Best Lemongrass Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Lemongrass in a Recipe?
Use 67% of the called-for amount (so if the recipe calls for 1 cup Lemongrass, use 0.67 cup Lemon Zest). Use zest from 1 lemon per 1.5 stalks lemongrass (about 2/3 tbsp zest per 1 stalk). More acidic and immediate; lacks lemongrass's floral depth but delivers bright citrus.
Ran out of Lemongrass mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 5 tested Lemongrass substitutes that actually work in cooking and baking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Lemon Zest — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 67% of the amount. Use zest from 1 lemon per 1.5 stalks lemongrass (about 2/3 tbsp zest per 1 stalk). More acidic and immediate; lacks lemongrass's floral depth but delivers bright citrus.
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Get ratios for Lemongrass →All Lemongrass Substitutes (5 options)
Use zest from 1 lemon per 1.5 stalks lemongrass (about 2/3 tbsp zest per 1 stalk). More acidic and immediate; lacks lemongrass's floral depth but delivers bright citrus.
More concentrated; use 1 tsp dried per 3 fresh stalks. Soak in hot water 5 minutes before adding to soups or broths.
More herbaceous, less bright. Use 1.5× the amount and add at end of cooking. Better in cold beverages and lighter dishes than curries.
Ready-made paste with oil base; potent concentrated flavor; no chopping required and blends quickly into curries and soups.
Combine zest from 1 lime with small pinch of white pepper (approx 1:5 ratio by volume). Gives subtle earthiness and citrus; works best in curries and soups rather than raw applications.
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Tips for Substituting Lemongrass
For most recipes, Lemon Zest is the best starting point. Use zest from 1 lemon per 1.5 stalks lemongrass (about 2/3 tbsp zest per 1 stalk). More acidic and immediate; lacks lemongrass's floral depth but delivers bright citrus. Watching your grocery budget? Dried Lemongrass is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Lemongrass substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Lemongrass Substitutes
The best substitute for Lemongrass is Lemon Zest. Use about 67% of the amount called for. Use zest from 1 lemon per 1.5 stalks lemongrass (about 2/3 tbsp zest per 1 stalk). More acidic and immediate; lacks lemongrass's floral depth but delivers bright citrus.
This guide lists 5 Lemongrass alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
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