Grandma Taew's Refreshing Kaffir Lime Juice Recipe

Updated at: 02/06/2025

Escape the ordinary and tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant zest of Grandma Taew's refreshing Kaffir Lime Juice. This isn't your average citrus drink; it's a fragrant explosion of sour and sweet, a taste of Thailand bottled in a glass. The unique aroma of kaffir lime leaves, combined with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, creates a truly unforgettable beverage. Imagine the invigorating sensation on a hot day, or the delightful accompaniment to spicy Thai cuisine. This recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of authentic Thai flavor.

This isn't just a drink; it's an experience. Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process of creating your own batch of Grandma Taew's unforgettable Kaffir Lime Juice.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Blender
  • Fine-mesh sieve or thin cloth
  • Bottles
  • Ice bucket

Ingredients

  • Kaffir limes: 350 grams
  • Pandan leaves
  • Water: 3500 ml (3 liters)
  • Salt: 1 heaping tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar: 200 grams (or to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Soak the Kaffir Limes

  • Select ripe, peeled, and slightly bruised kaffir limes for a less sour taste. Wash thoroughly.
  • Mix water with 1 heaping tablespoon of salt until dissolved.
  • Cut limes in half and soak in the brine for 2-3 hours.
  • After soaking, gently wash and scrub the limes to remove any remaining salt and rubbery texture.
Select ripe, peeled, and slightly bruised kaffir limes for a less sour taste. Wash thoroughly.Prepare brine: Mix water with 1 heaping tablespoon of salt until dissolved.Cut limes in half and soak in the brine for 2-3 hours.After soaking, gently wash and scrub the limes to remove any remaining salt and rubbery texture.
Prepare and Soak the Kaffir Limes
  • Use the end of a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds.
  • Rinse the limes thoroughly 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Use the end of a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds.Rinse the limes thoroughly 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Prepare and Soak the Kaffir Limes

Step 2. Simmer and Blend the Limes

  • Boil 3500ml of water in a pot. Add the pitted kaffir limes and pandan leaves. Simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes.
  • Check the limes for tenderness. If soft, remove them from the water.
  • Let the lime mixture cool slightly. Remove the pandan leaves.
  • Blend the limes (with enough lime juice to ensure smooth blending).
Boil 3500ml of water in a pot. Add the pitted kaffir limes and pandan leaves. Simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes.Check the limes for tenderness. If soft, remove them from the water.Let the lime mixture cool slightly. Remove the pandan leaves.Blend the limes (with enough lime juice to ensure smooth blending).
Simmer and Blend the Limes

Step 3. Sweeten, Strain, and Boil

  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or thin cloth to remove any remaining pulp and rubbery bits.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 200 grams of sugar (or to taste) to the strained juice. Stir until dissolved.
  • Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, covered, until it boils. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Remove from heat.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or thin cloth to remove any remaining pulp and rubbery bits.Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 200 grams of sugar (or to taste) to the strained juice. Stir until dissolved.Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, covered, until it boils. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes.Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Remove from heat.
Sweeten, Strain, and Boil

Step 4. Cool, Bottle, and Preserve

  • Let the juice cool slightly before pouring into sterilized bottles. Seal tightly.
  • For longer preservation, chill the bottled juice in an ice bucket or refrigerator.
Let the juice cool slightly before pouring into sterilized bottles. Seal tightly.For longer preservation, chill the bottled juice in an ice bucket or refrigerator.
Cool, Bottle, and Preserve

Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe

Tips

  • Using slightly bruised limes results in a less sour flavor.
  • Lime juice adds beautiful color to the beverage.
  • Gently scrub the limes to remove any rubbery texture after soaking.
  • If you don't like the astringent taste, crush the pandan leaves before blending, using only the pulp.
  • Blending the limes helps reduce astringency.
  • Use a thin cloth or fine-mesh sieve for straining.
  • The cold water method helps preserve the juice for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute kaffir lime leaves if I don't have any?

While nothing perfectly replicates the unique flavor of kaffir lime, you can try adding a combination of lime zest and lemongrass for a similar citrusy and aromatic effect. The flavor will be different, but still refreshing.

2. How long can I store the kaffir lime juice?

Store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy use later.


So there you have it – Grandma Taew's secret to a deliciously refreshing kaffir lime juice. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful drink any time of day, perfect for quenching thirst or complementing your favorite dishes. Now go forth and create your own taste of Thailand!