bright and tangy flavors of the lemons to shine through. So the next time you’re craving a burst of citrus goodness, give this microwave lemon curd recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!