Perfect List of 15 Best Lemongrass Substitutes

What is Lemongrass?

Have you ever wondered what that bright yellow grass is in your curry? Or maybe you’ve seen it at the store and wondered what on earth you would do with it. Well, wonder no more!

Lemongrass is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few things you should know about this fragrant spice:

• Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is native to Asia. It has a pungent flavor that is similar to lemon or lime.
• The plant has long, slender leaves that have a strong lemon flavor and aroma. It grows to a height of about four feet and has small, white flowers.
• The leaves of the plant are used fresh or dried. The stalk can also be used but is often removed before eating because it can be tough and fibrous.
• Fresh lemongrass is often used in Thai curries, soups, and stir-fries. Dried lemongrass is often used to flavor tea or added to cocktails for a refreshing twist.

Types of Lemongrass

There are many different types of lemongrass, each with its unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Cymbopogon citratus: This variety is commonly known as West Indian lemon grass or just lemon grass and has a strong citrus flavor. It is often used in curries and other spicy dishes.
• Cymbopogon flexuosus: This variety is also known as Cochin grass and is native to India and has a softer, sweeter flavor. It is often used in curries, soups and stir-fries.
• Cymbopogon nardus: This variety is native to Asia also called citronella grass, and it has a strong, earthy flavor. It is often used in essential oil known as citronella oil.
• Cymbopogon Winterianus: This variety is native to Malesia also called java citronella, and it has a sharp, pungent flavor. It is often used in salads and sauces.
• Cymbopogon martinii: This variety is native to Indochina and India, other names include gingergrass, rosha, and Indian geranium, and it has a milder flavor than other varieties. It is often used in teas and soups due to its sweet and rose-like smell.
• Cymbopogon bombycinus: This variety is native to Australia, also called as silky oil grass, and it has a sweet, floral flavor. Despite its strong smell, it is often used in desserts and fruit salads, largely in summer.

The best lemongrass substitute will depend on the dish you prepare and your preferences. You can use lemon verbena if you want a lemongrass flavor without a strong aroma.

If you want a lemongrass flavor with a strong aroma, you can use kaffir lime leaves. You can also experiment with other citrus oils, such as orange or grapefruit.

Start with a little amount of lemongrass substitute and add more to taste. Here are some of our favorite lemongrass alternatives to choose from:

List of 15 Best Substitutes For Lemongrass

1. Kaffir Lime Leaves

If you're looking for a substitution that is more easily available and has a similar flavor profile, kaffir lime leaves are a good option.

• Kaffir lime leaves are much more fragrant than lemongrass, so you won't need to use as much of them.
• The kaffir lime leaf have a very intense citrus flavor, so it can easily overpower other ingredients in your dish. For these reasons, it's important to use them sparingly and only in dishes where their flavor will complement the other ingredients.
• When substituting kaffir lime leaves for lemongrass, use half as much as you would of lemongrass and add other citrus flavors like lime juice or zest to balance out the dish.

2. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a good stand-in for lemongrass.

• Both herbs have a lemony flavor, so they'll work well in recipes that call for lemongrass.
• The best way to substitute lemon balm for lemongrass is to use it in the same proportions as the recipe calls for lemongrass.
• Keep in mind that lemon balm leaves are more pungent than lemongrass, so you may want to use a little less than the recipe calls for. Happy cooking!

3. Lemon Verbena

If you're looking for a lemongrass substitute, lemon verbena is a good option.

• This herb has a similar citrusy flavor, making it a good choice for Asian cuisine.
• When substituting lemon verbena for lemongrass, use half as much of the herb.
• Remember lemon verbena leaves are more potent than lemongrass, so it's important to use it sparingly. When used correctly, this herb can add a delicious zing and herbal flavor to your meal.

4. Lemon Zest

Lemon zest has a similar tangy citrus flavor as lemongrass and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes. Here are a few tips for using lemon zest as a lemongrass substitute:

• Start by zesting one lemon to yield about 1 teaspoon of zest. This will be equivalent to 1 stalk of lemongrass.
• Use a Microplane grater to get the desired consistency if your recipe calls for minced or finely chopped lemongrass.
• Lemon zest can be added at any stage of cooking, but it's best to add it towards the end so the flavor doesn't become too overpowering.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can be used in place of lemongrass in most recipes, although you may need to use a little less than the recipe calls for.

• The acidity of freshly squeezed lemon juice can also help to brighten up a dish that might otherwise be heavy or rich.
• In addition, lemon juice is much easier to find and use than lemongrass, making it a convenient substitute for busy cooks.

