Lemongrass is a herb that has been used in Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. The plant is native to Thailand, Vietnam, and India and has a citrusy aroma that adds a refreshing flavor to rice or noodle dishes. Learn how to cook with lemongrass and bring this beautiful flavor to your kitchen.

How to cut lemongrass:

The tough outer leaves of lemongrass are inedible, so they need to be removed. To cut lemongrass, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Start by trimming off the root end of the stalk, leaving about 2 inches of the bulbous base intact.
  2. Cut off the top portion of the lemongrass, about 2-3 inches from the tip of the stalk.
  3. Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass by gently peeling them away with your fingers or a knife until you reach the softer, pale-yellow interior layers.
  4. Once you’ve peeled away the tough outer layers, you can slice the lemongrass into thin rounds or chop it into small pieces for use in recipes.

How to cook with lemongrass

Lemongrass is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some common ways to use it in your cooking:

  1. Infuse it in soups and broths: Add sliced lemongrass to your chicken or vegetable broth to add a citrusy flavor to your soups and stews.
  2. Use it in marinades and dressings: Lemongrass can be combined with other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to create a flavorful marinade for meats or a zesty dressing for salads.
  3. Add it to curries and stir-fries: Lemongrass pairs well with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables in Thai and Vietnamese curries. You can also use it in stir-fries with meats or tofu.
  4. Brew it into tea: Lemongrass tea is a popular beverage in Southeast Asia and is said to have a calming effect on the body. To make lemongrass tea, steep sliced lemongrass in hot water for several minutes.

Knowing how to properly cut lemongrass and incorporating it into your cooking can elevate your meals and introduce new flavors to your palate.

Try some of our favorite recipes with lemongrass

Coconut-Poached Tofu with Lemongrass and Red Curry

This rich, lightly spicy soup, combines lemongrass and red curry to create a flavorful broth.

lemongrass tofu stew

Lemongrass & Ginger Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers use two traditional Asian aromatics, ginger and lemongrass, to create a patty with a bright and citrusy flavor profile.

burgers with lemongrass

Chilled Lemongrass Beef & Noodles with Marinated Carrots & Cucumber

This summer-friendly cold noodle dish highlights bright, citrusy lemongrass, cooked alongside tender beef and mixed with springy lo mein noodles and crisp veggies.

chilled noodles with lemongrass

Find more recipes like these in the Blue Apron cookbook.