How to Prepare and Use Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a fragrant botanical that offers many benefits. It is well known as a flavoursome addition to cooking and has an abundance of medicinal properties. As an ingredient, lemongrass is fresh and zesty, smelling very similar to a blend of lemons and ginger. Over the years, lemongrass has been cultivated for cooking, oils, cosmetics and more. The plant is native to south-east Asia, and we can guarantee you'll find it in most of your favourite oriental dishes!

What is the Best Way to Use Lemongrass?

We explore some of the best ways to make the most out of fresh lemongrass and how to prepare this zesty botanical and uplift your homemade favourites!

What Part of Lemongrass is Edible?

Only the lower bulb and the stem of fresh lemongrass is edible, offering brilliant flavours of lemon and ginger.

How Do You Prepare Lemongrass?

1. Start by peeling off the stiff outer leaves away from the stalk, revealing the slightly softer underlayers.
2. Slice off half an inch from the roots and then slice three inches up from where the white area of the stalk begins to turn green. The white part of the stalk is the meatiest.
3. Finely slice and chop the lemongrass stalk; once done, you will need to use a mortar and pestle or food processor to pound the lemongrass into a paste.
4. You can then add your paste to marinades, grilled meats, curry pastes, sauces and much more!

How to Use Lemongrass in Cooking

Fresh lemongrass can work well within a variety of different dishes. You can use it in both savoury and sweet recipes, so no matter your craving, there's always the option to brighten up your meal with some fresh lemongrass! Lemongrass works particularly well in dishes like:

• Ice-cream
• Soups
• Slow roasted dishes
• Dishes that require extensive simmering
• Curries

There are many ways to infuse your home with the refreshing smell of lemongrass; it works wonderfully as both an ingredient and essential oil. Here are some of our ideas on how you can make the most of lemongrass:

• Create a delicious tea out of fresh lemongrass stalks
• Use lemongrass as an ingredient in curries and soups
• Create some homemade massage oil by extracting its oils and combining it with a base oil
• Infuse the atmosphere with the fresh and uplifting scent of lemongrass essential oils in a diffuser
• Add some lemongrass essential oils to your bath
• Use the stalk as a delicious and decorative addition to a cocktail

What Does Lemongrass Go Well With?

Lemongrass can brighten any dish and bring out bold and complex flavours. Some of our favourite ingredients that work deliciously well with lemongrass include:

• Fresh ginger
• Coconut milk
• Fish sauce
• Garlic
• Coriander
• Lime
• Chilli
• Shallots
• Scallions
• Chicken
• Mint
• Basil
• Soy sauce
• Tamari
• Curry paste
• Tofu
• Peanuts
• Star anise
• And much more!

For more information, take a look at our blog on what lemongrass is and how to use it ? If you're intrigued by its aromatic qualities and distinct taste, why not find some lemongrass at our online Chinese supermarket .Once you’ve got all your ingredients, why not try our mouth-watering for tom yum soup ?