Also known as pickled lemons, cured lemons or salted lemons, preserved lemons are made by canning fresh lemon wedges in a salt-brine with spices to intensify their citrus flavor and bright color. You can find jars of preserved lemon in international markets and specialty grocers, or you can make your own. Sliced into slivers, they make a deliciously zesty addition to tagines, tabbouleh, and other Moroccan dishes. Here we've compiled our best recipes using preserved lemons, as well as top-rated recipes for making preserved lemons from scratch that are well worth the wait!
Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons, Fennel, Olives, and Harissa
![chicken on a colorful ceramic plate with chickpeas, sliced fennel, and black olives](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/gpIpSvolaz-R0pjdilHULvh6dT8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4486708_original-b4687e5f7c7d4231a2ace6000e821934.jpg)
Preserved lemon is a must in this spicy, exotic Moroccan tagine that uses chicken thighs. Serve with couscous and garnish with extra preserved lemon and toasted almonds for a fabulous meal that never fails to impress!
Moroccan Preserved Lemons
![Moroccan Preserved Lemons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/LwKRA2SHGaI7Aac15wFwJD_HdKE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5205133-7eab92def0204c048341a04a5c17031e.jpg)
See how incredibly easy it is to make preserved lemons from scratch. With lemons, salt, and a little time, you'll have enough preserved lemons in the refrigerator to use for up to an entire year. Try adding slivers of them to grain salads and yoghurt dips, or add to an herb stuffing to give chicken or fish a zingy flavor.
Aaron's Amazing Simple Beans
![Aaron's Amazing Simple Beans](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/ozJtYNynRMROu7ZV9NLtVxfS_40=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3118625_aarons-amazing-simple-beans_buckwheat-queen-298308b3e2a843d3a209292c1f592d1d.jpg)
Preserved lemons are the secret to these easy Mexican-inspired kidney beans. They're a deliciously spicy addition to burritos and tacos, or served as a side with scrambled eggs for brunch. "The salt-preserved lemon offer a flavor like no other," says recipe contributor ACONTORER. "This recipe is incredibly simple to make, and it's fat-free, yet these are the most delicious beans I've had."
Moroccan Chicken with Saffron and Preserved Lemon
![Moroccan Chicken with Saffron and Preserved Lemon](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/OiQpxGb3V25G5y1XM56nvyWOLNE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4306634-5addcbedc79d44af804b7e4d264b4641.jpg)
"Chicken thighs full of spice, garlic, preserved lemon, and amazing scents to take you right to the Mediterranean. Great with quinoa or brown rice and lots green veggies," says katherine99.
How to Make Preserved Lemons
![How to Make Preserved Lemons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/LR4NTV0qG_jEDXwUKYmcsdNcfKY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7964569_how-to-make-preserved-lemons_soup-loving-nicole-2000-2d4b5a800b0447df9c18d7545fe23db9.jpg)
See how to preserve lemons in a salt brine until they lose their sharpness, resulting in a deeper citrus flavor and softened peel for a wonderful addition to rice and chicken, or to give your favorite dish a lemony zing. Try using Meyer lemons if you prefer, and use up any lemony brine in salad dressings and marinades.
Roast Quail with Cured Lemon
![Roast Quail with Cured Lemon](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/dbw4vVQBXkANE_45tsFmwqbyesE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roast-quail-with-cured-lemon-72507fd4b37d4a77857d6858c5070ea5.jpg)
Individual roast quails are coated in a spice mixture, pan-fried and topped with a piece of preserved lemon before they are roasted to perfection. Serve on a bed of wild rice for a truly impressive special-occasion meal that's actually quite simple to prepare.
Preserved Lemons
![Preserved Lemons](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/yqyWo-lheT6Yeh79kVV-p8LFWwY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2577995_preserved-lemons_PLMLee-666bad9ef2544ebda50b7fb7c0639fd6.jpg)
Lemon wedges are coated in kosher salt and preserved in lemon juice and olive oil for a delicious tangy condiment that will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 months. Julienne the yellow rind, and add to your favorite chicken, beef, fish, or rice dish for a lemony zing.
Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon (Moroccan Style)
![Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon (Moroccan Style)](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/MHwYTFV61PVgdzpdaQ1d1zvI27A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6571799_lamb-chops-with-preserved-lemon-moroccan-style_greezil428-2000-cb6d17ba718841a08dfc63688c4321bd.jpg)
A rack of lamb is grilled with a fresh-tasting herb, olive, garlic, and preserved lemon mixture; arrange lamb chops on a platter and serve with couscous or tabbouleh and any remaining herb-lemon relish for a fantastic meal to share with friends. "I was looking for ways to utilize the preserved lemons I've made. This is an excellent way!" says home cook Emily Tisdale.
Citrons Confits Express (Quick Preserved Lemons)
![Citrons Confits Express (Quick Preserved Lemons)](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/l89IC2AsqoyfUVQK3m94wGSkB7Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7964516_citrons-confits-express-quick-preserved-lemons_soup-loving-nicole-2000-1d3b98e669f149e893752e4cba6474e2.jpg)
Try this microwave version for making preserved lemon to speed up the whole process, and be able to use them in a wide range of Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes in just over 24 hours! You can also try adding them to salads, roast chicken, or to roasted vegetables for a zesty kick and delicious aroma.