Lime Curd in the Microwave
I have used fructose in place of caster sugar as it is twice as sweet. If fructose is not available, use double the amount of sugar. This is lovely with toast, muffins, crumpets, or served as a sauce for a dessert such as ice cream.
I have used fructose in place of caster sugar as it is twice as sweet. If fructose is not available, use double the amount of sugar. This is lovely with toast, muffins, crumpets, or served as a sauce for a dessert such as ice cream.
- Carbohydrate 90.7244 g
- Cholesterol 968.12 mg
- Fat 67.2492 g
- Fiber 7.50399987220764 g
- Protein 13.1708 g
- Saturated Fat 37.37444 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (456g)
- Sodium 390.8 mg
- Sugar 83.2204001277923 g
- Trans Fat 4.39748000000001 g
- Calories 947 calories
Step-by-step
- Use a microwave proof bowl.
- Squeeze juice from limes. Many limes are small use 4 in this case
- Add egg yolks and mix to combine
- Add fructose and mix to combine
- Add butter.
- Heat on high in microwave stir after 1 minut.
- Cook for a further minute on high.
- Then cook for a period of 30 seconds, repeat this until curd thickens.
- Pour into a sterilised jam jar.
Understanding Microwave Power Dynamics
Ramping microwave heat too fast causes egg yolks to overcook and curdle instantly. Short bursts of energy paired with aggressive stirring redistribute thermal mass evenly. Microwaves heat water molecules unevenly through dielectric loss, meaning the edges of the bowl cook faster than the center. Whisking vigorously after every heating interval shears apart forming protein bonds before lumps can solidify.
Managing Sweetener Substitution Ratios
Fructose provides twice the perceived sweetness of standard sucrose while adding hygroscopic properties that alter moisture retention. Standard granulated sugar requires a strict 1:2 substitution ratio to maintain proper structural viscosity. Using insufficient sugar leaves proteins unprotected against heat-induced tightening, resulting in a grainy mouthfeel instead of a glossy spread.
Achieving Proper Viscosity and Storage
Thermal carryover cooking continues after the bowl leaves the microwave cavity. Pull the mixture out when it coats the back of a metal spoon and leaves a clean path when dragged through with a finger. Pouring hot curd directly into sterilized glass jars creates a vacuum seal upon cooling, extending refrigeration life safely for up to two weeks.
