It’s citrus season in Texas, and the freshest oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and more are bursting with flavor, ready to brighten up your meals. Whether you’re reaching for Texas’ iconic Ruby Red Grapefruit or sweet, juicy tangerines, now is the perfect time to let these fruits shine in your cooking. From sweet and savory blood orange chicken to zesty grapefruit rounds with halloumi and mint, this collection of citrus-infused dishes celebrates the versatility of these seasonal gems. We’ve also got a few sweet citrus treats in the mix too. And don’t forget to raise a glass with the only cocktail on the list—a spicy grapefruit paloma that’s as bold as it is refreshing. Packed with the sunny goodness of oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and clementines, these dishes are sure to bring some zest to your table!
Clementine Cake
Bakes by Brown Sugar’s clementine cake is as stunning as it is delicious. Whole clementines are blended into the batter (!), infusing the cake with a natural sweetness and zesty aroma. The result is a moist, tender crumb that’s perfectly complemented by a delicious orange glaze made with powdered sugar, sour cream, and fresh orange juice. With its bright flavor and striking simplicity, this cake is an irresistible treat for citrus lovers and a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
Spicy Shrimp and Citrus Salad
This spicy shrimp and citrus salad from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen is a beautiful dish that combines zesty citrus fruits, creamy avocado, and crisp greens with perfectly seasoned, spicy shrimp. Grapefruit, oranges, and blood red oranges bring a burst of brightness, while a tangy grapefruit vinaigrette (with ginger and honey) ties everything together. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweet!
Herb and Citrus Oven-Roasted Chicken
This herb and citrus oven-roasted chicken from The Comfort of Cooking is marinated in fresh lemon and orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of herbs. It’s then roasted alongside citrus slices and onions for a deeply aromatic and satisfying dish. With its vibrant flavors, this recipe is an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Grapefruit Rounds with Grilled Halloumi and Mint Dressing
If you’re looking for something a little different, this recipe for grapefruit rounds with halloumi and mint dressing from The Culinary Chase is a must-try. Juicy slices of grapefruit get topped with crispy, golden-fried halloumi—salty, squeaky, and downright delicious. A quick drizzle of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh mint ties it all together, giving the dish a fresh, tangy vibe. It’s simple, easy to make, and perfect when you want to impress without a lot of fuss.
Glazed Grapefruit Scones
These glazed grapefruit scones from Love in My Oven are a bright and flavorful take on a classic baked good. Infused with fresh grapefruit juice and zest, these scones are just the right balance of sweet and tangy. A light grapefruit glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with tea. Easy to make and bursting with citrusy goodness, these scones are a must-try for grapefruit lovers!
Tangerine Beef
If you’re craving something bold and citrusy, try this tangerine beef from Ask Chef Dennis. Thinly sliced flank steak is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, tangerine juice, and sesame oil, with a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. After a quick fry for that perfect crispiness, the beef gets tossed in a sweet and savory tangerine sauce with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Topped with fresh tangerine segments, scallions, and cilantro, this dish is packed with layers of flavor and just the right amount of zing. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily whip up at home!
Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake
Get me to the Greek! This luscious grapefruit Greek yogurt cake from Sally’s Baking Addiction will leave your guests shouting “opa!” This is truly a citrus lover’s dream, combining tangy grapefruit with the creamy richness of Greek yogurt for an irresistibly moist loaf. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, zest, and a hint of vanilla, every bite bursts with bright, refreshing flavor. A yummy grapefruit glaze drizzled on top adds just the right touch of sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Orange-Glazed Salmon with Rosemary
Fresh orange juice, rosemary, and a touch of honey come together in Cooking Classy’s pan-seared orange rosemary glazed salmon to create a dish you won’t soon forget. The salmon fillets are perfectly seared for a crisp exterior, then coated in a silky citrus glaze that balances sweetness and tang with hints of garlic and lemon. This recipe is easy enough to whip up during the week or for a special weekend dinner.
Sweet and Savory Blood Orange Chicken
Good Food Baddie’s sweet and savory blood orange chicken elevates classic orange chicken with the use of blood oranges. The chicken is marinated in a sticky, flavorful glaze made with coconut aminos, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, and honey. This recipe, which is also gluten-free, offers a dynamic twist on a beloved favorite, with the bold, citrusy notes of blood orange bringing depth and brightness to every bite.
Spicy Grapefruit Paloma
We had to include at least one cocktail on our citrus-inspired list and this spicy grapefruit paloma from The Lemon Bowl is the winner. This refreshing drink combines freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and smooth tequila with a fiery twist, thanks to a chili-infused simple syrup. This drink will bring bold energy to your dinner party with tangy sweetness and spicy heat. It’s a modern take on the classic Mexican favorite. Tip: Skip the alcohol and make this with a non-alcoholic tequila instead – you won’t notice a difference in taste!
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