Pomelo Recipes: 20+ Delicious Ways to Cook and Enjoy Pomelo

Pomelo is one of the most versatile citrus fruits in the kitchen. Its sweet, mild flesh works in salads, desserts, drinks, and savory dishes. Its thick rind produces some of the finest candied peel you’ll ever taste.

The fruit’s firm texture holds up to mixing and cooking in ways that grapefruit and orange simply can’t, and its gentle sweetness pairs with a surprising range of flavors. Below is a collection of the best pomelo recipes and ideas, organized by category.

Pomelo Salads

Salads are where pomelo truly shines. The firm flesh segments hold their shape when tossed with dressings, and the mild sweetness balances bold, spicy, and savory flavors.

Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Som O)

The Thai pomelo salad is probably the most famous pomelo dish in the world. It’s a classic from central Thailand that combines flaked pomelo flesh with toasted coconut, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, shallots, and a fiery dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and fresh chili.

The key to a great yam som o is breaking the pomelo into small, irregular pieces rather than leaving them in neat segments. This creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to and gives the salad a better texture.

Simple Citrus Pomelo Salad

For a lighter, Western-style preparation, toss pomelo segments with mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette made from the pomelo juice itself. Top with toasted almonds or pepitas.

Pomelo and Shrimp Salad

A Southeast Asian classic: poached or grilled shrimp tossed with pomelo segments, fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil), sliced lemongrass, and a nuoc cham-style dressing. The sweetness of the shrimp and pomelo together is exceptional.

Pomelo Desserts

The mild sweetness and firm texture of pomelo make it a natural fit for desserts, particularly chilled and creamy preparations.

Mango Pomelo Sago

Mango pomelo sago is a beloved Hong Kong dessert that has become a staple in dim sum restaurants worldwide. It layers mango puree, small tapioca pearls (sago), pomelo segments, and coconut milk or evaporated milk into a chilled bowl that is equal parts refreshing and indulgent.

The contrast between the silky mango, chewy sago, and bursts of citrus from the pomelo makes this dessert greater than the sum of its parts.

Pomelo Panna Cotta

Infuse cream with pomelo zest before setting it into a classic panna cotta. Serve topped with fresh pomelo segments and a drizzle of honey. The floral citrus notes cut through the richness of the cream beautifully.

Pomelo Sorbet

Juice fresh pomelo segments and strain to create a delicate sorbet base. Pomelo sorbet is lighter and less acidic than lemon or grapefruit sorbet, with a subtle floral quality. Add a tablespoon of vodka to keep the texture smooth.

Pomelo Preserves and Sweets

The thick peel that most people discard is actually one of the most valuable parts of the pomelo in the kitchen.

Candied Pomelo Peel

Candied pomelo peel transforms the bitter, spongy rind into a bittersweet, chewy confection. The process involves blanching the peel several times to remove bitterness, then simmering in sugar syrup until translucent. Once dried and rolled in sugar, the candy keeps for weeks in an airtight container.

Candied pomelo peel is a traditional treat across Southeast Asia and a staple of Chinese New Year celebrations. It also makes a great homemade gift.

Pomelo Marmalade

Pomelo marmalade has a more delicate, floral flavor than orange marmalade. Use a combination of the flesh and thinly sliced peel for the best balance of sweetness and bitter complexity. The high pectin content in pomelo peel makes it set easily without added pectin.

Pomelo Jam

For a smoother preserve, cook pomelo flesh with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice until thick. This makes a bright, sunshine-colored jam that works beautifully on toast, in yogurt, or as a cake filling.

Pomelo Drinks

Pomelo juice is milder and less bitter than grapefruit juice, making it an excellent base for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Fresh Pomelo Juice

The simplest preparation: juice pomelo segments by hand or in a citrus press. Pomelo juice is naturally sweet enough to drink without added sugar. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint. For a sparkling version, mix with club soda.

Pomelo Cocktails

Pomelo pairs exceptionally well with spirits:

• Pomelo Paloma: Replace grapefruit with fresh pomelo juice in this classic tequila cocktail. The result is mellower and more aromatic.
• Pomelo Gin Fizz: Pomelo juice, gin, simple syrup, egg white, and soda water. The floral notes of pomelo complement botanical gins perfectly.
• Pomelo Spritz: Pomelo juice, prosecco, and a splash of elderflower liqueur over ice. Elegant and easy.

Pomelo Smoothie

Blend pomelo segments with frozen banana, mango, and a splash of coconut milk for a tropical smoothie. The pomelo adds citrus brightness without the acidity of orange juice.

Pomelo in Savory Dishes

While pomelo is most commonly eaten fresh or in sweet preparations, it has a place in savory cooking as well.

Pomelo with Grilled Fish

In Southeast Asian coastal cuisines, pomelo segments are served alongside grilled whole fish with a spicy dipping sauce. The citrus cuts through the richness of the fish and refreshes the palate between bites.

Pomelo Stir-Fry

Add pomelo segments at the very end of a stir-fry. They need only 30 seconds of heat. They pair particularly well with shrimp, garlic, Thai basil, and a light soy-lime sauce. The key is keeping the pomelo pieces large enough that they do not break down completely.

Pomelo Ceviche

Use pomelo juice as part of the citrus cure in a seafood ceviche. Combine with lime juice, diced white fish, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. The pomelo adds a unique floral dimension that lime alone does not provide.

Pomelo and Duck Salad

Roast duck and pomelo is a classic pairing in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. Shred roasted duck and toss with pomelo segments, watercress, toasted cashews, and a hoisin-lime dressing.

Tips for Cooking with Pomelo

Preparing Pomelo for Recipes

Learn the proper technique for peeling and segmenting in our guide on how to eat a pomelo. For recipes, break the segments into smaller pieces by hand rather than cutting them. This gives a more natural, irregular texture.

Substituting Pomelo and Grapefruit

Grapefruit can substitute for pomelo in most recipes, though the result will be more bitter and juicier. Reduce any added sugar slightly when substituting grapefruit. Going the other direction, pomelo works well in any recipe calling for grapefruit, and the result will be sweeter and milder. See our full pomelo vs grapefruit comparison.

Best Varieties for Cooking

• For salads and fresh eating: Honey pomelo or Thai pomelo varieties with firm, sweet flesh
• For candying and preserves: Any variety with a thick rind. The thicker the pith, the better the candied peel
• For juicing: Pink or red-fleshed varieties produce the most flavorful juice
• For cooking: Firmer varieties hold up better to heat

Storing Prepped Pomelo

Peeled and segmented pomelo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, the segments can be frozen, but the texture will soften upon thawing, making frozen pomelo best for juice, smoothies, or cooking rather than eating fresh.