Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe
Introduction
Brûléed grapefruit is a delightful way to enjoy a refreshing citrus fruit with a sweet, caramelized twist. The crisp sugar topping contrasts beautifully with the juicy segments, making it a perfect breakfast treat or light dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 grapefruit, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Optional toppings: plain Greek yogurt, granola, fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange the oven rack to the top third of the oven, usually the second notch down from the top. Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. Avoid parchment paper as it will burn under the broiler.
- Step 2: Slice off the top and bottom of each grapefruit so it can sit flat. Cut the grapefruit horizontally to expose the segments in a circular pattern. Place the halves face down on several paper towels for 10 minutes to absorb excess moisture. Use a paring knife to carefully carve around and loosen each segment, then pat dry any released moisture.
- Step 3: Place the grapefruit halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each half evenly with ½ tablespoon of coarse turbinado sugar. Broil for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sugar caramelizes and turns golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt, and serve immediately. Add optional toppings if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try adding a light drizzle of honey before sprinkling the sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch for more controlled caramelization if you prefer not to broil.
- Swap turbinado sugar for brown sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a satisfying breakfast option.
Storage
Brûléed grapefruit is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crisp caramelized topping. If you must store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly under a broiler or with a kitchen torch to restore the caramelized sugar, but avoid reheating in a microwave to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Yes, oranges or pomelos can work well with the brûléed technique, but adjust cooking times as needed depending on the fruit’s size and moisture content.
What sugar works best for caramelizing on the grapefruit?
Coarse turbinado sugar is ideal because it caramelizes nicely and adds a pleasant texture, but regular granulated or brown sugar can be used as alternatives.
Print
Brûléed Grapefruit Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This elegant and refreshing brûléed grapefruit recipe transforms ordinary grapefruit halves into a caramelized delight by broiling them with coarse turbinado sugar. The caramelized sugar topping adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the tart, juicy citrus segments, complemented perfectly by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional toppings like Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for a unique breakfast, brunch, or light dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 grapefruit, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Arrange the oven rack to the top third of the oven, usually in the second notch down from the top, and preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat, avoiding parchment paper as it will burn under the broiler.
- Prepare the Grapefruit: Slice off the top and bottom of each grapefruit so they can sit flat. Then cut each grapefruit horizontally, exposing the circular segments rather than cutting from top to bottom. Place the grapefruit halves face down on several paper towels for 10 minutes to extract excess moisture.
- Loosen the Segments: Use a paring knife to carefully carve around and loosen each segment inside the grapefruit halves. Pat out any moisture that is released during this process with paper towels.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Place the grapefruit halves face up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each half evenly with about ½ tablespoon of coarse turbinado sugar. Broil the grapefruit for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely until the sugar is fully melted, caramelized, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt. Serve immediately, optionally topped with plain Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to use a broiler-safe baking sheet lined with foil or silicone mat; avoid parchment paper to prevent burning.
- Keep a close eye on the grapefruit during broiling to avoid burning the sugar.
- Extracting excess moisture from the grapefruit halves helps achieve a better caramelized surface.
- Optional toppings like Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh mint add creaminess, crunch, and freshness respectively.
- This dish is best served immediately after broiling to enjoy the crisp caramelized sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brûléed grapefruit, caramelized grapefruit, broiled grapefruit, healthy dessert, citrus dessert, easy brunch recipes
