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Cooking with Southeast Asia's Queen Fruit

The Queen Fruit, also known as Duku or Lansium parasiticum, is a lesser-known fruit in Western cuisine, but it holds a special place in the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. Native to the tropical regions of Malaysia and Indonesia, this unique fruit has gained popularity throughout the region for its sweet and slightly sour taste, making it a versatile ingredient in many traditional dishes.

The Flavor Profile of Queen Fruit​

In Southeast Asian cuisine, the Queen Fruit is often used as a flavor component in various desserts, savory dishes, and even beverages. Its sweet and slightly acidic taste makes it an excellent match for ingredients like coconut, palm sugar, and spices. In this article, we will explore some of the ways to incorporate the Queen Fruit into your cooking repertoire.

A Delicious Experiment: Stir-Fried Queen Fruit with Shrimp​

One popular way to enjoy the Queen Fruit is in a simple stir-fry dish that combines its sweetness with the savory flavor of shrimp. To make this dish, you'll need:

  • 1 ripe Queen Fruit, peeled and chopped into small pieces
  • 200g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped Queen Fruit and shrimp, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sweetness and Spice: Grilled Pineapple and Queen Fruit Skewers​

This refreshing dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of the Queen Fruit during the summer months. To make these skewers, you'll need:

  • 1 ripe Queen Fruit, peeled and chopped into small pieces
  • 200g fresh pineapple chunks
  • 10 bamboo skewers
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the Queen Fruit and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then brush this mixture evenly over the fruit and pineapple on each skewer.

Refreshing Queen Fruit Juice Recipe​

The Queen Fruit's unique flavor is also used to make refreshing juices throughout Southeast Asia. To create this juice recipe, you'll need:

  • 2 ripe Queen Fruits, peeled and chopped into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh coconut milk
  • Ice cubes

Combine the chopped Queen Fruit in a blender with a splash of water. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or fibers. Mix in the coconut milk and adjust the sweetness level to your taste by adding honey or sugar.

Tips for Using Queen Fruit in Your Cooking​

When using the Queen Fruit in your cooking, remember that its flavor can quickly overpower other ingredients, so use it sparingly. Also, choose ripe but firm fruits for optimal flavor and texture. Experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find the perfect match for this unique fruit.

Whether you're looking for a new twist on traditional desserts or savory dishes, the Queen Fruit is an exciting ingredient that will surely add a touch of Southeast Asian flair to your cooking repertoire.