Keep It Zesty: 13 Creative Lemongrass (Paste) Substitutes

Lemongrass is a key ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, known for its unique slightly floral and citrus flavor. However, finding lemongrass paste can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for a substitute due to availability issues or want to experiment with new flavors, I’ve got you covered. Here are 13 creative substitutes for lemongrass and its paste that will keep your dishes zesty and add an interesting twist.

Whether you are making a hot and sour Thai soup or a delicious lemongrass chicken – I’ll help you find the perfect lemongrass substitute without compromising on the flavor. Various forms of lemongrass are used in different dishes, such as finely chopped lemongrass stalks, dried lemongrass, powdered lemongrass, paste, etc. This list is sure to have the perfect lemongrass alternative for your recipe. So, let’s get ready to take the cooking game to the next level!

Understanding Lemongrass and Its Culinary Uses

Lemongrass has a truly unique flavor profile that chefs love – it combines a bright, citrusy punch with the fresh zest of lemon and just a hint of mint. This delightful mix makes it a star ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Thai curry recipes. I love using it in everything from rich, fragrant curries to light, refreshing soups and marinades that pack a punch. In grilling and roasting, lemongrass stalks are used as skewers for threading meat or seafood. Additionally, lemongrass tea, made by steeping fresh or dried stalks in hot water, is a popular herbal drink known for its calming and digestive benefits. Looking for herbal remedies for digestive? Check out these 12 healthiest teas.

Criteria for Selecting a Good Substitute for Lemongrass

Finding good lemongrass substitutes is not very difficult; look for these characteristics in the ingredient when selecting it as a lemongrass replacement:

• It has the lemony, slightly minty and citrusy flavor profile of lemongrass.
• Possesses a similar texture and consistency to lemongrass or its paste, especially if the recipe calls for the paste form.
• It should be readily available in most grocery stores or markets.
• Is easy to incorporate in most recipes, requiring minimal preparation.

13 Best Lemongrass Paste Substitutes

Why use a lemongrass substitute? Finding fresh lemongrass can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you don’t live near an Asian market. Fresh lemongrass may not be readily available in all areas. This is where knowing the best substitutes comes in handy. The ingredients on this list ensure your culinary creations remain delicious and flavorful with a reliable alternative to lemongrass stalks and paste. Let’s explore these 13 creative and effective lemongrass substitutes:

#1 Lemon Zest and Ginger

A quick and easy lemongrass paste substitute is lemon zest and ginger. You probably already have these two things at home and that is why it is the number one substitute. Lemon zest, the outermost layer of the lemon peel, contains the fruit’s essential oils – packed with intense citrus flavor. When combined with fresh ginger, known for its peppery taste, this combination can effectively replicate the zesty, and slightly pungent essence of lemongrass paste.

To use as a substitute, simply combine one part of finely grated lemon zest with one part of freshly grated ginger. This mixture can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace lemongrass paste in recipes.

#2 Kaffir Lime Leaves

Citrus leaves or Kaffir lime leaves can be a great substitute due to their unique, potent citrus aroma and a slightly bitter, floral taste. Kaffir lime leaves can be used in a wide range of popular dishes, from Thai curries and soups to marinades and stir-fries. They hold up well during cooking, releasing their flavor gradually.

To use kaffir lime leaves as a substitute for lemongrass, finely chop or bruise a few leaves to release their oils and then incorporate them into your dish. For soups and stews, you can add whole kaffir lime leaves during cooking and remove them before serving, much like bay leaves. Use one to two kaffir lime leaves to replace one lemongrass stalk. For marinades and stir-fries use chopped kaffir lime leaves to add a burst of citrus flavor and aroma.

#3 Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can be a great substitute for lemongrass or its paste in a pinch. While it doesn’t replicate the exact flavor profile, its bright, tangy citrus notes can effectively mimic the fresh lemongrass taste in many dishes. Lemon juice offers a strong citrus flavor that can stand in for the lemony aspect of lemongrass.

To use it as a substitute, start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as its acidity can be more intense than that of lemongrass. Typically, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice can replace 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste. Use lemon juice as a lemongrass substitute in soups and stews towards the end of cooking to preserve taste. For marinades mix lemon juice with other herbs and spices to create a balanced marinade that adds both acidity and flavor.

#4 Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has a potent lemon fragrance and a slightly sweet, grassy taste, making it an excellent stand-in for the citrusy and herbal notes of lemongrass. To use it as a lemongrass substitute, finely chop lemon verbena leaves and add them to your dish. If you’re using dried leaves, they should be rehydrated or steeped in a bit of hot water before use.

Typically, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped lemon verbena or 1/2 teaspoon of dried lemon verbena can replace 1 tablespoon paste of lemongrass. Lemon verbena has a strong flavor, so it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. Moreover, adjusting the amount and balancing other ingredients will help you achieve the best results.

#5 Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, boasts a mild, lemony flavor with a hint of mint, making it an excellent alternative when lemongrass stalks or paste aren’t available. It is a softer substitute for lemongrass stalks or paste because of its milder taste and aroma. Lemon balm’s fresh, citrusy taste with subtle minty undertones can closely mimic lemongrass.

To substitute lemongrass finely chop fresh lemon balm leaves and add them to your dish. For dried lemon balm, steep it in a small amount of hot water to rehydrate before use. For many Asian recipes, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped lemon balm or one teaspoon of dried lemon balm can replace 1 tablespoon of lemongrass.

#6 Fresh Coriander and Ginger

A combination of fresh coriander (cilantro) and ginger can be one of the most effective lemongrass substitutes in recipes that require fresh lemongrass or its paste. This blend brings together the minty and citrusy notes of coriander and the warm spicy flavor of ginger, closely mimicking the unique taste profile of lemongrass.

