Are you a citrus lover looking for new ways to incorporate mandarins into your cooking and baking? Look no further! Mandarin oranges are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes. From classic salads and stir-fries to decadent desserts and snacks, we’ve got 18 zesty recipes to try this season.
In the following pages, you’ll find creative ways to use mandarins in everything from main courses like glazed chicken and salmon to sweet treats like cheesecake and sorbet. We’ll also explore how to make the most of mandarin’s tangy juice in marmalade, smoothies, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for inspiration, these recipes are sure to brighten up your kitchen and delight your taste buds.
Mandarin Orange Glazed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dishes with this sweet and tangy Mandarin orange glaze, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken breasts with a sticky, citrusy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (juice and zest), plus slices for garnish
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mandarin orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with additional mandarin orange slices and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mandarin and Honey Glazed Salmon
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional salmon, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of mandarins with the warmth of honey to create a glaze that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup mandarin orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mandarin orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mandarin Orange Salad with Candied Almonds
Brighten up your meal with this refreshing and flavorful Mandarin Orange Salad featuring crunchy candied almonds. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make salad is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup candied almonds (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and chopped mint.
2. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil and honey over medium heat until warm.
3. Add candied almonds to the warm mixture and stir until coated.
4. Pour the almond mixture over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Note: To make candied almonds, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss 1/2 cup of sliced almonds with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon water until coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
Mandarin Orange Cheesecake
Brighten up your dessert menu with this vibrant and flavorful Mandarin Orange Cheesecake, infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of mandarin oranges.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup mandarin orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter; stir until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar; beat until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in mandarin orange juice.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mandarin Orange Marmalade
Create a sweet and tangy preserve with this simple recipe that showcases the vibrant flavor of mandarin oranges.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mandarin orange slices (about 6-8 oranges)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Pectin (optional, but recommended for a firmer set)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine mandarin orange slices and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add sugar, lemon juice, and pectin (if using). Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marmalade has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test” (when a small amount of the mixture is placed on a chilled plate, it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mandarin Orange Sorbet
This sorbet recipe combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the brightness of citrus, perfect for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this refreshing treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mandarin orange juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the water and lemon juice.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (refrigeration time: 2+ hours)
Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, this Mandarin orange version is a perfect blend of citrusy goodness and moist, fluffy cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup Mandarin orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh Mandarin orange zest
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter, egg, and Mandarin orange juice until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Arrange Mandarin orange slices on top of batter in a single layer, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over orange slices.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Mandarin Orange Smoothie
Start your day with a burst of citrusy freshness! This simple recipe combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the creaminess of yogurt, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup ice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mandarin orange segments, Greek yogurt, honey, and ice.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add vanilla extract and blend for another second or until well combined.
4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Mandarin Orange Teriyaki Beef
This recipe combines the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce with the vibrant sweetness of mandarin oranges, creating a unique and delicious beef dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup mandarin orange marmalade
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, mandarin orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mandarin Orange Duck Breast
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of mandarin orange on tender duck breast, a perfect dish for special occasions or a romantic evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts, boneless
– 1/2 cup mandarin orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mandarin orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Place duck breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the mandarin orange mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the duck breasts and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Mandarin Orange and Ginger Stir-Fry
This vibrant stir-fry combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the spicy warmth of ginger, making it a perfect dish for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the mandarin orange segments and stir to combine with the ginger mixture.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the oranges start to caramelize.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mandarin Orange Chia Pudding
This refreshing dessert combines the creamy texture of chia pudding with the vibrant flavor and aroma of mandarin oranges, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
– Zest of 1 mandarin orange
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and almond milk. Whisk well to combine.
2. Add honey, mandarin orange juice, zest, and salt to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the mixture to thicken.
4. Once thickened, give the pudding a good stir and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Mandarin Orange and Avocado Salsa
Brighten up your tacos, grilled meats, or veggies with this refreshing and tangy salsa! This unique combination of mandarin oranges and avocados will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced avocado, mandarin orange segments, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salsa is ready to use as soon as it’s prepared.
Mandarin Orange Pancakes with Citrus Syrup
Brighten up your breakfast routine with these fluffy Mandarin Orange Pancakes and a tangy Citrus Syrup. The combination of citrus flavors and sweet pancake goodness will start your day off right!
Ingredients:
For the pancakes:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice
– 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
For the Citrus Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and Mandarin orange juice.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. For the Citrus Syrup, combine sugar, water, Mandarin orange juice, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Serve pancakes warm with Citrus Syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Mandarin Orange and Pomegranate Salad
Mandarin Orange and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Discover the sweet and tangy union of mandarin oranges and pomegranate seeds in this refreshing salad. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
2. Arrange mandarin orange segments on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the oranges.
4. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the salad.
5. Drizzle olive oil and honey over the salad, gently tossing to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mandarin Orange Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pork tenderloin, this Mandarin orange glaze adds a burst of citrus flavor to the dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup mandarin orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marmalade, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mandarin Orange and Coconut Rice Pudding
Mandarin Orange and Coconut Rice Pudding: A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the brightness of mandarin oranges with the creaminess of coconut milk, all wrapped up in a comforting bowl of rice pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in mandarin orange segments and vanilla extract.
4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional mandarin orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Mandarin Orange and Dark Chocolate Tart
Mandarin Orange and Dark Chocolate Tart: A sweet and tangy combination of flavors in a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mandarin orange segments
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mandarin orange segments and honey. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the orange mixture, making sure to stay within the borders.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust. Brush with a little water and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a citrusy culinary adventure with these 18 zesty mandarin recipes! From savory dishes like Mandarin Orange Glazed Chicken and Mandarin Orange Teriyaki Beef, to sweet treats like Mandarin Orange Cheesecake and Mandarin Orange Sorbet, there’s something for every taste bud. Plus, try your hand at making Mandarin Orange Marmalade or Mandarin Orange Smoothie for a refreshing twist on classic recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, these mandarin-infused recipes are sure to brighten up your day!
