Agar Lemon Mousse

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate, citrusy dessert set with agar for a light, jiggly texture that melts on the tongue. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes pairs Agar powder, Water, Lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Desserts cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup water and 1 tbsp agar powder in a small saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes until fully dissolved and clear.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp lemon zest until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into 4 individual ramekins, refrigerate for 2 hours until set, then top with 1/2 cup whipped cream before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Agar Lemon Mousse take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Agar Lemon Mousse?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep agar powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Agar Lemon Mousse?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Agar Lemon Mousse for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Agar Lemon Mousse?

Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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