Use two tablespoons of minced ginger and two tablespoons of ground coriander stalks to replace one stalk of lemongrass. This combination is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from Thai curries and soups to marinades and stir-fries. The blend works well in both raw and cooked applications, making it a flexible choice in the kitchen.

#7 Combination of Mint, Lime Juice, and Ginger

One of the best lemongrass substitutes, effectively used in place of lemongrass stalks or paste, has to be this mixture of herbs and lime juice. The mint will contribute a refreshing herbal note, the lime juice will provide the citrusy tang, and the ginger will add a hint of peppery warmth. When combined these three ingredients create a more complete lemongrass flavor profile.

To use this combination as a substitute, finely chop fresh mint leaves, squeeze fresh lime juice, and grate fresh ginger. For every tablespoon of paste required, use 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 6 mint leaves. Whether you’re making curries, soups, or marinades, this substitute will help you elevate your dishes with exceptional flavor.

#8 Lime Zest

Lime zest is one of the popular lemongrass alternatives because of its fresh citrusy flavor similar to lemongrass. Many home cooks and chefs consider it one of the best lemongrass substitutes. The other plus point of using lime zest is that limes are readily available all year round, just like lemons.

The citrus flavor of lime zest is effective, but it lacks the depth of ginger and the distinct flavor of lemongrass. To overcome this drawback add the fresh herbs separately to the dish. Ginger and other herbs can be combined depending on the recipe. Each stalk of lemongrass called for in the recipe can be replaced with 1/2 teaspoon of lime zest.

#9 Arugula Mixed with Lemon Zest and Ginger

One of my favorite lemongrass substitutes is a blend of arugula, lemon zest, and ginger. This combination closely replicates the complex flavor profile of lemongrass, offering a harmonious mix of herbal and citrus notes. Arugula provides a mild peppery taste, lemon zest adds a vibrant citrusy brightness, and ginger contributes a spicy kick.

For each lemon grass stalk, substitute with 1 arugula leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. If you’re out of ginger, you can still achieve a good flavor match by using just the arugula and lemon zest in the same proportions. This combination not only captures the essence of lemongrass but also adds a unique twist to your dishes, making it a versatile and convenient alternative.

#10 Lemon Thyme

Number ten on my list of lemongrass substitutes is lemon thyme. Due to its distinctive lemony fragrance and subtle earthy notes, it can effectively replicate the citrusy and slightly herbal flavor of lemongrass. To use it as a substitute for lemongrass stalks or past, finely chop the fresh lemon thyme leaves and incorporate them into your dish.

Typically, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh lemon thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried lemon thyme can replace 1 tablespoon of paste of lemongrass. You can substitute one stalk of lemongrass with one sprig of lemon thyme.

#11 Kroeung or Kreung Paste

While discussing the lemongrass substitutes how can I miss this green Kroeung paste made with lemongrass? Kroeung, a traditional Cambodian spice paste, contains a blend of aromatic ingredients that can nicely replace lemongrass stalk or paste in any recipe.

Kroeung paste is made from a combination of fresh ingredients including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, galangal, garlic, turmeric, and shallots. This mix brings together the citrusy, herbal, and slightly spicy notes that are characteristic of lemongrass stalk and paste. The presence of lemongrass in Kroeung paste makes it an ideal lemongrass substitute for recipes requiring the herb’s unique flavor.

#12 Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass essential oil does not qualify as one of the lemongrass substitutes. However, only food-grade lemon grass oil can be used for lemongrass substitution in cooking. Due to its high concentration, lemongrass oil should always be diluted before use to avoid overpowering your dish.

Start by mixing a few drops of lemongrass oil with a neutral carrier oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, or even water. A few drops of this oil can infuse your dishes with the characteristic lemony brightness and subtle herbal notes of fresh lemongrass. A good starting ratio is one drop of lemongrass oil to two teaspoons of carrier oil.

#13 Lemongrass Tea Bags

Lemongrass tea bags are quick and easy fresh lemongrass substitutes. These tea bags offer a convenient way to infuse dishes with the distinctive citrusy flavor of lemongrass. These contain dried lemongrass leaves and stalks, which are carefully processed to retain their natural flavor and aroma. Typically, 1/4 cup of brewed lemongrass tea can replace one tablespoon of lemongrass fine paste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Fresh Lemongrass?

Store fresh lemongrass stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, lemongrass can be frozen. Simply clean and trim the stalks, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

What Is the Best Substitute for Lemongrass in Thai Cooking?

Kaffir lime leaves as the best lemon grass substitute in Thai cooking. Kaffir lime leaves offer a similar citrusy aroma and bright, tangy flavor that can closely mimic the essence of lemongrass. They are particularly effective in dishes like Thai curries, stir-fries, soups and stews – where their fragrant and floral notes enhance the overall flavor profile.

Where Can I Buy Lemongrass?

You can find lemongrass at Asian grocery stores or even local supermarket. Fresh lemongrass can typically be found in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores, specialty Asian markets, and health food stores. Dried lemongrass, paste, and tea bags are often available in the spice aisle or international foods section.

What Are the Health Benefits of Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is known for its various health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is also believed to aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, and act as a natural diuretic. Additionally, lemongrass tea is commonly used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while lemongrass adds a unique and subtle flavor to many dishes, it’s reassuring to know that there are excellent substitutes available. Whether it’s the aromatic zest of kaffir lime tree leaves, the vibrant tang of lemon juice, the spicy warmth of ginger, or any of the other creative alternatives, there are plenty of options to explore.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect substitute for your dish. With these versatile substitutes, you can continue to infuse your culinary creations with delightful zesty flavors, even when fresh lemongrass is out of reach.