Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the curd while balancing the tartness of the limes.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the curd. Both yolks and whites are used.
- 1 cup fresh lime juice: You’ll need about 12 limes to extract this amount. Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lime zest: Zesting 4-6 limes will give you the bright, aromatic oils essential for a citrus punch.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the curd.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Zest and juice the limes. Use a fine grater or microplane for the zest, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Measure out the sugar, butter, and eggs to keep everything ready to go.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth. This ensures there are no lumps and creates a creamy texture.
- Add the lime juice, zest, and melted butter, whisking until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Cook the Curd in the Microwave
- Microwave the mixture on full power in one-minute intervals. Stir the mixture thoroughly after each interval to prevent curdling.
- Depending on the power of your microwave, this process will take 3-5 minutes. The curd is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon.
- Strain for a Silky Finish
- Pour the cooked curd through a fine mesh sieve into a sterile jar or container. This step removes the zest and any cooked egg bits, leaving a smooth, luxurious curd.
- Cool and Store
- Let the lime curd cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The curd will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the microwave intervals. Overcooked curd can turn lumpy, so stir frequently.
- Check for Doneness: A good test is the spoon method. Dip a metal spoon into the curd—if it coats the back of the spoon without dripping off too quickly, it’s ready.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs helps them blend more easily with the other ingredients.
- Zesting Tips: Always zest the limes before juicing them. It’s much easier to handle whole limes than squeezed ones.
- Make It Your Own: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice or even a combination of citrus fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes