Lemongrass is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. Its citrusy, lemony flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore what goes well with lemongrass and provide recipe ideas to help you use this versatile herb.
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a tropical herb that grows in hot, humid climates like Southeast Asia and Africa. It has a delicate lemon flavor and aroma that is quite distinct from actual lemons. The most commonly used parts of lemongrass are the lower bulbous stems. The tough outer leaves are removed to reveal the tender, white inner stem which can be chopped, pounded, or blended for use in recipes. When cooking with lemongrass, it is common to bruise or smash the stems to release more flavor before adding them to dishes.
Lemongrass has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It shows up frequently in curries, soups, and seafood dishes in these regions. The herb also has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research has shown lemongrass contains beneficial plant compounds that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Flavor Profile
So what exactly does lemongrass taste like? As the name suggests, lemongrass has bright, lemon notes but it has its own unique flavor as well. When describing the taste, people often use words like citrusy, zesty, earthy, grassy, subtle, and herbaceous. Lemongrass is much more mild than actual lemons. It provides a hint of sour brightness along with floral undertones. The flavor is not overpowering.
Here are some notes on the flavor profile of lemongrass:
- Subtly tart, lemon-lime flavor
- Fresh, grassy, green taste
- Floral, perfume-like aroma
- Very mild with delicate lemon essence
- More subtle acidity than real lemons or limes
- Clean, light, and refreshing
Lemongrass enhances other ingredients rather than overpowering them. It blends well with herbs, spices, meats, seafood, and vegetables. The herb’s flavor also stands up well to cooking methods like simmering in soups and curries. Keep in mind that extending cooking times can mellow out lemongrass’s citrus notes.
What Pairs Well with Lemongrass?
Because of its versatility, lemongrass combines beautifully with many different flavors. Here are some of the most complementary pairings:
Ginger
The bright citrus of lemongrass balances nicely with the warm spice of fresh ginger. They are frequent partners in Thai and Vietnamese dishes from curries to dipping sauces.
Chili Peppers
Spicy heat and lemongrass are a popular combination. The herb’s flavor stands up to fiery chilies without getting lost. Lemongrass is often paired with various types of peppers like serrano, jalapeño, Thai bird’s eye chili, etc.
Garlic
Lemongrass and garlic complement each other perfectly. Garlic adds a pungent kick while lemongrass offers brightness. They enhance the best parts of each other’s flavors. Garlic also pairs well with typical lemongrass ingredients like ginger and chili peppers.
Shallots
Shallots have a mild, sweet onion flavor that counterbalances lemongrass’s tartness. Browning shallots and lemongrass together creates a aromatic flavor base for many dishes.
Galangal
This root herb is used in Southeast Asian cuisines like Thai and Lao cooking. Like ginger, galangal has a warm, spicy taste that marries well with lemongrass.
Kaffir Lime
With their similar citrus essences, kaffir lime leaves or zest make an excellent pairing for lemongrass. They are often used together in Thai and Indonesian cuisine. The multi-layered citrus flavor is outstanding.
Coconut Milk
Lemongrass brightens up the rich creaminess of coconut milk. They combine to make fragrant curries, soups, and sauces. Lemongrass tempers the fattiness of coconut-based dishes.
Fish Sauce
In small amounts, the salty umami of fish sauce accentuates lemongrass’s flavor. A splash in marinades, dressings, dipping sauces, and curries allows the lemongrass to shine.
Cilantro
Lemongrass and cilantro are a common herbal pairing, especially in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine. Cilantro’s fresh, cooling flavor contrasts with hot and spicy side of many lemongrass dishes.
Basil
Like cilantro, the aroma of basil complements lemongrass beautifully. Sweet Thai basil is often paired with lemongrass in Thai and Vietnamese food. The anise-like flavor of basil balances the herbaceous citrus notes.
Lemongrass Recipe Inspiration
Now that we’ve covered ideal flavor pairings, let’s look at some recipes that allow lemongrass to shine. This herb works in many dishes across a variety of world cuisines. Here are some great ways to use it:
Soups & Curries
Lemongrass is an integral ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese curries. It infuses flavor into coconut or broth-based dishes. Try lemongrass in tom yum soup, hot and sour soup, or massaman curry.
Marinades & Rubs
Lemongrass adds incredible flavor when blended into marinades for proteins. It pairs especially well with chicken, beef, fish, and shrimp. Use lemongrass in wet marinades, dry rubs, or homemade barbecue sauces.
Tea & Beverages
Lemongrass makes a tasty tea on its own or paired with green tea or ginger. It can also be made into a refreshing cold summer soda. For cocktails, lemongrass infuses vodka or gin with its citrus essence.
Desserts
Lemongrass brings a subtle citrus flavor to desserts like panna cotta, ice cream, or sorbet. Try using lemongrass sugar to sweeten cookies, cakes, or fruit salads.
Stir-Fries
Lemongrass stems add great flavor to meat and vegetable stir-fries, especially those with Southeast Asian influence. It pairs well with chicken, shrimp, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, etc.
4 Lemongrass Recipe Ideas
To get you inspired, here are a few tasty recipes highlighting lemongrass:
1. Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi
This Vietnamese-style sandwich has an incredible lemongrass marinade for thinly sliced beef. It’s topped with pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and chili mayo.
2. Coconut Lemongrass Soup
This fragrant Thai soup features lemongrass infused into velvety coconut milk along with mushrooms, ginger, and chicken.
3. Lemongrass Ginger Tea
An easy homemade tea blending refreshing lemongrass and ginger with green tea and a bit of honey.
4. Lemongrass Cashew Chicken
Chicken thighs marinated in a blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger then stirred into a sweet-savory cashew sauce.
Tips for Cooking with Lemongrass
Follow these tips to get the most flavor out of lemongrass:
- Use fresh lemongrass when possible – it’s much more aromatic than dried
- Cut off the root end and tough outer leaves to expose the pale yellow core
- Crush or bruise the stalks before cooking to release the essential oils
- Add lemongrass early when braising or simmering to infuse the most flavor
- Remove lemongrass before serving – the fibers are too tough to eat
- Start with 2-3 stalks per recipe, then adjust to taste
- Powdered lemongrass works well for rubs, spice blends, and teas
- Lemongrass freezes well – just slice stalks and store in freezer bags
Where to Buy Lemongrass
Wondering where to find lemongrass? Here are some places to look:
- Farmer’s markets – especially those with Asian produce
- Asian grocery stores
- Some well-stocked supermarkets (near other fresh herbs)
- Online spice stores like Savory Spice or Spice Jungle
When shopping, look for fresh, fragrant lemongrass stalks that are pale yellow and firm. Discolored, mushy stems will not have much flavor.
Conclusion
With its refreshing citrus fragrance and flavor, lemongrass deserves more time in the spotlight. It pairs beautifully with herbs, spices, meats, seafood, and veggies. Lemongrass adds brightness to soups, curries, marinades, teas, and more. Keep this guide handy for recipe ideas and inspiration using lemongrass.