Using a culinary torch is the best way to caramelize the sugar into a candy shell, but you can also make this old-school breakfast treat using your broiler.
Ingredients
4 servings
Special Equipment
Step 1
Trim 1/4"-1/2" of peel from bottom of each grapefruit half to stabilize the fruit and prevent it from rocking back and forth. Place grapefruit, cut side down, on paper towels to dry for 5 minutes. Invert grapefruit and sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over exposed flesh of each grapefruit half. Using a kitchen torch, heat sugar until melted and beginning to turn dark amber.
Step 2
Alternatively, preheat broiler. Transfer grapefruit, cut side up, to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Broil grapefruit, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sugar is melted and beginning to turn dark amber, about 8 minutes. Let grapefruit cool before serving.
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Reviews (5)
Back to TopIs there a trick to getting the flesh from the shell? I made this, it was tasty enough but it was like slurping grapefruit juice spoonful-by-spoonful. Should I have used a knife around the edges of each morsel before broiling?
MaryMcP_phx
Phoenix AZ
3/7/2015
This is an old favorite, though I always did it under the broiler with the grapefruit one rack down from the usual broiling position. Try it with brown sugar it is wonderful!
GFVeggie
Willowick, Ohio
12/17/2014
Make sure to use raw sugar, regular granulated will seep right through, and not burn on the top. I used a creme brulee iron. I'm excited to try this again with the right kind of sugar.
ruatria
5/13/2012
it was tasty but I failed with the "brulee." I do not have a torch, so tried it in the broiler. For some reason, the sugar would not harden and if I left it under the broiler a little more, it would just melt completely off the top of the grapefruit. any advice?
Anonymous
12/30/2011
Been doing this for a long time. You can make this really elegant by dousing with Chambord before adding sugar then topping with a real Marasca cherry or two. Look for Luxardo brand cherries and expect them to be pricy.
pricecw
Salem, OR
12/27/2011
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