Preserved Lemons

Preserved Lemons

a simple recipe for preserving lemons

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 7d
Cook Time: 0m
Total Time: 10m
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (22 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

optional additions:

Nutritional Information

188
Calories
1.2g
Fat
64g
Carbohydrates
42.4g
Fiber
0mg
Cholesterol
414mg
Sodium
1 cup
Serving Size
Preserved Lemons

Recipe Description

I always have a jar of Preserved Lemons in the store cupboard. They are an essential ingredient for Middle Eastern dishes and I love to throw them into stews and salads, dressings and marinades! After about a week the lemons will start to look translucent and the peel will become very tender. If you notice any mold on the lemons on top, it means the lemons were exposed to air. Simply remove the top layer of lemons and make sure the remaining lemons are submerged in the brine.

To make these preserved lemons, layer sliced lemons into a clean, sterilized jar with salt between the layers. You’ll need to use about 2 teaspoons of sea salt, per 1 large lemon. Once the jar is filled with salted sliced lemons, press them down well. Squeeze 1-2 lemons and pour the juice over the slices to submerge them. Weigh the lemons down under the brine using a fermentation weight, a clean stone or a small ziplock filled with water to keep them submerged. Cover and place in a cool dry place for at least 1 week, shaking the jar periodically, always making sure lemons are below the brine.

To make Preserved Lemons, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Preserved Lemons

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Slice lemons

    1 min
    Step 1 - Preserved Lemons

    Slice 2 lemons into ⅛ - ¼-inch thick disks, about 8 slices each.

  2. 2

    Salt lemons and place in a jar

    3 min
    Step 2 - Preserved LemonsStep 2 - Preserved Lemons

    Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt into the bottom of the jar. Start layering the lemons into the jar. Salt each slice or layer with a scant ¼ teaspoon of salt. Leave at least 1 inch of room at the top of the jar for the brine.

  3. 3

    Press down lemons

    2 min
    Step 3 - Preserved Lemons

    Once you have almost filled the jar with the salted sliced lemons, push them down using a muddler or your fingers to compress them.

  4. 4

    Squeeze lemons

    3 min
    Step 4 - Preserved Lemons

    Squeeze the juice from the remaining 1-2 lemons. Pour juice into the jar to submerge the lemon slices. Push the lemons down.

  5. 5

    Weight down the lemons

    1 min
    Step 5 - Preserved Lemons

    Using a fermentation weight, a clean river stone, or a small ziplock filled with water, weight the lemons down to keep them submerged. Cover the jar.

  6. 6

    Store

    7d min
    Step 6 - Preserved Lemons

    Place the lemon jar in a cool dry place for at least 1 week. Shake the jar every so often, always making sure lemons are submerged under the lemony salty brine.

These Preserved Lemons are super easy to make and taste absolutely delicious in soups, stews and dressings. Come back soon to leave a comment letting me know what you think if you try these lemons.

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (22 reviews)
Ian Thompson
February 3, 2025
Verified

Fantastic!

Emily Johnson
September 10, 2024
Verified

OMG, these Preserved Lemons are a total game helper! I tossed ‘em in a stew and my family went nuts! Best part, it’s easy peasy! So good!

Katherine Smith
August 10, 2024
Verified

Delicious! I added these lemons to my chicken stew, and wow, what a flavor boost! My husband was amazed by how something so simple could transform a dish. I always keep a jar handy now—it's a game changer in the kitchen!

Sarah Thompson
February 29, 2024
Verified

Fantastic! I added these lemons to my chicken stew, and my family couldn't get enough. So glad to have a go-to for flavour!

Rosie95
February 23, 2024
Verified

Amazing! These Preserved Lemons have totally transformed my cooking. I made a delicious stew last week with them, and my family loved it. They add such a unique flavor! They are now a staple in my kitchen. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Mimi
February 3, 2024
Verified

Je suis tellement fière d'avoir appris à faire des citrons confits! Cette recette est si simple et les saveurs sont exceptionnelles. J'adore les ajouter à mes plats méditerranéens. Ces citrons ont transformé mes recettes, merci beaucoup!

Megan Johnson
November 13, 2023
Verified

Making these Preserved Lemons was such a fun weekend project! I always spice up our family dinners with them. Trust me, they add a zing that wowed everyone, even my picky hubby. Can't get enough of their flavor.

Renee
October 19, 2023
Verified

These preserved lemons are just fab! Tossed 'em in my stew, yum! 🤩

Paul Thompson
October 7, 2023
Verified

OMG, these Preserved Lemons are a game changer! Just the other day, I threw them into a beef stew, and my fam couldn’t get enough. The flavor is off the charts! Plus, they’re super easy to make. I can't believe I waited this long to try 'em! Keepin' a jar stocked for sure! 👌

William Hargrove
October 5, 2023
Verified

Superb recipe for Preserved Lemons. I started making these a few months ago, and they’ve added a lovely tang to our family meals. My kids now even ask for them in their salads.

Ulysses
October 5, 2023
Verified

Amazing!

Ulysses Grant
October 4, 2023
Verified

Superb! I’ve been using these preserved lemons in many family meals, especially in stews. They add a tangy flavor that everyone loves! My kids even ask for them now. I always keep a jar ready!

Ursula Smith
October 3, 2023
Verified

Absolutely delicious lemons!

Carmen
September 25, 2023
Verified

Deliciously tangy taste.

Edu
April 8, 2023
Verified

Increíble!

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