Lemon Juice

Citrus limon Fruit Product

Lemon Juice Fruit Product

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit Product

The Forktionary Angle

"The Brightening Elixir"

Definition

The tart, acidic liquid extracted from lemons, widely used for flavoring, tenderizing, and as a natural preservative in cooking and baking.

Science Fact High in citric acid, responsible for its sour taste and pH-lowering properties, beneficial for food safety.
Storage Tip Freshly squeezed juice can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen in ice cube trays for longer.
Usage Tip A splash can brighten flavors, cut richness, tenderize meats, and prevent oxidation.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lemon Juice are:

Sour Tart Bright Zesty

Chef’s Secret

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end of cooking a savory dish (like a soup or stew) to awaken and brighten all the flavors.

Best Substitutes

Lime juice

Ratio 1:1

Vinegar

smaller amount for similar acidity

White wine

for deglazing
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Always prefer fresh lemon juice; bottled versions often contain preservatives and lack vibrancy.

Recipes Using Lemon Juice

Time To Make Low Carb Asian 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian Chicken Wraps

Beat the heat with these lightning-fast Asian Chicken Wraps! Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun summer gathering. Inspired by a Family Circle recipe (8/9/05), these flavorful wraps are packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, zesty peanut sauce that will have you craving more.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient One Dish Meal Course Meat

Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers W Green Mayonnaise

Experience a flavor explosion with these Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers! A delightful twist on a classic, these juicy lamb patties are topped with a vibrant green mayonnaise for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Don't be intimidated by the slightly loose patties – they'll hold together perfectly. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue. Make the green mayonnaise ahead of time for an even easier cooking process. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Course Dietary Christmas Thanksgiving

Baked Cranberry Relish

This easy-to-make baked cranberry relish is the perfect holiday side dish! Baking the cranberries with sugar intensifies their flavor, creating a sweet and tart explosion in your mouth. Prepare it ahead of time—the chilling process enhances the taste even further. Get ready to impress your guests with this stunning and delicious recipe!

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Low Protein Desserts Low In Something

Banana Flan

Indulge in this irresistible Banana Flan recipe, a treasure discovered from a vintage dessert cookbook! This creamy custard, infused with the sweetness of bananas and a hint of spice, is baked to perfection in a rich caramel shell. A surprisingly easy recipe, resulting in a restaurant-quality dessert that's sure to impress. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Cobblers And Crisps Main Ingredient Time To Make

Apple Walnut And Coconut Crisp

Warm up your kitchen with this comforting Apple Walnut & Coconut Crisp! A perfectly sweet and crunchy topping crowns a tender apple filling, bursting with the flavors of fall. This easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Dietary Main Ingredient Preparation

Apple Sour Cream Kuchen

This Apple Sour Cream Kuchen recipe, inspired by Ann Byrn (The Cake Mix Doctor), is a family and church bake sale favorite! Choose your preferred texture: moist and gooey or firm and sheet-cake style. Using a cake mix makes this surprisingly quick to assemble, despite the slightly time-consuming apple slicing. Get ready for rave reviews – this cake is irresistible warm or cool!

See Complete Recipe
Soups Stews Course Occasion Low Calorie

Asparagus Lemon Soup

This vibrant Asparagus Lemon Soup is a taste sensation! A refreshing and elegant soup, perfect for any season. Serve it warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a hot summer day. This easy recipe, adapted from Rodale's 'Savory Soups and Stews', comes together in under 30 minutes and is packed with fresh, bright flavors. Creamy, lemony, and subtly sweet, it's the perfect starter or light meal. Get ready to impress!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Breakfast

Apricot Muffins

These delightful apricot muffins are bursting with juicy apricot flavor and a hint of warm spice. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a sweet treat anytime. The tender crumb and crunchy topping will have you coming back for more!

See Complete Recipe
Side Dishes Occasion Stove Top Time To Make

Asparagus With Olive Oil Herbs

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant and flavorful asparagus recipe! Tender asparagus spears are tossed in a fragrant herb-infused olive oil and roasted to perfection. A burst of fresh lemon brightens the dish, creating a simple yet elegant side that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Pancakes And Waffles Easy Preparation

Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Pancake

This show-stopping Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Pancake recipe, found in a beloved magazine, is worth every minute of effort! Imagine a fluffy pancake, perfectly caramelized apples, and a warm cinnamon sugar topping – all in one delightful dish. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook Easy 30 Minutes Or Less

Bay Scallop Gratin Ina Garten Back To Basics

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Bay Scallop Gratin, adapted from Ina Garten's classic "Back to Basics" cookbook. Perfect for a dinner party (serves 6), this make-ahead recipe requires minimal effort on the day of serving. The creamy, cheesy gratin is a showstopper, paired beautifully with a simple salad and crusty bread. Get ready for rave reviews! (Shrimp substitution also possible).

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Course Time To Make Steak

Best Ever Meat Marinade Steak Lamb Or Pork

Fire up the grill! Linda Taylor's award-winning marinade from our community cookbook is your secret weapon for unbelievably juicy and flavorful steak, lamb, or pork. Easy to prepare, this marinade infuses your meat with deliciousness in just hours. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation Cakes

Apple Skillet Cake

Indulge in this irresistible Apple Skillet Cake, a family favorite recipe! This recipe delivers a moist, tender cake with a delicious caramelized apple topping, perfect for a cozy autumn evening or a special brunch. Enjoy the rustic charm of baking in a cast iron skillet (though any oven-safe skillet will work!). Get ready to savor every bite of this classic dessert.

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Preparation Dietary Easy

Basic Waldorf Salad

Craving a light, refreshing, and incredibly tasty snack? This Basic Waldorf Salad recipe, inspired by Joanna Lund's "Cooking Healthy with a Man in Mind," is the perfect solution! Low-fat and packed with crunchy apples, celery, and sweet marshmallows, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Get ready to impress with this simple yet elegant salad – perfect for a quick lunch, satisfying snack, or healthy side dish.

See Complete Recipe
Lentils Beans Soups Stews Low Fat

Best Ever Lentil Soup

This unbelievably easy and flavorful lentil soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A friend's secret recipe, this hearty and healthy soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience the best lentil soup you've ever tasted!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Course Salads Time To Make

Avocado Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy avocado Caesar dressing coats perfectly cooked pasta and crisp romaine lettuce in this vibrant and refreshing pasta salad. A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavor! Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Poultry Poultry 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Asian Chicken Noodle Salad

This lightning-fast Asian Chicken Noodle Salad is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Using convenient pre-cut veggies and rotisserie chicken (or quick-broiled teriyaki chicken), this recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner. The vibrant flavors of the peanut dressing combine beautifully with the chewy rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and optional crunchy wonton crisps. Inspired by Cooking Light (July 2007), this recipe is a Weight Watchers friendly option (approx. 8 points without wontons). Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Preparation Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Artichoke Hearts In Lemon Parsley Sauce

Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Artichoke Hearts in Lemon Parsley Sauce recipe! Inspired by the Williams-Sonoma "Vegetable" cookbook, this side dish is a delightful complement to lemon chicken or any protein. Using either fresh or frozen artichoke hearts (we loved Trader Joe's!), this recipe creates a luxuriously tender and zesty sauce that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a burst of fresh lemon, fragrant parsley, and perfectly cooked artichokes in every bite!

See Complete Recipe