Lemongrass Euphoric | 15 Recipes for Culinary Nirvana

Lemongrass Unveiled

Lemongrass isn’t just your average herb, it’s a powerhouse of flavor and health benefits! This tall, grassy plant boasts a unique citrusy aroma and a refreshing taste that can elevate any dish.

Discovering Health Benefits

Beyond its delightful flavor, lemongrass packs a punch in terms of health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, lemongrass contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your diet for overall well-being.

A Culinary Chameleon

One of the most exciting things about lemongrass is its versatility in the kitchen. From teas to soups to desserts, this herb can do it all! Its bright, lemony flavor adds a refreshing twist to both savory and sweet dishes, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Lemongrass in Cooking

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, incorporating lemongrass into your cooking is easier than you might think. We’ll explore various ways to prepare and use lemongrass, so you can confidently experiment with this aromatic herb in your own recipes.

Get Ready to Get Cooking!

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure with lemongrass? Join us as we explore fifteen delicious recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of this incredible herb. From soothing teas to mouthwatering main courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Lemongrass Tea Recipes

Classic Lemongrass Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of Lemon grass
• 2 cups of water
• Honey or sugar to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the Lemongrass stalks thoroughly and remove any dry or brown outer layers.
2. Crush the Lemongrass stalks using the back of a knife or a rolling pin to release the flavor.
3. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add the crushed Lemongrass stalks to the boiling water.
5. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the Lemongrass flavor to infuse into the water.
6. Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea to remove the Lemongrass pieces.
7. Serve hot and add honey or sugar to taste if desired.

Lemongrass Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of Lemongrass
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 cups of water
• Honey or sugar to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-4 from the Classic Lemongrass Tea recipe.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water along with the Lemongrass.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Strain the tea to remove the Lemongrass and ginger.
5. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired and serve hot.

Lemongrass Mint Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of Lemongrass
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups of water
• Honey or sugar to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Crush the Lemongrass stalks as instructed in the Classic Lemon grass Tea recipe.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the crushed Lemon grass stalks and mint leaves to the boiling water.
4. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea to remove the Lemon grass and mint leaves.
6. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired and serve hot or chilled over ice for a refreshing drink.

Lemongrass Appetizers

Citrusy Chicken Satay

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together chopped lemon grass, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
2. Marinate chicken strips in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto bamboo skewers.
4. Grill or broil chicken skewers until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
5. Serve hot with peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Zesty Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine sliced lemon grass, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss shrimp in the mixture until evenly coated.
3. Thread shrimp onto bamboo skewers.
4. Grill or broil shrimp skewers until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice.

Fresh Tofu Summer Rolls

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers
• 1 block tofu, sliced into thin strips
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Fresh mint leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lettuce leaves

Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Dip a rice paper wrapper into warm water for a few seconds until it softens.
2. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
3. Place tofu strips, chopped lemon grass, julienned carrot, cucumber, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and lettuce on the bottom third of the wrapper.
4. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly to enclose the filling.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to make the dipping sauce.
7. Serve the summer rolls with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Zesty Appetizers with Lemon Grass

Lemony Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Combine chopped lemon grass, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken strips in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto bamboo skewers.
4. Grill or broil chicken skewers until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tangy Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with sliced lemon grass, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread shrimp onto bamboo skewers.
3. Grill or broil shrimp skewers until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Refreshing Tofu Rolls

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers
• 1 block tofu, sliced into thin strips
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Fresh mint leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lettuce leaves

Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Soften rice paper wrappers in warm water for a few seconds.
2. Lay a softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
3. Arrange tofu strips, chopped lemon grass, julienned carrot, cucumber, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and lettuce on the bottom third of the wrapper.
4. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to make the dipping sauce.
7. Serve the tofu rolls with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Zesty Soups with Lemon Twist

Coconutty Lemongrass Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Add lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili (if using) to the broth.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse flavors.
4. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove lemongrass stalks before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Tom Yum Style Soup with Lemongrass

