Made famous by its use in Ayurveda, lemongrass is a lemony and floral herb that blends very well alongside sweet and savory dishes. It is known for its long list of health benefits such as its ability to lower cholesterol levels. Another one of the major benefits associated with the consumption of lemongrass is its ability to promote a healthy digestive system. It should be clear that its sweet lemony flavor is really hard to replicate, but what can you do if you are out of lemongrass? It sure is tough to find it in local supermarkets. This is where you’ll need a substitute to bring into your meal that same lemon-like freshness and tanginess.
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Top Substitute: Lemon Pickle (Preserved Lemon)
There is a reason behind lemongrass’s name. Lemongrass has a certain citric tanginess that is usually associated with lemon itself. Keeping that in mind, it is certain that there could be no other perfect substitute for lemongrass than lemon itself. However, the zesty quality of lemon is much stronger than that of lemongrass, thus, preserved lemon, which is much less tangy in taste, could be a perfect choice for you. Dipped in brine, lemon’s citrus quality weakens over-time and makes it a flavoring that can be added to the meal in a controllable manner.
Worth Trying: Coriander Stalks + Fresh Ginger
Coriander stalks can prove to be much more flavorful as compared to coriander leaves. When you mix it with a few teaspoons of ginger, you’ll get the similar tangy taste that you have been looking for. The mixture won’t be as zesty as lemongrass, but it will surely be enough to bring a citrusy twist to your dish. They are mostly used as a lemongrass substitute in soups and broths.
Other Great Substitute For Lemongrass
1. Lemon Zest
Extracted by the pealing of the outer skin of a lemon, zest is the thin white film found between the flesh and the skin. To use it as a substitute, it is advised to use fresh lemon zest, as it tends to have a weak citrus quality and can quickly lose it with time.
2. Lemon Juice
This is one of the most popular substitutes that are added to curries and soups to make them more tasteful and tangy. Diluting lemon juice with water can weaken its zesty quality and ensure there’s only a slight deviation in the taste.
3. Lemon Balm Leaves
As a herb belonging to the mint family, lemon balm has a delicate fragrance that is citrusy in nature. They are usually added at the end of the cooking process. Furthermore, they have the most distinctive taste, which also makes them a great addition to desserts if you are looking for a fresh, tangy, aromatic flavor.
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4. Lemon Verbena
Known for its strong flavor and smell, verbena leaves are used in a small amount when added as a substitute for lemongrass. The leaves must be chopped before being added to the dish that involves a curry. Furthermore, This substitute is also used in the preparation of sauces.
5. Kaffir Lime Leaves
Popular as a substitute for lemongrass is Thai cuisine, kaffir lime leaves are a solo citrus substitute that can be added to the dish without mixing it with any herb or ingredient. Thick in texture and dark green in color, these leaves could be your perfect choice if you are looking for something strong and pungent.
As you know by now, there are various substitutes that you can use for lemongrass in different settings. In the end, in order to replicate the same lemony flavor of lemongrass, you’ll have to test them out for yourself, for each of them have different levels of citric character.