Orange Peel Guacamole
this is one of my oldest and most popular recipes from way back in the beginning of my culinary career in 2009. i was hustling trying to kick off my first personal chef business and writing for a local magazine, fw foodie magazine, owned by my dear friend crystal.
this is the perfect guacamole recipe for the avocado purist who also likes bright citrusy flavors. the emerald green concoction is divine on fish tacos, cheeseburgers, served with my summertime beef picadillo or simply piled high on your favorite tortilla chip!
the inspiration:
I would consider myself very particular to guacamole. I like a not-too-smooth texture, and don’t prefer big chunks of onion or tomatoes. in fact, tomatoes are a no for me. I feel like many guacamoles also need a certain edge to take it to the next level. I’m still keeping ingredients very simple, but turning the volume way up, (in the words of ina). I also have a super secret ingredient that is a match made in heaven with the creamy avocados.
orange peel guacamole ingredients:
- fresh avocados: make sure they have just turned perfectly ripe. Not too soft, not too firm.
- fresh cilantro: extra bright cilantro adds an extra burst of freshness.
- citrus: we use both lime and orange juice and zest in this recipe- and plenty of it.
- jalapeño: adds a nice kick- you can also sub candied jalapeños for a sweet & spicy spin.
- red onion: adds the perfect color pop and sharpness.
- garlic: adds depth the to flavor profile.
- mineral salt: and plenty of it.
- good olive oil: use a finishing olive oil- something very nice. this is the secret ingredient that puts this orange peel guacamole over the top.
how to make:
this couldn’t be simpler to make. Combine the first 8 ingredients gently with a spoon in a medium bowl. Fold in diced avocado and salt then mash delicately- leaving plenty of chunks. Stir well then garnish with cilantro leaves, thin-sliced orange and a drizzle of good olive oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container with plastic wrap or parchment pressed directly atop to prevent air from entering- your guacamole will stay bright for a day or two!
optional add-ins:
Here are some fun guacamole add-in ideas if you like to mix it up…
- like it spicy? add a tablespoon of minced jarred candied jalapenos for an epic kick.
- like it fruity? fold in fresh ripe diced peaches at the end.
- like it smoky? add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed aleppo pepper flakes.
- like it loaded? fold in chopped grilled shrimp and crumbled crispy bacon at the end. wowza!
Orange Peel Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 small jalapeño pepper ribbed, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro minced finely
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons lime zest
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1 clove garlic grated on the microplane
- 1/4 cup red onion minced finely
- 1 tablespoon of good extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 3 large *perfectly ripe* avocados
- 1 teaspoon mineral salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except avocados and salt in a medium bowl.
- Fold in diced avocado pulp and salt then mash delicately- leaving plenty of chunks.
- Stir well then serve topped with cilantro leaves, thin-sliced orange and a drizzle of good olive oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container with plastic wrap or parchment pressed directly atop to prevent air from entering- your guacamole will stay bright for a day or two!
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