This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
Wondering the easy way to make lime zest to add tangy flavor to recipes? Here are the best methods for how to zest a lime.
Making a recipe that calls for lime zest? We’re here to help! Alex and I are cookbook authors with over a decade of experience in the kitchen. Several of our recipes call for citrus zest. But what’s the best way to get it?
Over the years, we’ve discovered this quick and easy method that yields fine zest for using in recipes. (If you’re looking to make a cocktail garnish, go to How to Make a Lemon Twist instead!)
What does zest of lime mean?
What is zest? Lime zest is the colored outside portion of the citrus fruit peel. It’s often used with or without the juice of the lime to add concentrated tangy citrus flavor to recipes. It can taste even stronger than lime juice, which can sometimes fade away into the flavor or recipes. Zest can also be used as a substitute for lime juice.
How to zest a lime: the best way
Here’s how to zest a lime: the best way: use a microplane. A microplane is a grater that looks like a woodworking tool: which is where the concept came from! It’s a handheld metal plate with sharp holes in it. Grating foods with a microplane is faster and more consistent. Alex and I use ours all the time! You can also use the fine holes on a box grater to do the same thing.
Here’s how to zest a lime with a microplane (or fine holes on a box grater):
- Hold the microplane in one hand, place one end on a flat surface and hold it at an angle.
- Hold the lime in the other hand, and drag it down over the microplane holes. Important: make sure to remove the colored part of the skin only! The white pith can taste bitter, so avoid that.
- Gradually turn the lime until all green parts of the peel have been removed.
Where to buy a microplane grater
Microplanes are available at most home goods or kitchen goods stores! They’re also available online. You’ll want to look for a “coarse microplane,” which is equivalent to the fine holes on a box grater. Here’s a link to try our favorite one: this Stainless Steel Microplane.
How to zest a lime: the cheater way!
Don’t have a microplane or box grater? No problem. You can zest a lime the cheater way: with a vegetable peeler! This method is a little harder than the best way, because the peel is harder to remove with a peeler. But it does the trick in a pinch! Here’s what to do:
- Use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel off large pieces of the colored part of the skin only, dragging from the top to the bottom (not the pith). Again, make sure to remove the colored part of the skin only! The white pith has a bitter flavor.
- Use a knife to mince the peel into very small pieces.
How much zest is in 1 lime?
How much juice and zest can you get with 1 lime? Great question. This helps you to calculate how many of these citrus fruits you’ll need for your recipe.
One regular lime yields about 2 tablespoons juice and 2 teaspoons lime zest. Keep in mind that this varies slightly if you have very large or very small limes.
Related recipes
Here are a few of the types of recipes that call for this zesty ingredient:
- Dressings like Lime Vinaigrette and Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Garnishes like Margarita Salt
- Sauces & spreads like Easy Strawberry Jam
- Seafood like Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Frequently asked questions
Zesting is the process of removing the outermost colored part of the citrus peel, which is packed with flavorful oils. It’s a great way to add a burst of citrusy goodness to your recipes.
Lime zest offers a concentrated citrus flavor without the acidity of the juice. It’s perfect for adding a bright citrusy aroma and subtle tang to savory and sweet dishes.
Microplane: A handheld grater with tiny, sharp teeth that effectively removes zest without including the bitter white pith underneath.
Box grater: The smallest holes on a box grater can be used in a pinch, but be careful not to grate too deeply and incorporate the white pith.
You might be grating too deeply and incorporating some of the juicy flesh of the lime. Use a light touch and focus on the colored peel.
How to Zest a Lime (The Best Way!)
Wondering the easy way to make lime zest to add tangy flavor to recipes? Here are the best methods for how to zest a lime.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 2 teaspoons zest 1x
- Category: Essentials
- Method: Zested
- Cuisine: Citrus
Ingredients
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Wash the lime and dry it. Then use one of the zesting methods below:
- Microplane: Hold the microplane in one hand, place one end on a flat surface and hold it at an angle. Hold the lime in the other hand, and drag it down over the microplane holes. Remove the colored part of the skin only (not the pith). Gradually turn the lime until all sides are zested.
- Fine grater: Do the same as the microplane, using the finest holes on your box grater.
- Peeler: Use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel off large pieces of the colored part of the skin only, dragging from the top to the bottom (not the pith). Then use a knife to mince the peel into very small pieces.
Notes
Note: This method yields fine zest for using in recipes (not cocktail garnishes). To zest a lime for a cocktail garnish, make a twist following the instructions in How to Make a Lemon Twist.
liked the style of making lime zest. thank you! :)