Substitutes for Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a ubiquitous plant in tropical islands and is often used in southern Asian cuisine. It serves several functions all around the world.

Lemongrass has a citrus taste that complements meals from Asian cuisines well. It has a distinct blend of herbal and lemon tastes that is difficult to replicate.

It is commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and other foods, as well as tea.

Lemongrass offers several health advantages, including its usage as a natural diuretic and a high concentration of healthful elements and critical minerals.

However, as previously said, lemongrass has a distinct flavor that is difficult to replicate; so, if you don’t have any on hand, is there a method to substitute it?

Is it possible to replace lemongrass? Yes. Lemongrass, despite its distinct flavor, may be substituted. Ten other components might provide quite similar outcomes in your cooking. As previously said, it may be tough to replicate the aroma and flavor of lemongrass, but these components can help you rescue your meal.

Instead of lemongrass, you may use Dried Lemongrass, Lemon Zest, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lemon Balm, Arugula and Lemon Zest, Kreung, Juice, Coriander and Ginger, Lemon Verbena, and Preserved Lemon.

So, check over each product carefully, study how to use it, and choose the best alternative for your recipe.

Substitutes for Lemongrass

However, as previously said, lemongrass has a distinct flavor that is difficult to replicate; so, if you don’t have any on hand, is there a method to substitute it?

Is it possible to replace lemongrass? Yes. Lemongrass, despite its distinct flavor, may be substituted. Ten other components might provide quite similar outcomes in your cooking. As previously said, it may be tough to replicate the aroma and flavor of lemongrass, but these components can help you rescue your meal.

Instead of lemongrass, you may use Dried Lemongrass, Lemon Zest, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lemon Balm, Arugula and Lemon Zest, Kreung, Lemon Juice, Coriander and Ginger, Lemon Verbena, and Preserved Lemon.

So, check over each product carefully, study how to use it, and choose the best alternative for your recipe.

1.  Dried lemongrass

If the plant comes in dried and fresh forms, exchange them. Lemongrass has that benefit, so if you don’t have fresh lemongrass on hand, you can always use dried lemongrass.

Except for the flavor, they are nearly identical. If you run out of fresh, you can always use dried, and vice versa. You should be aware of and bear in mind that the dried one has a greater flavor.

This means that the combination of herbal and citrus flavors will be more visible in your meals. Make cautious not to misuse it and use the recommended amount in your cuisine. Use it in recipes that call for meat, sauces, or poultry.

2. Lemon Zest

Lemon zest is a simple alternative for lemongrass. It’s simple to find and utilize. You only need a lemon. You can always locate it in your local shop and use it in most lemongrass-based dishes.

Even if you don’t like the herbal flavor, the lemon zest will complement the other elements well. To perfectly replicate the flavor, you may add another ingredient in addition to the lemon zest. When cooking, use a 1:1 ratio, a teaspoon of zest for every leaf, or adjust to taste.

3. Kaffir Lime Leaves

Using kaffir lime leaves as a substitute for lemongrass might be beneficial in your recipes. It has a zesty scent and a light lime flavor. It tastes quite similar to lemongrass and will blend well with the other components in your dish.

Make careful to use fresh leaves and remove them before eating because they are not edible. They’ll provide a wonderful fresh scent to your dinner. Use it to prepare curries or soups, using equal quantities or adjusting to taste.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is another plant with a minty taste that works well to replace lemongrass. You can remove the leaves, which have a stronger perfume with lemony overtones.

Three lemon balm leaves can be substituted for one stalk of lemongrass. In most recipes, it may be used instead of lemongrass.

5. Arugula and Lemon Zest

Arugula and lemon zest is an excellent substitute for lemongrass in your cuisine. By incorporating arugula, you’ll give an extra layer of spiciness to your dish, and when combined with lemon zest, you’ll obtain the right mixture.

It has the same herbal tastes and the lemony scent of lemongrass. When substituting one stalk of fresh lemongrass for one leaf of arugula and a teaspoon of lemon zest, use one leaf of arugula and a teaspoon of lemon zest.

6. Kreung

Kreung, commonly known as lemongrass paste, is a Cambodian delicacy. As a result, it’s an excellent substitute for lemongrass.

A tablespoon of kreung can be used in your cuisine in place of fresh lemongrass. Remember that the paste has a more robust flavor, so don’t use too much of it. It may be used in soups, stews, and any other savory meal that calls for lemongrass.

7. Lemon Juice

Lemongrass may be readily substituted with lemon juice, i.e., the juice from a lemon. Most of the time, we all have lemons in our fridges, so if you don’t have lemongrass on hand, the juice from lemon will suffice.

The lemon will add a zesty taste and hints of acidity to your food. Use little or adjust to taste since it may be more acidic than you believe.

8. Coriander and Ginger

The combination of ginger and coriander is another helpful combination. This combination is ideal for substituting lemongrass in your cuisine.

To replace lemongrass stalk, use two teaspoons coriander and two teaspoons fresh ginger root. You’ll be able to replicate the flavor and scent of lemongrass this way.

You’ll experience a mix of sweet and aromatic remnants that are extremely comparable to lemongrass. Use in soups, broths, and other dishes.

9. Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a fragrant plant that is similar to lemongrass. This is an excellent substitute for lemon verbena in your cooking and practically any recipe that asks for it.

The lemony flavor of lemongrass, as well as the traces of herbs that may be added to your dish, can be mimicked. Also, while performing the switch, be sure to utilize a sufficient amount to get the desired taste combination. You may remove the leaves, but make sure to do so before eating them.

10. Preserved Lemon

The preserved lemon is the last but not least on our list of replacements. In most recipes, this may also be used in place of lemongrass.

In fact, because of the comparable taste, practically any lemon-based product may be used as a substitute. You’ll add citrus and herb tastes by adding preserved lemon, and it won’t overpower the other components, so don’t worry.

To substitute the fresh lemongrass, add a half teaspoon of preserved lemon. Many recipes that call for lemongrass may be substituted with preserved lemon.

Related Issues

Does lemongrass have a lemon flavor?

Lemongrass has its distinct flavor and character. As a result, despite what the name implies, it does not have to taste like lemon. It has a zesty lemon flavor with hints of lemon and mint. It has a mild flavor and will not interfere with the taste of your foods if you use too much.

What is the flavor of lemongrass?

Lemongrass has a unique flavor. The lemony lemon herb is distinctive and has notes of mint, making it difficult to substitute in cooking.

Lemongrass may be easily identified by its pale yellow-green stems and pleasant citrus aroma.

Is lemongrass synonymous with lemon balm?

No, lemongrass is not the same as lemon balm. One distinction is that lemongrass is grass, but lemon balm is a flower.

It is also vital to note that they have distinct tastes. However, you should be aware that they can substitute for one another.

How can I replace fresh lemongrass with dried lemongrass?

You may always substitute fresh for dry. However, keep in mind that the dried lemongrass contains a higher herbal and citrus blend concentration. As a result, while making the switch, don’t use too much-dried lemongrass because it may alter the meal’s flavor.