There aren’t many people who don’t enjoy adding fresh, colorful fruit to their morning meals. Without some creative modes of preparation, though, consuming the same sliced strawberries or chopped apples every day can become monotonous. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy fruit, yet you’re not quite ready to break out the popsicle molds for a fun take on breakfast parfaits, simply sear fruit in a frying pan.
Seared fruit is an easy and delicious way to elevate go-to breakfast staples like oatmeal, smoothie bowls, and yogurt. Thanks to a simple searing technique, fruit’s natural sugars come into contact with high heat, and caramelization occurs. This chemical reaction causes your fruits’ sugary exterior to take on a more distinct, pleasantly bitter flavor akin to caramel candy. Simultaneously, the natural sugars in fruit become more concentrated and impactful with each and every bite.
While you can virtually sear any fruit, start with varieties that have a little more structure. Sliced fruit such as peaches, bananas, and apples are easy to maneuver. Once your pan is placed over medium-high heat and becomes nice and hot, add a bit of butter or cooking oil to the base. When it starts to sizzle, add your fruit. To create even more texture, feel free to sprinkle each slice with additional sugar before searing. Sear fruit until the exterior begins to darken and the interior is soft yet firm.
How to incorporate seared fruit into a variety of breakfast favorites
In order to add this delightful food to a wide assortment of morning staples, first consider all the underrated dishes you can eat for breakfast if you hate eggs. Seared fruit is the perfect addition to your next açai bowl or breakfast parfait loaded with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola. For a more toasted flavor, feel free to include a scoop of roasted and chopped nuts or seeds.
Since some of the absolute best fruits that go with cottage cheese are plums and peaches, feel free to enjoy your next bowl of curds with a variety of seared stone fruits. Alternatively, use seared fruit as a bright and flavorful topping for bready delights like pancakes or waffles. Oatmeal can also benefit from the addition of sweet and warm caramelized fruit. You can even go one step further and make customized bowls of your favorite flavor combinations or to target a particular balance of nutrients. Caramelized bananas, peanut butter, and cinnamon would hit the spot when you’re craving that classic combo (add diced bacon for a breadless version of Elvis’ favorite sandwich). Alternatively, seared apples, Greek yogurt, and honey would make a light, tasty, protein-rich meal.
Seared fruit can also be enjoyed as a sweet side to savory staples like bacon, toast, and eggs. Citrus fruits, in particular, are delicious when seared and eaten on their own. Simply slice oranges or grapefruit, remove all pith to avoid bitterness, and add a sprinkle of sugar for added sweetness. Sear prepared citrus slices directly on a hot pan or use a hand-held blow torch for more precision.