6. Lemongrass Paste

Lemongrass paste is a concentrated form of lemongrass that is easily available at most Asian markets.

• To substitute, simply use one tablespoon of lemongrass paste for every one stalk of lemongrass called for in the recipe.
• Note that lemongrass paste has intense flavor than fresh lemongrass, so you may want to start with less and add more to taste.

7. Lime Zest

It has a more intense flavor than lemongrass, so you may want to start by using half as much. Here's a quick guide to substituting it for lemongrass in your cooking:

• For one tablespoon of lemongrass, use one-half teaspoon of lime zest.
• For one teaspoon of lemongrass, use one-quarter teaspoon of lime zest.

Remember, it's always best to taste as you go and adjust the amount of lime zest according to your preference.

8. Meyer Lemon

You can use Meyer lemon as a substitute for lemongrass. Here's what you need to know about making the swap.

• Meyer lemon is a type of citrus fruit that is similar to a regular lemon but with a sweeter taste.
• It's often used in desserts and baking because of its sweetness.
• When substituting Meyer lemon for lemongrass, use one-half teaspoon of Meyer lemon zest or one tablespoon of Meyer lemon juice for every teaspoon of lemongrass called for in the recipe, pairs well with recipes that use fresh ginger root.
• You may notice that the flavor of Meyer lemon is more subtle than that of lemongrass, so you may want to add a bit more to taste.

9. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus may be a good substitute if you're trying to recreate the herby flavor of lemongrass in a dish.

• According to some experts, the two herbs have a similar flavor note, with eucalyptus being slightly more potent has a bitter taste.
• When substituting eucalyptus for lemongrass, use about half as much of the herb. You can also add other flavors to balance out the taste, such as fresh ginger or chili pepper.

10. Basil

Basil and lemongrass are two herbs that are often used in Asian cooking.

• They both have a complex flavor and can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, and curries. However, they are not interchangeable.
• Basil is sweeter than lemongrass and has a more pungent flavor.
• When substituting one for the other, it is important to keep this in mind. For every tablespoon of lemongrass, use two teaspoons of basil . This will help to ensure that your dish has the desired flavor.

11. Mint

While the two herbs have different flavor profiles, Mint can actually mimic the lemony flavor of Lemongrass quite well.

• Simply use ½ teaspoon of Mint extract for every 1 teaspoon of Lemongrass called for in the recipe.
• You can also mince some fresh Mint leaves and use them instead of Lemongrass, though you'll want to use twice as much Mint as you would Lemongrass.

12. Lavender

If you don't have lemongrass (or can't find it at your local grocery store), lavender is a good replacement. Here's what you need to know about using lavender as a lemongrass substitute:

• The two herbs have different flavor profiles, but they share some similarities. Lavender is floral and slightly sweet, while lemongrass is citrusy and grassy. Both herbs are also quite fragrant.
• Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing lemongrass with lavender. It complements fatty and rich dishes exceptionally well.
• Lavender has a intense aroma than lemongrass, so you may need to adjust the amount you use based on your preferences.

13. Thyme

If you're out of lemongrass and need a substitute for your recipe, thyme is a good option.

• You can use thyme in a 1:1 ratio for lemongrass.
• Thyme has a similar citrusy flavor as lemongrass, so it will work well in most recipes. Just be sure to chop the thyme finely so it doesn't overpower the dish.

14. Oregano

Oregano is typically used in small amounts as a spice, while lemongrass is often used as a larger ingredient that contributes a significant flavor to a dish. As a result, when substituting one for the other, it is important to keep this difference in mind.

Here is a general guide to substituting oregano for lemongrass:

• For every tablespoon of lemongrass, substitute 1 teaspoon of oregano.
• Keep in mind that oregano is a strong flavor, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.

15. Parsley

You might be surprised to learn that parsley can be used as a substitute for lemongrass. While the flavor is not identical, parsley provides a similar citrusy note that can brighten up any dish. Here are a few tips for using parsley as a lemongrass alternative:

• Use 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for every 1 teaspoon of lemongrass.
• If you want a stronger lemongrass flavor, use 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for every 1 teaspoon of lemongrass.
• Parsley can be used fresh, frozen, or dried.

Wrap Up: Lemongrass Substitutes

• There are many lemongrass substitutes available depending on what you have on hand and what you are looking to add to your dish.
• Lemon balm, Lemon verbena, Basil, mint, lavender, thyme, oregano, parsley, and citronella are all good options. There are other options such as preserved lemon, coriander stalks, and arugula.
• Each one will provide a different flavor profile, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.

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