Lemongrass is one of the must-have ingredients in Thai cuisine. Its fresh stalks are the secret behind the signature citrusy aroma and flavor in classic dishes like tom yum soup. In Isan, northeastern Thailand, we always have fresh lemongrass growing in our backyard, ready to be plucked and tossed into soups or sliced into salads.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about cooking with lemongrass—from its taste to tips on growing it at home. Plus, I’ve got some of my favorite Thai recipes to put this herb to good use!
Tip: Curious about more key ingredients? Don’t miss my guide on essential Thai pantry staples for all the must-haves in your Thai cooking.
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon itratus) is a tall, aromatic grass commonly used as a cooking ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. Its pale-green stalks have a slightly swollen base and a soft, yellow core with a citrusy, herbal flavor.
What does it look like?
Lemongrass has tall, pale-green stalks with a slightly bulbous base, and its leaves look like long blades of grass. Once you peel away the tougher outer layers, the inside reveals a soft, yellow core that’s packed with citrusy flavor.
Taste and smell
Lemongrass has a unique aroma and flavor that may be described as lemony and herbal with a hint of ginger. When you crush or slice the stalks, they release essential oils that add a fresh, citrusy aroma to your dishes.
To keep harvested lemongrass fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze whole stalks for up to six months. Just make sure to thaw before using. Dried lemongrass can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Tips for cooking with Lemongrass
To cook with lemongrass, trim the ends and peel away the tough outer layers until you reach the tender core. Optionally give the stalk a good bash with the back of a knife to release its oils, then slice it thinly for stir-fries or salads, or leave it in larger chunks for broths. Be sure to peel off the tough outer layers—these are too fibrous to eat!
- For stir-fries and salads: Cut the tender core into thin, even slices to ensure the lemongrass flavor spreads evenly throughout the dish.
- For curry pastes: Pound the core with other spices like galangal, garlic, and dried chilies to make traditional curry pastes.
- For soups: When using lemongrass in soups or stews, leave the stalks whole, but bash them slightly to release their oils.
Are there any substitutes
If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, lemon zest or lime leaves are sometimes suggested as alternatives. While these can add citrus notes, they won’t deliver the same herbaceous, aromatic quality that lemongrass offers. Fresh is always best!
Where to find lemongrass
You can usually find fresh lemongrass in the produce section at local Asian grocery stores or Asian markets. If fresh isn’t available, frozen or dried stalks work, but nothing beats the flavor you get from fresh lemongrass stalks.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, growing lemongrass at home is the way!
How to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass is surprisingly easy to grow, even if you’re not a seasoned gardener! Here’s how you can grow your own:
- Planting: Find a healthy stalk from the store with the base intact. Plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
- Watering: Lemongrass loves full sun and frequent watering. Keep the soil moist, especially during the early growing stages.
- Does it come back every year? Yes! In warm, tropical climates like Thailand, lemongrass is a perennial and will keep growing all year long.
- How tall does It grow? If you’ve got space, lemongrass can shoot up to 3 feet tall or more, so give it some room to flourish!
- Harvesting: When the stalks reach about a foot tall, they’re ready to harvest. Cut them at ground level and leave a bit of the base, so new stalks can sprout.
Health benefits of lemongrass
According to WebMD, lemongrass is loaded with flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants. It’s also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy choice in more ways than one.
Recipes with lemongrass
Ready to start cooking with lemongrass? Here are some of my favorite recipes to get you started.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you make the most of lemongrass in your cooking. Let me know in the comments if you have questions or want to share your favorite recipes!