If you have a soft spot for fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten up any dessert or breakfast, you will absolutely love this Strawberry Coulis Recipe. It’s a simple, luscious sauce made from strawberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon that brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness and tang. Whether drizzled over panna cotta, pancakes, or ice cream, this coulis is like a burst of summer in every spoonful. The beauty of this recipe is in its minimal ingredients and easy preparation, allowing the strawberries to shine through with pure, fresh flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There is a certain magic in simplicity, and the ingredients for this strawberry coulis prove just that. Each component is essential to balance sweetness, enhance brightness, and create that perfect pourable texture.
- Strawberries (1 pound or 500 grams): Choose fresh or frozen berries, hulled and cut, for the base of your coulis bursting with natural flavor and vibrant color.
- White sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the coulis perfectly while helping to break down the strawberries into a luscious sauce.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness and lifts the flavor beautifully.
- Lemon rind (optional, a long strip): Infuses subtle citrus aroma during cooking without overpowering the berries.
How to Make Strawberry Coulis Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by hulling the strawberries, removing those leafy green tops, and then slice each berry into quarters or eighths depending on their size. This helps them cook evenly and break down into a smooth consistency later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Place the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon rind into a medium saucepan. It’s important to have everything ready so the flavors can meld together beautifully as the mixture heats up.
Step 3: Simmer and Sweeten
Set your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the strawberries start to soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Develop
Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries are tender and the sauce has a liquid consistency due to the juices and melted sugar. This step creates the luscious base of your coulis.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce
Remove the lemon rind to avoid bitterness, then use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the saucepan. This transforms the softened fruit into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 6: Adjust Thickness
If your coulis feels too thick, add a spoonful or two of water to reach your desired pourable consistency. The perfect coulis should flow smoothly but still feel rich and dense with strawberry goodness.
Step 7: Optional Straining
For an extra silkiness, pass the coulis through a fine sieve before transferring it to a container. This step is great if you prefer a completely smooth texture without any seeds or pulp.
Step 8: Chill and Store
Refrigerate your strawberry coulis and use it within four days for maximum freshness. Alternatively, freeze for longer storage and thaw before using. We’ll talk more about storage options below.
How to Serve Strawberry Coulis Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of strawberry coulis garnishes desserts with both color and flavor. Fresh mint leaves, a few whole strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar complement the sauce beautifully and add extra visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This luscious coulis pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes from creamy panna cotta and cheesecake to simple vanilla ice cream or even Greek yogurt. The sweet-tart balance enhances both rich and mild desserts wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by swirling the coulis into batter before baking strawberry swirl muffins or layering it between cake tiers as a fresh fruity element. You can also spoon it over breakfast items like waffles or pancakes for a colorful start to your day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover strawberry coulis, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days, making it easy to add a fresh fruity note to your meals without any waste.
Freezing
This coulis freezes excellently. Portion it into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for convenient, ready-to-use servings. When you need a touch of fresh strawberry flavor, just thaw a portion in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat the coulis gently on low heat or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring often. You want to warm it just enough to make it pourable again without cooking it further or altering its bright fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Coulis Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly here and often make the process easier since they are already hulled and ready to cook. Just thaw them slightly before starting for best results.
How sweet should the coulis be?
The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your taste or the sweetness of your strawberries. Start with the recipe’s half a cup and add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce, but keep the lemon to balance it out.
Is it necessary to strain the coulis?
Straining is optional. If you enjoy a bit of texture from the strawberry seeds and pulp, you can skip it altogether. Straining gives the sauce a smooth, professional finish perfect for fine dining presentations.
Can I use this coulis on savory dishes?
While traditionally used for desserts and breakfasts, strawberry coulis can be a fantastic complement on cheese boards or paired with roasted meats like duck, offering a fresh, sweet, and tangy contrast.
How long does strawberry coulis last in the freezer?
When properly stored in airtight containers, strawberry coulis can last up to three months in the freezer without losing its delicious flavor and quality.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this delightful Strawberry Coulis Recipe a try because it truly elevates everyday dishes with fresh, bright flavor that feels like a special treat. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, yet impresses every time you serve it. Plus, the versatility means you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
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Strawberry Coulis Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This vibrant and simple Strawberry Coulis recipe delivers a luscious, sweet-tart sauce made from fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Perfect as a topping for desserts like panna cotta, cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes, this coulis is quickly simmered, pureed, and strained for a smooth, velvety texture. With only a few ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s an easy way to add fresh strawberry flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500 grams) strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 long strip lemon rind (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare strawberries: Hull the strawberries by cutting off the green leaves, then cut each strawberry into 4 to 8 pieces depending on their size to ensure even cooking.
- Combine ingredients: Place the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon rind in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat to simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly to fully dissolve the sugar into the liquid.
- Simmer until softened: Let the strawberries simmer for about 10 minutes until they become soft and release their juices, creating a liquidy mixture.
- Remove lemon rind and blend: Take out the lemon rind strip. Use an immersion blender to puree the strawberry mixture into a smooth sauce.
- Adjust consistency: If the coulis is too thick, stir in a spoonful or two of water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Strain for smoothness: For an extra smooth texture, pass the coulis through a fine sieve, or use it as is if you prefer a more textured sauce.
- Store appropriately: Refrigerate the coulis and use it within 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Using frozen strawberries works well and may reduce the need to hull if they are pre-prepared.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference.
- The lemon rind adds a subtle citrus aroma but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Straining is optional depending on your texture preference.
- Coulis freezes well; thaw and stir before use.
- Perfect for drizzling over desserts, breakfast items, or even mixing into yogurt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