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add lemongrass, mushrooms, tomato, onion, garlic, and chili to the broth.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice.
5. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
6. Remove lemongrass stalks before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 cup rice noodles, cooked
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
2. Add lemongrass, garlic, and ginger to the broth.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
4. Add chicken slices, carrot, and celery to the broth. Cook until chicken is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove lemongrass stalks before serving.
7. Divide cooked rice noodles into bowls and ladle soup over them.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Zesty Main Courses with Citrus Twist

Tangy Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped lemon grass and minced garlic, sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add sliced beef to the pan and cook until browned.
4. Stir in onion and bell pepper slices, cook for a few minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
6. Cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Citrusy Salmon with Coconut Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, bruised
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice.
3. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut milk mixture over them.
4. Add bruised lemon grass stalks to the dish.
5. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
7. Serve hot over coconut rice.

Zesty Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 2 stalks of lemon grass, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chopped lemon grass, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
2. Rub the mixture over both sides of the pork chops.
3. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
5. Cook pork chops for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
6. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Refreshing Desserts with Citrus Flair

Coconut Lemongrass Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
• 2 tablespoons water
• Shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and bruised lemongrass stalks.
2. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
4. Remove lemongrass stalks from the saucepan and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
5. Pour the mixture into ramekins or molds.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
7. Before serving, garnish with shredded coconut if desired.

Lemongrass Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• Zest and juice of 2 limes

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and chopped lemongrass.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
3. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in lemon and lime zest and juice.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
6. Strain the mixture to remove the lemongrass pieces.
7. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Transfer sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Zesty Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in chopped lemongrass, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
3. Gradually add cornstarch and flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your zesty shortbread cookies!

The Healing Powers of Citrus Grass

Lemongrass is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can contribute to aging and various diseases. By incorporating lemongrass into your diet, you can boost your body’s defense against oxidative stress and promote overall health.

Soothing Inflammation

One of the key benefits of Lemongrass is its potential anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. Lemongrass contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief for those suffering from inflammatory conditions.

Traditional Digestive Aid

For centuries, Lemongrass has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive issues. It is believed to aid in digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices, easing stomach cramps, and relieving bloating and gas. Additionally, Lemongrass may have antimicrobial properties that help fight off harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, supporting gut health.

Incorporating Lemongrass into your diet can not only add delightful flavor to your meals but also offer a range of health benefits, from boosting antioxidant levels to soothing inflammation and aiding digestion. Whether you enjoy it in teas, soups, or main courses, Lemongrass can be a refreshing addition to your wellness routine.

Cooking Tips: Getting the Best out of Lemongrass

Preparation Process

Lemongrass can be tough and fibrous if not prepared properly. Here’s how to prepare it for cooking:

1. Trim the root end and any dry or tough outer layers of the stalk.
2. Slice off the top portion, leaving about 6 inches of the tender bottom part.
3. Crush the bottom part with a flat side of a knife or a mallet to release its aromatic oils.
4. Finely chop or slice the crushed Lemongrass according to your recipe’s instructions.

Storage Suggestions

To keep Lemongrass fresh and flavorful:

1. Store fresh Lemongrass stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag or airtight container.
2. Alternatively, you can freeze Lemongrass for longer-term storage. Slice it into usable portions and freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen Lemon grass can be easily chopped or grated while still frozen.

Substitution Options

If you don’t have Lemongrass on hand, you can try these substitutes:

1. Lemon Zest: Use freshly grated lemon zest for a similar citrusy flavor.
2. Lemon Balm: This herb has a lemony flavor and can be used as a substitute for Lemongrass in some recipes.
3. Lemon Verbena: Another lemon-scented herb that can be used as a substitute, although the flavor is slightly different from Lemongrass.
4. Lemongrass Paste or Powder: These are convenient alternatives if fresh Lemongrass is not available. Adjust the quantity based on the strength of the paste or powder compared to fresh Lemongrass.

With these tips, you can confidently use Lemongrass in your cooking, knowing how to prepare it, store it properly, and find suitable substitutes when needed. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and flavorful ingredient in your recipes!