Tropical Fruit Recipes

Summer Lobster Tacos

Anna Watson Carl relies on sweetened condensed milk to add richness to this frozen dessert flavored with coconut milk, lime zest, and toasty pistachios. Simply macerated peaches provide a fresh, fruity counterpart.

Spiced Mango Sorbet with Pistachio Tuiles

Summer Rambutan Curry

After stumbling upon fresh rambutans, test kitchen assistant Jake Cohen used this Malaysian tropical fruit to make this spicy and sweet summer curry. Get the recipe for Summer Rambutan Curry »

Pineapple and Pork Teriyaki Skewers

Sweet grilled onion and pineapple stand up against rich marinated pork in these easy, Hawaiian-inspired skewers. Get the recipe for Pineapple and Pork Teriyaki Skewers »

Hawaiian Papaya Seed Dressing

This classic, sweet-tart Hawaiian dressing gets a peppery kick from ground up papaya seeds. Drizzle over baby lettuce or papaya flesh. Get the recipe for Hawaiian Papaya Seed Dressing

Thai Green Mango Salad (Som Tum Mamuang)

Goan Coconut Cake (Baath)

A hint of rosewater adds sweet, floral aroma to this moist, dense semolina cake, packed with four types of coconut. Refrigerating overnight gives the semolina time to soak up the sweet coconut liquid, resulting in a softer, more tender crumb. Get the recipe for Goan Coconut Cake (Baath) »

Piquant Pickled Pineapple

Garlic and Sriracha balance the sweetness of pineapple in this Southeast Asian-inspired pickle; a splash of fish sauce adds a robust savory edge. Get the recipe for Piquant Pickled Pineapple »

Hudutu

Garifuna cooks make a starchy plantain mash akin to African fufu and serve it with this basil- and culantro-laced stew. See the recipe for Hudutu (Fish and Coconut Stew with Mashed Plantains) »

Yogurt with Banana and Grated Coconut (Kela ka Raita)

At the Indian table, a variety of yogurt-based raitas mollify the tongue-searing effect of chiles. This version, made fruity and sweet with the addition of coconut and banana, is adapted from Foods of the World: The Cooking of India (Time Life, 1969). Get the recipe for Yogurt with Banana and Grated Coconut »

Banana Fritters with Cinnamon-Sugar and Rum

Use very ripe organic bananas for these silver-dollar-size fritters, as they will mash the best and create a smooth, sweet batter. Get the recipe for Banana Fritters with Cinnamon-Sugar and Rum »

Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa

Natilla de Maracuyá (Passion Fruit Custard)

Storebought passion fruit concentrate adds a pleasingly sour note to creamy custard topped off with fresh, fragrant passion fruit pulp. See the recipe for Natilla de Maracuyá (Passion Fruit Custard) »

Sweet Potatoes in Syrup with Guava

A sweet and tangy preparation of sweet potatoes can be served as a side or dessert.

Young Coconut Cream Pie

Young coconuts and coconut water lend a fresh flavor to a creamy chilled classic.

Steep it for Killer Custard and Ice Cream

Often used in southeast Asian curries and Indian rice dishes, pandan leaf lends a subtly exotic savory note to this coconut ice cream.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry (Mugua Ji)

Traditionally, this saucy stir-fry gets its sweet-tart flavor from mugua, or flowering quince. Green papaya is a good substitute.

Tropical Fruit Recipes

Hawaiian Papaya Seed Dressing

Hudutu

Natilla de Maracuyá (Passion Fruit Custard)

Steep it for Killer Custard and Ice Cream

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