Microwave Lemon Curd Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my lemon curd get thick? ›

Trouble shooting: Most Lemon Curds are runny because they don't get cooked long enough, to 170 degrees F, to thicken the egg yolks – so cook on! If your curd isn't thickened after 10 minutes, or up to 15 if using a double boiler, then increase the temperature of the stove slightly – and don't stop whisking!

Before slicing the lemon or lime, microwave the fruit on high for 20 to 30 seconds or until warm. As the microwave heats the fruit from the inside out, the juice capsules burst within the fruit. Once the fruit has cooled enough to handle (about 30 seconds), slice it open and juice as normal.

Your lemon curd could get chunky and grainy if you let it overcook. One thing you should remember while making lemon curd is that you should never let it reach a point where it starts boiling. The ideal temperature for lemon curd is 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and it shouldn't cross that.

Warming the fruit works to soften the chilled, firm membranes, allowing the juice to flow more freely.

Dip a spoon into the curd then run your finger over the back of it. If it leaves a clean line in the curd, it's cooked enough and ready to cool. Curd will thicken up more once cooled completely. Spoon into a container, cover and refrigerate.

A metallic aftertaste is usually the consequence of the lemon curd coming into contact with a metal (especially while it's hot). This could be a metal whisk, a metal bowl, a metal (or metal-coated) saucepan, or a metal sieve.

you basically broke the bonds of the egg protein when you stirred the curd. in any case, this is not uncommon. you can rebake it and it should set back up. if you are trying to use it for a spread then you will need to adjust the recipe to add gelatin or another thickening agent of sorts to use while it's cold.

Pop the lemon in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (again, before cutting it open). This has a similar effect to rolling the lemon in that it causes some of the membranes inside to burst and release their juice.

On average, there are 3 tablespoons of juice in one lemon. So, for a cup of fresh lemon juice, you would need 5 and a quarter lemons. Because some lemons are less juicy than others, it's safe to say you'll need 5 and a half lemons for a cup of lemon juice.

Prepared lemon curd can be frozen for up to 1 year without quality changes when thawed. To thaw, move the container from the freezer to a refrigerator at 40°F or colder for 24 hours before intended use. After thawing, store in the refrigerator in a covered container and consume within 4 weeks.

What to do if lemon curd does not thicken? ›

How to fix it: To thicken runny lemon curd, put the curd back into your saucepan, place over the lowest possible heat, and stir constantly. The curd will thin out at first as the butter melts, but it will eventually begin to thicken back up.

Always beat the butter with sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest before cooking. This will prevent the curd from tasting eggy. Use a pan with a heavy bottom when cooking the curd. Stay away from aluminum pan.

Fill a wide microwave safe bowl with at least 1 cup of water. Add sliced lemon (one lemon will suffice), or two to three tablespoons of lemon juice. Place the bowl with sliced lemons inside and turn the microwave on for five minutes. Leave it, powered off, to steam with the door shut for a further 15 minutes.