There are those times we run out of tangerines in our pantry. We’ve all been there, right? Let’s fix that! Here are 7 easy substitutes that won’t miss a beat.
We’ve tried them all. Some are even better than the real deal. So ready your taste buds for a fresh twist on your favorite dishes.
Clementines to oranges, we have got you covered. No need to sweat over missing tangerines. Stick with us, and your meals will be as zesty as ever!
7 Easy Substitutes for Tangerine
The following easy substitutes are perfect replacements for tangerines in any recipe or snack:
1 – Mandarins
Mandarins are a close cousin to tangerines and a fantastic substitute. They are generally juicier and a bit sweeter. We find them to be less tangy, which can mellow out your recipes.
The peel is thinner and easier to remove. This makes prep a breeze. Swap mandarin for tangerine in a 1:1 ratio.
Use them in salads, desserts, or even just as a snack. They bring a burst of freshness to any dish. For a quick recipe, toss mandarin segments in your favorite salad.
2 – Clementines
Clementines are another great stand-in for tangerines. They’re sweeter and less acidic, offering a mellower flavor that can make your dishes sing. While tangerines pack a tart bite, clementines are all about subtle sweetness and juiciness.
We love how easy they are to peel with their smooth, thin skin. You can swap clementines for tangerines at a 1:1 ratio. Whether you’re throwing them into salads or using them in desserts, they’ll bring a bright, sweet twist. For a quick snack, just peel and enjoy!
3 – Satsumas
Satsumas are amazing tangerine alternatives. They’re often sweeter and less tart. Perfect for those who love a mild citrus kick.
Peeling them is super easy, thanks to their loose skin. And because they’re seedless, they’re as convenient as it gets.
Use satsumas in a 1:1 swap for tangerines. In our experience, they make salads pop with sweetness. Or, toss a few segments in your yogurt for a tasty twist.
4 – Oranges
Oranges are a superstar in the citrus category. They are ubiquitous and easy to find. Their flavor is sweet, with just the right touch of tang.
You can swap them for tangerines in a 1:1 ratio without missing out. The peel is thicker, which is a small trade-off for the burst of juice they offer.
We love adding orange segments to our salads for extra freshness. They also make great juice. Prep might take a bit longer, but the flavor is worth it.
5 – Grapefruits
Grapefruits have a unique tangy flavor that sets them apart. They offer a blend of sweet and bitter, which is interesting in dishes. A little more complex than tangerines, they bring depth to recipes. Swap grapefruit for tangerine in a 1:1 ratio. The slightly bitter edge can brighten up salads or desserts.
We like adding grapefruit segments to mixed greens. The contrast in flavors is awesome. Peeling them requires a bit more effort, but it’s worth it. Great in fruit salads or as a refreshing snack.
6 – Minneolas
Minneolas, also known as Tangelo or Honeybells, are a hybrid of tangerines and grapefruits. We love their sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for any dish. They’re juicier than tangerines with a smooth, easy-to-peel skin.
Use them in a 1:1 swap for tangerines. They add a zestier kick to the recipes. Their bright, tangy taste contrasts well with savory dishes. We’ve tossed Minneola segments into salads and found them excellent in desserts. If you haven’t tried them yet, give them a shot for a fresh twist!
7 – Tangors
Tangors are hybrids of tangerines and oranges. They’re a fantastic substitute due to their balanced sweet-tart flavor.
We find them to be juicier than tangerines, with just a touch of orange zing. Their skin is slightly thicker but still easy to peel.
Use them in a 1:1 ratio as a tangerine substitute. We love adding tangor segments to salads or eating them fresh. They bring a burst of flavor to any dish. For a quick recipe, toss slices into your favorite salad for an extra kick.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.