Skip to main content

Cooking with Fresh Lychees

Fresh lychees are a tropical treat often enjoyed as a sweet and juicy snack, but they also lend themselves beautifully to a variety of dishes in which their flavor and texture can be showcased. When working with fresh lychees, it's essential to choose fruit that is heavy for its size and has a slight pinkish tint on the underside, indicating ripeness. The translucent pulp and tender skin make them perfect for incorporating into desserts, salads, and even savory dishes.

Desserts​

Fresh lychees are a popular ingredient in many traditional desserts from Asian cultures. One of the most iconic uses is in Lychee Ice Cream, where they add a unique flavor and texture to the creamy base. Another classic dessert is Lychee Sorbet, which highlights the fruit's sweetness and refreshing quality.

Lychee Sorbet Recipe​

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups fresh lychees, peeled
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water
  • Instructions:
    1. In a blender or food processor, puree the lychees until smooth.
    2. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp and seeds.
    3. Combine the strained liquid with the sugar in a saucepan.
    4. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
    5. Allow it to cool, then freeze.

Savory Dishes​

While lychees are most commonly associated with sweet dishes, they can also add an unexpected twist to savory recipes. Their sweetness pairs well with meats and vegetables that have a bit of spice or smokiness. A classic combination is with ham; try pairing fresh lychee chunks with thinly sliced ham in a salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Lychee-Glazed Ham Recipe​

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 (5-pound) bone-in ham
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 cups fresh lychees, peeled and chopped
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
    2. In a blender or food processor, puree the lychees until smooth.
    3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and lychee puree. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Salads​

Lychees are versatile enough to be used not only as an ingredient but also as garnish, adding color and freshness to many types of salads. They pair well with ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a light and refreshing meal.

Lychee and Mango Salad Recipe​

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup fresh lychees, peeled
    • 2 cups diced mango
    • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • Salt to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine the lychee and mango.
    2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the fruit mixture.
    3. Drizzle with honey and season with salt.

Conclusion​

Lychees are an incredibly versatile fruit that can elevate a variety of dishes beyond the usual desserts. Whether used in sweet or savory recipes, their flavor and texture add a unique twist to any dish.