What goes well with orange juice?
Orange juice is a breakfast staple for many people. But while OJ tastes great on its own, it can also be used to enhance a variety of dishes and beverages. In this article, we’ll explore what foods and drinks pair well with orange juice.
Savory Foods
Orange juice has a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that complements many savory dishes. Here are some savory foods that orange juice pairs well with:
Eggs
Adding a splash of OJ to scrambled eggs or an omelet brightens up the flavor. The citrus taste cuts through the richness of the eggs beautifully. Try combining orange juice with eggs for a tropical morning meal.
Pork
Orange juice is often used to marinate and baste pork chops, tenderloins, or roasts. The sweet acidity helps cut through the fattiness of the pork. It also gives the meat a wonderful fruity flavor.
Chicken
Much like pork, chicken takes well to orange juice. Marinate chicken breasts in orange juice before baking or grilling them. Or try making chicken with an orange juice-based sauce for a tangy twist.
Fish
The citrus notes of orange juice pair nicely with the subtle flavors of fish like halibut, cod, or tilapia. Drizzle some OJ over fish fillets before baking them. Or mix orange juice with mustard and herbs when making a fish sauce.
Rice
Stir a little orange juice into rice as it cooks for a pop of brightness.Orange-infused rice blends well with chicken, shrimp, or pork entrees. It’s a simple way to jazz up plain grains.
Quinoa
Like rice, quinoa enjoys the tanginess orange juice provides. Pour some OJ over cooked quinoa with some diced apricots and mint for a fresh,protein-packed salad.
Salads
Vinaigrettes made with orange juice make excellent salad dressings. Whisk together OJ, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a light dressing. Orange juice is also great for marinating veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes for salads.
Fruit Combinations
In addition to savory pairings, orange juice also complements a variety of fruit. These fruit and OJ combinations are perfect for breakfast or dessert:
| Fruit | Recipe Idea |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Orange juice poured over fresh strawberries |
| Bananas | Orange juice blended with frozen bananas for smoothies |
| Mangoes | Diced mango mixed into orange juice |
| Papaya | Orange juice with papaya chunks |
| Kiwi | Kiwi slices in orange juice |
The sweet acidity of orange juice complements the ripe, juicy flavors of all these fruits. Blend it into smoothies or use OJ to macerate fruit salads and desserts.
Beverages
Orange juice is not just for breakfast – it can be mixed into many beverages you can enjoy at any time of day. Popular orange juice drink pairings include:
Coffee
Add a splash of OJ to your morning coffee or latte. The orange taste cuts through the bitterness, and the vitamin C gives an energizing boost.
Tea
Mix orange juice with tea instead of lemon for an extra dose of sweet citrus flavor. Earl grey and black tea work especially well with orange juice.
Wine
For a fun cocktail, try using orange juice to make wine spritzers. Prosecco and dry Rieslings are particularly good with orange juice.
Sangria
Orange juice is a key ingredient in many sangria recipes. Its sweet citrus flavor blends beautifully with red wines and brandy.
Juice Blends
Get creative mixing orange juice with other fruit and veggie juices. Some tasty combos are orange juice with carrot juice, apple juice, or grapefruit juice.
Cooking with Orange Juice
Orange juice can be used to add flavor in a wide variety of recipes beyond beverages. Here are some ideas for cooking with OJ:
Marinades and Sauces
Use orange juice as the base when making marinades and sauces for meats, veggies, and seafood. Mix it with herbs, oil, vinegar, mustard, or other ingredients.
Glazes
Brush orange juice glazes onto chicken, pork, salmon, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized,fruit-infused flavor.
Desserts
Add orange juice to cake batter or frostings. Or use it to make fruit-based desserts like orange juice panna cotta or citrus sorbets.
Roasted Vegetables
Roast veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets with orange juice and spices for a tangy flavor.
Broths and Deglazing
Use orange juice when making broth-based soups and stews. Its acidity helps draw out flavors from meat and vegetables. Orange juice is also excellent for deglazing pans.
Picking the Right Orange Juice
Not all orange juice varieties work equally well in recipes. Here are some tips for selecting OJ:
- For cooking, use fresh-squeezed or 100% orange juice without added sugar or preservatives.
- Avoid “from concentrate” orange juice, which has a more diluted, metallic taste after processing.
- Select orange juice with pulp for greater body and texture.
- For drinks, lighter, commercial brands like Tropicana or Simply Orange work well.
- Blood orange juice has a gorgeous color and more berry-like flavor for drinks or desserts.
Conclusion
Orange juice is endlessly versatile, pairing well with everything from eggs to wine. It’s delicious on its own as a breakfast drink but can also be used to enhance all types of recipes, from meat glazes to fruit salads. With its bright, citrusy taste, orange juice adds a splash of sunshine and fresh flavor. Keep these pairing ideas in mind to help incorporate more OJ into your cooking and drinking.