Lemongrass is a tropical grass that smells and tastes like lemon and is used for cooking. Generally, lemongrass is sold fresh, but lemongrass is also available in dried and powdered form. Lemongrass is very commonly used in Thai, Vietnamese and Sri Lankan cuisine. Lemongrass is also gaining popularity for other types of cuisine. You can use lemongrass for a variety of dishes from soups to desserts.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing Lemongrass
Step 1. Cut into small pieces if you want to eat and large if you use it for seasoning
Use the whole stem which can be cut and prepared in various ways depending on the dish you are making.
The large, hard part of lemongrass is useful for flavoring food. These large portions are generally not eaten. Consider sifting through these large pieces before serving the food. However, some people enjoy smoking it
Step 2. Remove the dry outer layer; for the stems inside, cut off the top third
Step 3. Cut off the root tip until the purple circle is visible
Step 4. Store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
Store in a tightly closed plastic bag. You can freeze it for up to 6 months.
Method 2 of 2: Cooking Using Lemongrass
Step 1. Pair lemongrass with other herbs and spices to add an exotic flavor to the dish
Lemongrass is often cooked with coconut milk, chili, coriander, and garlic.
Step 2. Crush the hump using the blunt side of a knife or machete then finely chop it for use in a variety of dishes
Pressing lemongrass will release lemon-scented oil for cooking.
Step 3. Add thin slices of lemongrass to the salad
If you thinly slice the lemongrass, the tough fibers of the lemongrass will break, making it easier to chew and swallow.
Step 4. Cut the hump diagonally with a circle measuring about 0.5 cm
Add the lemongrass pieces to the stir fry.
Step 5. Cut the stems about 2.5 cm long each
Crush the pieces and add them to soupy dishes such as soup.
Step 6. Make a fine spice by mashing the lemongrass pieces
Add this spice to curries and other dishes.
Step 7. Enrich the taste of vodka with lemongrass
- Clean and crush the lemongrass stalks.
- Soak the stems for 3 or 4 days in a nearly full bottle of vodka. Shake the bottle occasionally.
- Remove the stems after the soaking process.
Step 8. Make a tea using lemongrass by soaking the lemongrass pieces in hot water
Tips
- Lemongrass is believed to have medicinal properties. Herbal medicine makers have recommended lemongrass for centuries to treat various types of ailments, such as cramps, colds, and influenza. Lemongrass is also used in aroma therapy to induce relaxation.
- The intensity of lemongrass flavor varies greatly depending on the climate in which it is grown. It's better to use it based on the lemongrass flavor rather than the quantity stated in the recipe.
