Ran Out of Lemongrass? Don’t Worry! These Lemongrass Substitutes Will Work Equally Well

About Lemongrass Substitute

You may not be using lemongrass in your meals, but it is widely used in the world. It is an herb that adds flavor to your food but does not have an essence.

You may have seen lemongrass teas, curries, sweet dishes, especially Thai recipes.

Lemongrass is every cook’s favorite, especially those looking for a citrus flavor without the lemon-like bitterness.

But if your recipe calls for lemongrass and you don’t have it, the solution we’ll be discussing today can be used as a lemongrass substitute.

So let’s get started! (Lemongrass Substitute)

Possible Lemongrass Substitutes

These lemongrass substitutes won’t undermine the taste or flavor of your recipe. For convenience, we have indicated the required amount and the best recipe you can try. (Lemongrass Substitute)

1. Lemon Zest

Lemon zest is the zest of a lemon sliced into small pieces. The closest match of lemongrass.

The taste is very citrus but low bitterness. (Lemongrass Substitute)

How Much Is It Used?

1 lemon zest = 2 lemongrass sprigs

What Type of Recipe Is It Best For?

For all recipes

Pro Tip
You can combine lemon zest with Arugula leaves to enjoy the herbal notes of lemongrass. (Lemongrass Substitute)

2. Kroeung (Paste of Lemongrass)

Kroeung is another name for lemongrass paste made from chopped stems of lemongrass, Kaffir lemon leaves, garlic, salt, galangal and turmeric powder.

It is the next best alternative to lemongrass, especially in cooking.

The lemongrass paste substitute has long been valued for its aromatic and bold flavor, derived from the woody spine of both lemongrass and galangal. (Lemongrass Substitute)

How much To Use?

1 tablespoon lemongrass paste = 1 sprig of lemongrass

Best For Which Recipe Type?

For all recipes

Do You Know?

Kroeung is a generic Cambodian word for chopped spices and herbs. (Lemongrass Substitute)

3. Kaffir Lime Leaves

Also called Thai Lime, the herb belongs to the same family as lemon. The peel and crushed leaves of Kaffir Lime have an intense citrus scent.

The taste may not be the same as lemongrass, but the aroma is the same. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor. (Lemongrass Substitute)

How much To Use?

1 Kaffir Lime leaf = 1 stalk of lemongrass

Best For Which Recipe Type?

For both curries and soups

4. Lemon Verbena Leaves

It is another aromatic herb with glossy pointed leaves and a strong lemon scent.

Compared to lemongrass, it is slightly stronger in taste and smell. So use it carefully.

How much To Use?

2 Lemon Verbena leaves = 1 stalk lemongrass

Best For Which Recipe Type?

For curries, sauces and savory cakes

Bonus: Your savory meal may call for the earthy flavor of cumin seeds.

5. Lemon Balm leaves

It is an herb belonging to the mint family and has a mild lemon scent similar to mint. It has both herbal and citrus flavors and is good for the digestive system.

How much To Use?

3 leaves of lemon balm = 1 stalk of lemongrass

Best For Which Recipe Type?

for all meals

6. Preserved Lemon

Although lemon cannot directly replace lemongrass, it can be preserved (both the pulp and rind are used). It tastes different from fresh lemons.

Fresh lemons have the sharpness of juice and a strong aroma, while the aroma of preserved lemon is soft yet intensely lemony, without the nose-tickling notes of lemon.

How to Preserve Lemon

Add deep slices to each lemon vertically without cutting the bottom, sprinkle with salt and put tightly in a jar. Store at room temperature and then refrigerate for 3 weeks.

How much To Use?

1 preserved lemon = 1 stalk

Best For Which Recipe Type?

for seafood

7. Dried Lemongrass

Lemongrass is often dried to be used out of season like other herbs. Drying and storing lemongrass is simple.

Drying an herb intensifies its flavor, and this is also true for lemongrass. You need to add less amount of dried lemongrass than fresh stems.

How much To Use?

1 teaspoon dried lemongrass = 1 sprig of fresh lemongrass

Best For Which Recipe Type?

Best for meat dishes and poultry

How to Dry Lemongrass Leaves

Cut the leaves, wrap them tightly in a round shape to make a wreath and let them dry (away from direct sunlight) and store in an airtight container after drying.

Conclusion

Lemongrass can best be replaced with lemon zest, Lemongrass paste, kafir lime, lemon verbena and lemon balm, preserved lemon and dried lemongrass.

All these substitutions vary in taste. One may work well on one dish and not the other. Therefore, it would be best to taste the lemongrass alternative first and then go.

Which of these alternatives would you use for your recipe? Let’s discuss this in the comments section below.

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