Transform your cooking with the zesty magic of *Overnight Preserved Lemons*, a quick and convenient twist on a traditional preserving method. This 10-minute prep recipe uses just a handful of ingredients—fresh lemons, kosher salt, and a touch of sugar—to create a bold and tangy flavor booster. By allowing the lemons to marinate overnight in their own natural juices and a curing mixture, they develop a complex, salty-sweet citrus profile that's perfect for Mediterranean dishes, marinades, or brightening up salads and stews. The best part? No long fermentation periods required! Simply pack your lemons into a sterilized jar, let them cure on your counter overnight, and enjoy the vibrant results the very next day. These preserved lemons are easy to make, beautifully versatile, and will keep your refrigerator stocked with flavor for weeks to come!
Wash and scrub the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residue from the skin. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Slice each lemon into quarters lengthwise, but leave the quarters connected at the base so the lemon stays intact.
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt into the cavity of each lemon, spreading evenly between the cuts.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of kosher salt with the sugar to create a curing mixture.
Add a thin layer of the curing mixture to the bottom of the sterilized jar.
Place a salted lemon into the jar, pressing down firmly to release its juices. Sprinkle a bit of the curing mixture on top of the lemon.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining lemons, ensuring each one is pressed firmly and covered with the curing mixture. Pack them tightly to release as much juice as possible.
Pour the lemon juice over the lemons to fill in any gaps, ensuring the lemons are completely submerged in liquid.
Seal the jar tightly and leave it at room temperature on the counter overnight (12-24 hours).
After the preserving period, the overnight preserved lemons are ready to use. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they remain covered in their brine.
Serving size | 504.2 grams (504.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 196 |
Total Fat 1.00g | 1% |
Saturated Fat 0.10g | 1% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 10626mg | 462% |
Total Carbohydrate 55.00g | 20% |
Dietary Fiber 6.80g | 24% |
Total Sugars 34.00g | |
Protein 3.00g | 6% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 68mg | 5% |
Iron 2mg | 8% |
Potassium 444mg | 9% |
Source of Calories