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Unlock the Flavor of Lemongrass: A Guide to Cooking with this Vibrant Ingredient

Lemongrass, a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, is an irreplaceable ingredient that adds a unique citrusy and herbal flavor to any dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, learning how to cook with lemongrass can elevate your cooking game and introduce you to a world of flavors.

What is Lemongrass?

This brightly perfumed plant is a tropical member of the grass family, with several species cultivated for thousands of years in East Asian countries for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Lemongrass has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, as well as antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.

Where to Find Fresh Lemongrass

Fresh lemongrass can be found in most Asian markets and many supermarkets. If you can’t find it in the produce section, check the freezer case or look for a tube of prepared lemongrass. Be sure to choose a product with minimal ingredients and no added preservatives.

Selecting the Best Lemongrass

When choosing fresh lemongrass, opt for stalks that are aromatic, firm, unblemished, and relatively heavy, with a creamy, pale yellow to bright green color. Avoid stalks with no scent, bruises, or signs of aging.

Storing Fresh Lemongrass

Store fresh lemongrass wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months. You can also propagate fresh stalks by placing them in a jar with water and setting it in a sunny spot. Change the water daily, and within a few weeks, you’ll see roots sprouting from the bottoms of the stalks.

Preparing Fresh Lemongrass

To use fresh lemongrass, peel away and discard any dry, papery, or bruised outer layers from the stalks. Trim away the bottom root end and cut off the woody top two-thirds of each stalk, leaving about 5 or 6 inches. Discard the trimmings.

Using Lemongrass in Recipes

Lemongrass can be used in a variety of dishes, from wet curries and soups to dry curries, curry pastes, pesto, dipping sauces, marinades, and dressings. Simply chop or slice the stalks into thin rounds, or grind them into a paste using a mortar and pestle or food processor.

Delicious Lemongrass Recipes to Try

• Laksa Noodle Soup: A Malaysian-inspired coconut milk broth rich with aromatics, including lemongrass and galangal.
• Grilled Lemongrass Pork Kebabs: A Vietnamese-style dish featuring marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection.
• The Green Monster Stir-Fry: A healthy and flavorful veggie stir-fry with a lemongrass-pistachio pesto sauce.
• Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Wings: Crispy baked chicken wings marinated in a sweet-spicy-savory-tangy combo of ingredients.
• Eggplant Curry with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk: A rich and creamy Thai curry starring silky eggplant.
• Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp Salad: A refreshing salad featuring grilled shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a lemongrass vinaigrette.
• Fresh Lemongrass Tea: A simple and refreshing tea made by boiling lemongrass stalks.
• Lemongrass Squares with Coconut Shortbread Crust: A tropical twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a gooey lemongrass filling.

With these tips and recipes, you’re ready to unlock the flavor of lemongrass and take your cooking to the next level!