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Substitutes for Lemongrass in Cooking & Marinades

7 Best Substitutes for Lemongrass

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Lemongrass provides a unique citrus-herbal aroma used in many Asian dishes, especially Thai curries and soups. These 7 substitutes offer various ways to mimic its flavor and aroma depending on your cooking method, from lemon zest and lime leaves to a DIY blend that combines citrus brightness and aromatic warmth.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Use 1 teaspoon of lemon zest per stalk of lemongrass;
  • 2 leaves Lime Leaves Use 2 lime leaves per stalk of lemongrass; tear or bruise before adding to release
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Balm Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon balm per stalk of lemongrass;
  • 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger Use 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger per stalk of lemongrass;
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Use 1 tablespoon lemon juice per stalk of lemongrass;
  • DIY Blend (Lemon Zest + Grated Ginger) Mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest with ½ teaspoon grated ginger per stalk of lemongrass;
  • 1 stalk Citronella Use 1 stalk citronella per stalk of lemongrass; bruise before adding. Use only culinary-grade citronella.

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on cooking method and flavor needs.
  2. Prep the substitute by zesting, chopping, grating, or bruising as needed.
  3. Add the substitute at the recommended ratio and cooking stage for best results.
  4. Adjust seasoning and flavors after adding the substitute to balance the dish.
  5. For the DIY blend, mix lemon zest and grated ginger together before adding to recipes.

Notes

  • Use lime leaves or DIY blend for soups and curries to closely mimic lemongrass's aroma.
  • Lemon zest is a quick pantry-friendly substitute but lacks herbal complexity.
  • Ginger adds spicy warmth but reduces citrus brightness—adjust other heat accordingly.

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