Are you ready to add a burst of citrus flavor to your meals? Look no further! Mandarins are one of the most versatile and delicious types of oranges out there, and we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipe ideas that will make you fall head over heels in love with their zesty goodness. From sweet treats like Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake and Mandarin Dark Chocolate Truffles to savory dishes like Spicy Mandarin Beef Tacos and Mandarin Ginger Glazed Carrots, these recipes showcase the incredible range of flavors and textures that mandarins have to offer.
In this article, we’ll dive into a world of culinary delights that will make your taste buds sing. From appetizers to desserts, and from main courses to snacks, we’ve got you covered with a wide variety of Mandarin-inspired recipes to try out in the kitchen.
Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Quickly cook up a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry with this simple recipe that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the savory taste of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup mandarin orange marmalade (or regular orange marmalade)
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add soy sauce, honey, ginger, and marmalade. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute to combine with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Honey Glazed Mandarin Salmon
Sweet and tangy, this honey glazed mandarin salmon recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional fish dishes. With its citrusy zing and sticky glaze, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over the salmon, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mandarin and Almond Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of mandarins with the crunch of almonds, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 mandarins, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and grated ginger.
2. Add the mandarin segments and toss gently to coat.
3. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the salad and toss again to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Mandarin and Almond Salad!
Mandarin Orange Sorbet
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Mandarin orange sorbet, perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser between courses. This recipe yields a citrusy treat that’s light, fruity, and utterly delightful.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mandarin orange segments, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
4. Let cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (sorbet freezes quickly)
Spicy Mandarin Beef Tacos
A flavorful fusion of East meets West, this recipe combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the spiciness of Korean chili flakes for a bold and exciting twist on traditional tacos.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (such as flank steak or skirt steak), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp mandarin orange juice
– 2 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 8-10 taco shells
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, mandarin orange juice, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
5. Assemble tacos by slicing the grilled beef into thin strips and placing it in a shell with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mandarin Coconut Chia Pudding
Brighten up your morning with this refreshing and nutritious Mandarin Coconut Chia Pudding! This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of mandarins with the creaminess of coconut milk, all wrapped up in a healthy dose of chia seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup diced mandarin oranges (about 2-3 segments)
– Shredded coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the mandarin segments to the coconut mixture and stir gently to combine.
4. Pour the coconut-mandarin mixture over the chia seed mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set.
6. Just before serving, garnish with shredded coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Mandarin Coconut Chia Pudding!
Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is elevated by the sweet and tangy combination of mandarin oranges and brown sugar, all topped with a caramelized orange glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup mandarin orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup sliced mandarin oranges
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, mandarin orange juice, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Arrange sliced oranges in the prepared pan, reserving some for topping.
6. Pour batter over oranges and smooth top.
7. Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mandarin Ginger Glazed Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with this sweet and tangy glazed carrot recipe, infused with the brightness of mandarin oranges and the warmth of ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons mandarin orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ginger, mandarin orange marmalade, honey, soy sauce, and salt.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the glaze and toss until well coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the glazed carrots in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mandarin Avocado Salsa
A refreshing twist on traditional salsa, this Mandarin Avocado Salsa combines the creamy richness of avocados with the sweet and tangy flavors of mandarins. Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup mandarin oranges (or navel oranges), peeled and segmented
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth.
2. Add the mandarin segments, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir again.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salsa is a quick and easy make-ahead condiment perfect for any occasion.
Mandarin Orange Marmalade
This sweet and tangy marmalade is a delicious way to preserve the flavors of mandarin oranges. With its lovely balance of citrus and sweetness, it’s perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze, or giving as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mandarin orange slices (about 6-8 oranges)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the mandarin orange slices and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the pot. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Continue to simmer the marmalade for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test” (when a small amount of the marmalade is placed on a chilled plate, it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger).
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the marmalade cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
5. Store the marmalade in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mandarin and Thyme Roasted Chicken
This recipe brings together the brightness of mandarins and the earthiness of thyme to create a moist and flavorful roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 mandarins, peeled and segmented
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together mandarin segments, olive oil, and thyme sprigs.
4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the mandarin mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mandarin Orange Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Orange Smoothie Bowl, packed with the sweetness of mandarins and the creaminess of yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mandarin oranges
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen mandarin oranges, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Top with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Mandarin Dark Chocolate Truffles
These bite-sized truffles combine the richness of dark chocolate with the brightness of mandarin oranges, creating a unique and delicious treat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these sweet and tangy treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons mandarin orange marmalade
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Chopped mandarin peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and marmalade until well combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
5. Fold the sugar mixture into the chocolate mixture until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
7. Chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped mandarin peel and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe does not require cooking.
Mandarin and Mint Quinoa Salad
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the sweetness of mandarins with the brightness of fresh mint, perfect for a light and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula and spinach)
– 1/2 cup diced mandarin oranges
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or toasted almonds for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and mixed greens.
2. Add diced mandarin oranges and chopped fresh mint leaves on top of the quinoa mixture.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Optional: sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or toasted almonds for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on cooking time of quinoa)
Mandarin Orange BBQ Ribs
A twist on classic BBQ ribs, this recipe infuses the tender meat with the sweet and tangy flavors of mandarin oranges.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Mandarin orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mandarin orange marmalade, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs.
4. Apply the marmalade mixture evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Mandarin and Goat Cheese Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing and flavorful combination of sweet mandarins, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy crostini. Perfect for a light and elegant start to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 4-6 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Spread goat cheese on toasted crostini.
4. Top with mandarin segments and drizzle with honey.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes toasting time)
Mandarin Orange Pancakes
Mandarin Orange Pancakes Recipe
Start your day off right with these bright and citrusy pancakes, infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of mandarin oranges.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons mandarin orange juice
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Zest of 1 mandarin orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium 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. Fold in the melted butter until smooth.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mandarin and Basil Grilled Shrimp
This recipe combines the sweetness of mandarins with the brightness of basil to create a flavorful and refreshing grilled shrimp dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
– 2 mandarins, sliced into thin wedges
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss shrimp with the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, brush mandarin slices with a little bit of olive oil and season with salt.
6. Grill mandarins for 1-2 minutes per side, or until slightly caramelized.
7. To serve, place grilled shrimp on a platter and top with grilled mandarin slices and chopped basil.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to brighten up your meals with these 18 zesty mandarin recipes! From savory dishes like Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir-Fry and Spicy Mandarin Beef Tacos, to sweet treats like Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake and Mandarin Dark Chocolate Truffles, there’s something for every citrus lover. Try pairing mandarins with nuts in the Mandarin and Almond Salad or incorporating them into a refreshing Mandarin Orange Smoothie Bowl. These recipes showcase the versatility of mandarins and are sure to add a burst of flavor to your cooking and baking routines.
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